Pinterest keyword research is different from Google keyword research. Pinterest users search differently, and Pinterest’s algorithm weighs keywords differently. Here’s how to find the terms that will drive real traffic to your pins.
Why Pinterest Keywords Matter
Pinterest is a search engine. Most of its traffic comes through the search bar, not the home feed. If your pin titles and descriptions don’t include what people search for, your pins simply won’t appear in those searches.
The good news: Pinterest keyword research is more accessible than Google keyword research. You can find high-value keywords using Pinterest’s own interface — no paid tools required.
Method 1: Pinterest Autocomplete (Free, Best Starting Point)
Click the Pinterest search bar and start typing your topic. Pinterest will suggest completions based on actual search volume.
Example: Type “handmade” and you’ll see suggestions like “handmade gifts,” “handmade jewellery,” “handmade home decor,” “handmade cards.” These are real searches.
Click into a search result and look at the guided search chips that appear below the search bar. These show related searches and sub-topics — all real, high-volume queries.
Screenshot and save these. They’re your keyword list.
Method 2: Pinterest Trends
Pinterest Trends (trends.pinterest.com) shows search volume trends over time. Enter a topic and see when searches peak (useful for seasonal planning) and what related terms are growing.
Use this to identify growing topics in your niche before they’re saturated.
Method 3: Competitor Pin Titles
Search for your main topic on Pinterest and study the titles on the highest-performing pins (the ones with the most saves and appearing at the top of results). Notice which keywords appear consistently — those are the terms that Pinterest’s algorithm associates with high-performing content in your niche.
Method 4: Semrush or Ahrefs Pinterest Data
Paid SEO tools now include Pinterest keyword data. If you have access, Pinterest keyword data in Semrush shows exact search volumes for Pinterest queries. Useful for building out a large keyword list.
How to Use Pinterest Keywords in Your Pins
Pin title: Include your primary keyword near the start. “Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes” targets “weeknight dinner recipes” and “easy dinner recipes.”
Pin description: Include 2–3 related keywords naturally in the first 150 characters. Pinterest indexes description text for search.
Board name: Your board’s title should include the category keyword. “Easy 30-Minute Recipes” outperforms “Food.”
Board description: Include 2–3 related terms in the board description.
Keyword Integration With PinPublish
PinPublish’s AI title tool uses your URL content to suggest keyword-optimised pin titles — so you don’t start from a blank field. Combine AI suggestions with your keyword research list for the fastest, most effective workflow.
For the next level: Pinterest SEO Guide and Pinterest SEO Best Practices.