What is Pinterest SEO? How to Do Pinterest SEO?

Pinterest has risen in popularity in recent years and is indispensable for e-commerce sites. Pins on Pinterest have much longer lifespans than posts on other social platforms, so Pinterest SEO deserves your full attention.

Even if your follower count is modest, strategic Pinterest SEO can drive far more traffic to your profile than your audience size suggests. With the right SEO, you could send over 50,000 visits to your profile even if you have only 1,000 followers.

Why Pinterest SEO Matters

There are several compelling reasons to invest in Pinterest SEO. Over 2 billion searches happen on Pinterest each month, and more than 400 million users log in at least once a month.

Source: https://www.oberlo.com/blog/pinterest-statistics

Those numbers make Pinterest a significant traffic source. Yet many users and businesses misuse the platform. To outperform competitors on Pinterest, you need solid SEO.

How Pinterest Works

Pinterest is more a visual search engine than a social network. According to its Help Center, it’s “a visual discovery engine for finding ideas.”

• It behaves much like Google: users come seeking ideas, inspiration, and useful content— not just social interaction.
• If users can’t find what they want, they quickly leave. That makes SEO critical.

Pinterest vs. Other Social Platforms

• Traffic from Pinterest is long-lasting. On other platforms, posts often “expire” quickly from users’ feeds.
• With consistent, strategic pinning, you can build a steady stream of traffic to your site.
• Done right, Pinterest SEO is a free way to drive organic traffic, which you can then funnel to your calls to action.

How Pinterest Surfaces Content

• Pinterest’s main feed uses the Smart Feed algorithm, showing each user pins picked for relevance and quality.
• You can also view content only from people you follow.
• Hashtags are supported—but older pins won’t retroactively gain traction from newly added hashtags.
• Most discovery happens via Pinterest’s search bar. Users type queries and browse the results.

Key Ranking Signals

• Domain authority: If your pins link to your own website, Pinterest checks your site’s popularity.
• Pin quality: User engagement (saves, clicks) is a major quality signal—Pinterest wants users to spend more time on the platform.
• Activity level: Regularly save others’ content and grow your network to boost your own visibility.
• Relevance: In board and pin descriptions, use the right keywords for your niche.

Getting Started with Pinterest SEO

Pinterest SEO closely parallels Google SEO: you need authority, expertise, and relevance. Follow these first steps:

1. Create a Business Account

You must have a free Pinterest Business account to do SEO effectively. If you already have a personal account, you can convert it or add a linked business profile.

• Business accounts can customize their header image.
• You gain access to analytics: impressions, saves, and click data.
• Run Promoted Pins (ads) once you’re set up.
• Claim your website and social profiles so your logo appears on pins from your site.

2. Optimize Your Profile

Your displayed name, username, and bio all affect SEO and discoverability.

• Username is fixed, but your display name should include top keywords.
• Your bio is prime real estate—use focused keywords and a call to action.

3. Build Authority

Your profile’s authority determines how many eyes your pins get. To become an authority:

• Post consistently high-quality, niche-relevant content.
• Create multiple boards for different topics.
• Repin ~10 top posts from other authorities to each board.
• Space out your pinning over days, not all at once.

Next, strengthen your site signals:

• Most Pinterest traffic is mobile—ensure a responsive, fast site.
• If your site loads slowly, Pinterest visitors will bounce back to the platform.
• Encourage users to save your pins from your site (via the Save button).

Keyword Optimization for Pinterest

Pinterest’s constantly evolving “smart feed” rewards the best SEO. Pin and board descriptions must contain the right keywords.

1. Find Relevant Keywords

• Use Pinterest’s search autocomplete: type a seed keyword and note the suggestions.
• Long-tail phrases (e.g. “best running shoes for flat feet”) beat generic terms for discoverability.
• Track your keywords in a spreadsheet to keep organized.

2. Optimize Boards

Empty board descriptions are a wasted opportunity. Do this:

• Create boards matching your main topics (e.g. “DIY Home Décor,” “Healthy Recipes”).
• Use your target keywords in the board name and description.
• Fill boards with your own pins plus a few top pins from others.

3. Optimize Pins

• Start with a keyword search in Pinterest’s search bar.
• In the results, note the color-highlighted suggested keywords (e.g. “minimalist living room,” “living room ideas”).
• Use those suggestions in your pin title and description.
• Also optimize your image file name, add relevant hashtags, and include a clear call to action.

Driving High-Value Traffic

To see real ROI on Pinterest, focus on:

1. Engagement

• Follow complementary accounts—get on their followers’ radar.
• Pin when people are most active (evenings and breaks).
• Link your other social profiles to quickly build your Pinterest base.
• Reply to comments on your pins to foster engagement.

2. Conversion Goals

Pinterest-driven conversions often happen over time. Monitor your click data and avoid pressuring new visitors with hard sells. First build trust with consistent, helpful content.

3. Clear, Informative Descriptions

Write descriptions that tell users exactly what they’ll find on your site. SEO is important, but clarity and promise of value come first.

4. Strong Visuals

Stock photos underperform—Pinterest’s visual search looks for real, unique images. Use custom photos or eye-catching graphics. Images with embedded text can help the algorithm understand your pin’s topic.

5. Leverage Video

• Users love video tutorials in categories like food, beauty, or décor.
• Pinterest places video pins higher in search results.
• Videos boost engagement, but produce them at a sustainable pace.

Pinterest is a powerful platform when used correctly. With thorough Pinterest SEO, you can attract new audiences and grow traffic to your site.