Content Writer at SocialBee
Do you know why, when you search for something on Pinterest, some boards and Pins appear at the top? It’s because whoever made them mastered Pinterest SEO.
But despite Pinterest being a great space for inspiration, it’s hard to stand out when you don’t have the right systems in place. In this article, we’ll teach you 12 easy strategies on how to improve SEO on Pinterest. Ready to get your content seen by more people and drive more business?
Streamline your marketing with an efficient social media strategy template.
Short Summary
- Pinterest search engine optimization makes your Pins appear in searches, helping more people find your content. It requires using the right keywords and high-quality images with alt text to grab attention and encourage engagement.
- Pinterest ranks Pins in search results based on four key factors. It considers your website’s credibility (domain quality), how much engagement your Pins get (Pin quality), how active you are on the platform (Pinner quality), and how well your keywords match what people are searching for (topic relevance).
- Pinterest works like a search engine, so identifying and using the right keywords make your content more discoverable. Type general terms into Pinterest’s search bar and look at the suggested phrases. Check what keywords top-ranking Pins use in their titles, descriptions, and alt text to see what works.
- A business account gives you access to useful tools like Pinterest’s Business Hub and Pinterest Analytics. When optimizing your account, choose a username that’s representative of your brand, and if possible, include a keyword related to your niche. Write a simple, engaging bio that explains what you offer. Add a recognizable profile picture, like your logo or an image that describes your brand.
- Make sure your website is Pinterest-friendly. Install the Pinterest Tag to track visitor actions and measure conversions. Add a Save button to let users pin content from your site. Verify and link your website to your Pinterest account to gain access to extra features and build trust.
- Make sure your Pin includes a direct link to your website that’s related to the content of your Pin to boost traffic.
- Rich Pins automatically update your Pins with details from your website. Recipe Rich Pins include ingredients and cooking times, Article Rich Pins display headlines and summaries, and Product Rich Pins update pricing and availability.
- Arrange your most important boards at the top of your profile to make them stand out. Regularly update your boards by adding fresh Pins and removing outdated content.
- A good rule is to pin three times a day at different hours. Use scheduling tools like SocialBee to plan your content in advance and post at peak engagement times.
- Follow boards from your niche and engage with them by liking, commenting, and repinning their Pins. If possible, join group boards with a large following to reach more people and get more views.
- Take a look at Pinterest Trends to see what’s getting popular, and follow industry influencers to spot trends early. If you’re posting about seasonal topics, plan ahead so your Pins are ready when people start searching.
- Pinterest ads help you reach a wider audience. Start by promoting Pins that already perform well organically since they are more likely to succeed as ads. Promoted Pins follow a pay-per-click model, so begin with a small budget and track performance. If needed, adjust the image, description, or targeting to improve results.
- Connect your Pinterest account to platforms like Facebook and Instagram to grow your reach. Share your latest Pins on social media, add your Pinterest link to your bio, and repurpose content across platforms to increase engagement.
Table of Contents
- What is Pinterest SEO?
- How does Pinterest SEO work?
- How to improve SEO on Pinterest:
- 1. Research relevant keywords
- 2. Create and optimize your Pinterest profile
- 3. Set traffic and conversion goals for your business
- 4. Optimize your website for Pinterest
- 5. Learn the anatomy of a Pin
- 6. Create Rich Pins
- 7. Organize and optimize your boards
- 8. Pin content consistently
- 9. Follow and join other relevant boards
- 10. Find and jump on Pinterest trends
- 11. Test out Promoted Pins
- 12. Link your Pinterest account to your other social media accounts
- Frequently asked questions
- Streamline your Pinterest SEO strategy with SocialBee!
What is Pinterest SEO?
Pinterest SEO is about optimizing your profile, boards, and pins so they show up higher in Pinterest searches. To get noticed, use well-designed images with relevant alt text, write clear titles and descriptions, and post fresh content regularly.
The goal is to get more people to your pins and drive organic traffic to your website. Simple things like claiming your website, organizing pins into boards that match your audience’s interests, and mixing up your posts with images, videos, and Rich Pins can help you reach more people on Pinterest.
How does Pinterest SEO work?
The Pinterest algorithm uses four indicators to determine how Pins rank in search results:
- Domain quality: Pinterest looks at how often people pin and interact with content from your website to determine how credible it is. If your Pins are popular and relevant, your site will be seen as more trustworthy on the platform.
- Pin Quality: Pins with a lot of saves, clicks, and comments rank higher in search results because they show strong engagement.
- Pinner quality: Consistently pinning and engaging with others’ content shows Pinterest that you’re actively contributing to the platform.
- Topic relevance: Pinterest matches the keywords in your Pin titles, descriptions, and board names with what users search for.
For example, if someone looks up “vegan lasagna recipe,” Pins that include those exact words will have a better chance of ranking, and the top results will look something like this: 
These top-ranking results share a few key traits. They all have tens of comments, saves, and clicks, which signals pin quality to Pinterest.
Additionally, the accounts posting these pins often have large followings and consistently engage with the platform, which showcases their pinner quality.
Lastly, these pins include relevant keywords in their titles and descriptions (topic relevance) and come from websites that are frequently pinned and interacted with (domain quality).
If you follow in the same footsteps, you can improve your chances of having your Pins appear in top search results, and even on Google. Are you ready to learn how?
How to improve SEO on Pinterest:
- Research relevant keywords
- Create and optimize your Pinterest profile
- Set traffic and conversion goals for your business
- Optimize your website for Pinterest
- Learn the anatomy of a Pin
- Create Rich Pins
- Organize and optimize your boards
- Pin content consistently
- Follow and join other relevant boards
- Find and jump on Pinterest trends
- Test out Promoted Pins
- Link your Pinterest account to your other social media accounts
1. Research relevant keywords
When you Google something, it shows you websites that match your query. Pinterest search results work almost the same, but instead of websites, you get Pins related to your query.
For your content to get discovered, find which terms your audience may be interested in by using Pinterest’s search bar as a keyword research tool. Start typing a general term, and Pinterest will suggest more specific phrases based on what people are actively searching for.
It’s also advisable to check out your competitors. Look at the top-ranking results that appear for your target keywords to learn how they use them in their titles, descriptions, and hashtags. This will show you what works best on Pinterest.
2. Create and optimize your Pinterest profile
If you haven’t already, switch to a free Pinterest business account. A business account lets you access Pinterest Analytics and the Pinterest Business Hub, which provide more in-depth tools to help you optimize your content.
For your username, go with something that reflects your account’s focus. Since it also appears in your Pinterest profile URL, it should be easy to spot and relevant to your industry. If it makes sense, include a keyword related to your niche, like “recipes” or “home decor,” to help people find you in searches.
When writing your bio, explain what you’re all about and tell visitors why they might want to follow your account. Avoid stuffing it with keywords, but include a few relevant ones where they feel natural. This way, you attract the right audience while keeping your profile engaging and authentic.
Finally, add a profile picture that represents your brand. If you’re a business, your logo is a great choice. Otherwise, use a clear and professional-looking image that makes it easy for people to recognize you when scrolling.
3. Set traffic and conversion goals for your business
Look at your current Pinterest traffic and conversion rates to see where you stand. Then, decide where it makes the most sense to put your energy, be that traffic, conversions, or engagement.
Be specific with your targets. Don’t settle for “getting more traffic.” Create something measurable, like “increase product page visits by 35% in three months.” This lets you set a clear direction and makes it easier to see what’s working.
Finally, since Pinterest trends and algorithms evolve, revisit your goals regularly and adjust your strategy to stay on track.
4. Optimize your website for Pinterest
Pinterest SEO doesn’t end on the platform itself. You also have to make your website Pinterest-ready.
Here’s how you can optimize your site for Pinterest:
- Install the Pinterest Tag: The Pinterest Tag helps you track what visitors do after clicking on your Pinterest ads. It lets you measure conversions, understand your audience better, and adjust your strategy to improve results.
- Add the Save Button: Make it easy for people to share your content by adding the Pinterest Save button to your website. You can place it on images or as a fixed icon all over your site. When users click on it, they can save your post to their Pinterest boards, allowing your content to reach a wider audience effortlessly.
- Verify and link your site: To claim your website on Pinterest, go to Pinterest’s Business Hub, where you can upload an HTML file, add an HTML tag to your site’s code, or update your domain’s DNS settings with a TXT record. Once you’ve done that, submit it on Pinterest.
After approval, your site will be officially linked to your profile. You can check your claimed websites anytime under Settings > Claimed Accounts.
5. Learn the anatomy of a Pin
Do you know what makes a Pin successful? It’s not just the eye-catching visuals or creative content; it’s how well it drives traffic and engagement to your site.
Here’s how to create an optimized Pin:
- Optimize titles and descriptions
- Perfect for visual search
- Use alt text for your images
- Add backlinks to your website
A. Optimize titles and descriptions
Your Pin’s title and description help people discover your content, so make them clear and relevant. Use keywords naturally in the title to match what users might be searching for. In the description, provide a bit more detail about your Pin and why it’s helpful. Adding a call to action like “Learn more” or “Shop now” can also encourage clicks.
B. Perfect for visual search
Since Pinterest is a visual search engine, high-quality images matter. Bright, clear, and eye-catching photos tend to perform best. Pinterest’s visual search tool identifies objects in images, so make sure your content is easy to understand at a glance. If you’re showcasing a product or idea, make it the centerpiece of the image to increase its chances of being seen.
Also, go for images that offer something valuable, like outfit ideas or handy tips that people will want to save and come back to later.
C. Use alt text for your images
Alt-text doesn’t only exist for accessibility reasons, as it also helps Pinterest understand what’s in your image and improves its chances of appearing in search results. Write a short, keyword-rich description that explains what the image shows and how it connects to your content.
D. Add backlinks to your website
Each Pin should redirect Pinterest users to your website, so add links to a relevant page where users can dive deeper into the post or check out your products. This creates a smooth transition from your Pin to your site and makes the whole experience better for users.
6. Create Rich Pins
Rich Pins pull important details directly from your website and keeps your pins updated automatically. When you update the information on your site, those changes will reflect on your Pinterest pins without extra work.
There are three main types of Rich Pins:
- Recipe Rich Pins show ingredients, cooking time, and serving sizes directly on Pinterest. This makes it easier for users to decide if they want to check out the full recipe on your website.
- Article Rich Pins display the headline, author, and a short summary of the article. This gives users a preview of the content before they click, thus attracting more engaged readers.
- Product Rich Pins automatically update your pricing, availability, and purchase details when you make changes on your website. This keeps the information accurate and helps potential buyers make informed decisions.
To get started with Rich Pins, use Pinterest’s Rich Pin Validator to get approved. Afterward, any content on your site that includes metadata will automatically become a Rich Pin when pinned.
7. Organize and optimize your boards
Keeping your Pinterest boards organized makes it easier for people to find the content they want to see.
Start with clear, keyword-focused board titles. When you create boards, instead of generic names like “Furniture” or “Design,” go for something more specific, like “Easy Bathroom Decor” or “Budget Kitchen Renovation Tips.” This makes your boards more searchable and increases the chances of users finding them when looking for similar content.
Don’t overlook board descriptions. Use this space to briefly describe what users will find on the board, but don’t forget keywords. A solid description should improve your SEO and encourage people to follow your board.
Organize your boards by selecting the right categories and placing your most important ones at the top of your profile so they’re easy to find. You can also create a “Featured” board to highlight your best pins and showcase what your brand or blog is all about.
To keep your boards fresh, regularly add fresh Pins and remove outdated or underperforming ones.
8. Pin content consistently
Staying active on Pinterest helps keep your content visible. A good approach is to pin about three times a day at different times to stay consistent without overloading your audience.
While the best posting times can vary, certain time windows seem to get more engagement. Try pinning on Tuesdays at 9 AM or 12 PM, Wednesdays at 1 PM or 6 PM, Thursdays at 12 PM or 3 PM, Fridays at 10 AM or 5 PM, and Saturdays at 11 AM or 2 PM. Testing different times can help you find what works best for your audience.
PRO TIP:
Planning your pins ahead of time makes things easier. A content calendar helps you stay organized, ensuring a balanced mix of content while avoiding last-minute posting.
If you want to automate the process, tools like SocialBee let you plan, categorize, and schedule your pins so they go live during Pinterest’s best engagement times, helping you reach more people without the added stress.
Plan, schedule, and publish your Pins directly from SocialBee
While it’s important to stay active, you don’t want to flood your followers with too many Pins since it can be overwhelming and might lead to unfollows. Spread your Pins strategically throughout the day, focusing on quality over quantity.
9. Follow and join other relevant boards
Find boards that match your content or industry by using relevant keywords. If you focus on interior design, for example, look for boards about home decor, DIY projects, or specific design styles. Follow and engage with them by liking, commenting, and repinning their content. This builds connections with other users and increases your visibility.
Keep an eye out for group boards that accept multiple contributors, as they usually have a lot of followers and activity. Some boards have instructions on how to join in the description, while others just ask you to message the board owner.
After joining a group board, regularly add high-quality Pins that match the theme. Consistently sharing valuable content helps get your Pins noticed and can drive more traffic to your profile.
10. Find and jump on Pinterest trends
Keeping up with Pinterest trends helps keep your content relevant and boosts your chances of showing up in searches.
Start by using Pinterest Trends to see what topics are currently popular. You can also check the Popular section to get a sense of what users are engaging with the most.
Another great strategy is following industry influencers. They often spot trends early, giving you a chance to create content around hot topics before they become oversaturated.
Seasonal events and holidays also play a big role in Pinterest searches. Plan your content ahead of time (like posting holiday recipes or gift ideas a few weeks before the season starts) to take advantage of early searches.
11. Test out Promoted Pins
Pinterest ads help you reach your desired audience by targeting users based on interests, demographics, and behavior. If you’re new to Promoted Pins, boost the ones that are already performing well. Since they’re getting organic engagement, they’re more likely to do well as ads, too.
Promoted Pins run on a pay-per-click (PPC) model, meaning you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. Set a small budget at first and use Pinterest Analytics to see what’s working. If you’re not getting the results you hoped for, try making small changes. Update the image, refine the description, or adjust your targeting. Even minor tweaks can help improve engagement and get better results.
12. Link your Pinterest account to your other social media accounts
Connecting your Pinterest account to your other social media profiles is a great way to reach more people and increase engagement.
To get started, go to your Pinterest settings and find the social networks section. From there, you can link platforms like Facebook, X, or Google. This makes logging in easier and allows you to share your Pins directly on those platforms for more visibility.
Once your accounts are connected, actively promote your Pinterest content. Share your latest Pins on Facebook, tweet about your boards, or add your Pinterest link to your Instagram bio so your followers can easily find you.
You can also cross-promote content. If you create an infographic or guide for Pinterest, post a preview on Instagram or Facebook with a link to the full version on Pinterest. This helps you get more engagement while optimizing your content for multiple platforms.
PRO TIP:
If you want to post on multiple platforms at once, but it’s simply too much work, a social media management tool like SocialBee can make the entire process much easier.
With SocialBee, you can schedule posts, customize messages for each platform, and track engagement across multiple platforms from a single dashboard.
Plus, it allows you to tailor your posts to fit the unique format and audience of each social platform, so your message gets to your audience in the most effective format possible
Cross-post content on your favorite social media platforms directly from SocialBee
Frequently asked questions
Streamline your Pinterest SEO strategy with SocialBee!
And there you have it: your Pinterest SEO tips to help you get those clicks rolling in. Remember, like any good strategy, it’s all about keyword optimization, staying consistent, and always being ready to adapt and tweak your approach based on what the data tells you.
Ready to really get your Pinterest search engine optimization efforts in gear and see your discovery and clicks soar? Streamline your efforts and stay on top of your Pinterest game with a social media management tool like SocialBee. Start planning, scheduling, and publishing your posts with SocialBee’s free 14-day trial today, and watch your Pinterest presence flourish!
