3 Smart Ways to Complete Pinterest Keyword Research
Most of the time, users arrive at Pinterest with a specific goal in mind. They’re searching for answers, advice, or ideas and type in specific terms – or keywords – to find relevant content. For your Pinterest links to show up in search results, you need to use the right keywords in your pins, boards, and profile. But how do you know which ones to use?
Thankfully, there are three strategic ways to find the best Pinterest keywords: Pinterest’s search bar, Guided Search, and Keyword Tool. Here’s what you should know about each, plus how to utilize keywords in your content.
What Is Pinterest Keyword Research?
To be successful with Pinterest SEO, you first need to identify the terms users are searching on the platform. This process, known as Pinterest keyword research, helps determine high-ranking keywords that you can use in your content.
Understanding which words and search queries are trending will help you attract more traffic and visibility – and hopefully create more conversions.
Pinterest Guided Search
Prominently located at the top of Pinterest search results, Pinterest Guides enable users to explore ideas by topic easily. These Guides change dynamically, with the most engaging ones at the forefront of the list.
Besides helping users navigate interests, Pinterest Guides are helpful for keyword research. Type a search term in the Pinterest search bar, and then scroll through the Guides that appear below the search box. The word suggestions are what’s most commonly searched based on your search term. Click on the arrow at the far right to view additional suggestions.
After you click a keyword Guide, you’ll automatically add it to your search term. Continue selecting more Guides while discovering the best keyword combinations for your topics. To remove a keyword from your search, simply click the “X” next to the search term.
Save any relevant keywords into a document for reference when creating your blog content. Google docs, MS Excel Spreadsheets, Trello boards, or even a simple notepad will work.
Pinterest Search Bar
The Pinterest search bar provides one of the quickest and easiest ways to find Pinterest keywords. Like Google, the Pinterest search bar will automatically suggest popular terms associated with the keyword you enter. These suggestions appear as autocomplete options in a drop-down list. Discover the most popular autocomplete phrases, and explore popular pinners and boards using that same keyword.
Underneath the search bar, you may see a row of colored little boxes with words. If you do, the results are popular keywords, starting with the most popular on the far left. These are not available for all users and topics, though.
Just like you did with Pinterest Guides, add any additional keywords from the Pinterest search bar research to your keyword tracking document.
Pinterest Keyword Tool
Pinterest’s Keyword Tool has a reputation for being the best method of Pinterest keyword research. Although free and easy to use, it’s only available for business accounts.
Start by clicking the Ads tab at the top of your Business Hub page. Then, click Create Ads to access the keyword research tool. Once you land on the Promoted Pin creation page, you’ll be able to create a Pinterest ad campaign. Placing an ad will not be necessary – you only want to access the keyword research tool.
Choose Traffic as your campaign type, then click to continue to the next page. Continue scrolling until you view the Keywords window. There, you can see what keyword ideas Pinterest offers, including search volume. Make any additions to your keyword tracking list.
How to Use Keywords on Pinterest
Now that you know what keywords to target, it’s time to incorporate them into your Pinterest marketing plan. There are plenty of strategic places to include them, such as your:
Pinterest Profile: Optimize your profile name and description with keywords that describe your content type or niche.
Board Titles: Long-tail and niche-specific keywords have a better chance at appearing in Google search results.
Board Descriptions: Each pin has two descriptions, so use them both wisely and include hashtags here, too.
Pin Descriptions: Include descriptive keywords that will help users find what they’re looking for.
Image ALT tags: Examine the default alternate descriptions when pinning images and make changes that include your keywords.
Like Google, Pinterest cares about your on-page content. Include your keywords naturally throughout your blog posts, but especially within the first few sentences. Use keywords to show users (and Google) that your content addresses their needs. Remember to keep your content engaging and visually appealing and avoid keyword stuffing.
Final Thoughts
A successful Pinterest marketing strategy starts with proper keyword research. Using Pinterest’s search bar, Guided Search, and Keyword Tool, determine what your target audience is searching for and target your content to those terms. Once you finish your keyword research, be sure to revisit it regularly. Doing so will help you continue to increase your visibility online and build your brand.
Need help with approaching your Pinterest keyword research? Check out my services and book a free consultation with me to discuss your Pinterest marketing strategy in more detail.
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