Pinterest operates like a visual search engine, making keyword research the foundation of any successful Pinterest strategy. For photographers, wedding pros, and creatives, understanding how to find and use the right keywords ensures your pins get seen by the right audience—brides, planners, and engaged couples.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the basics of Pinterest keyword research, the tools to use, and how to apply your findings to boost visibility, traffic, and bookings.
Why Pinterest Keyword Research Matters
Keywords help Pinterest understand what your content is about so it can show your pins to users searching for relevant ideas. For example:
- A bride searching “San Diego outdoor wedding venues” will find pins with that keyword.
- Wedding planners might look for “luxury table styling ideas.”
By targeting the right keywords, you can attract your ideal audience, increase traffic to your website, and convert pinners into clients.
Step 1: Start with Pinterest Search
Pinterest’s built-in search bar is one of the easiest tools for keyword research.
How to Use It:
- Go to the Pinterest search bar and type a broad term related to your niche, like “wedding photography.”
- Pay attention to Pinterest’s auto-suggestions—these are phrases that users actively search for.
Example: Typing “wedding photography” might suggest:
- “wedding photography poses”
- “wedding photography ideas”
- “rustic wedding photography.”
- Click on a suggested phrase to view top-performing pins and boards for additional inspiration.
Pro Tip: Save the auto-suggested keywords to a list. These are great long-tail keywords to target for SEO.
Step 2: Analyze Trends Using Pinterest Trends
Pinterest Trends is a free tool that shows what’s currently popular on the platform.
How to Use Pinterest Trends:
- Go to trends.pinterest.com.
- Search for keywords related to your niche, like “bridal details” or “boho wedding ideas.”
- Review how searches for those terms fluctuate over time. Use trends to plan seasonal content that aligns with peak searches.
Example: If you notice “fall wedding color palettes” trends upward in August, plan to publish pins with those keywords in early summer.
Step 3: Use Pinterest Analytics to Find Existing Keywords
If you already have a Pinterest business account, your analytics can show which keywords are driving traffic to your pins.
How to Access It:
- Navigate to Pinterest Analytics > Top Pins or Top Boards.
- Review pin titles and descriptions of your best-performing content to identify which keywords resonate most with your audience.
- Use those keywords to refine future pins and board names.
Step 4: Apply Keywords to Optimize Your Content
Once you’ve gathered keywords, it’s time to apply them strategically across your Pinterest profile. Here’s where to place them:
1. Pinterest Profile
- Use keywords in your profile name and bio. Example: “[Your Name] | Wedding Photographer | San Diego Coastal Weddings.”
2. Pinterest Boards
- Board Names: Make them clear and keyword-rich. Example: “Rustic Wedding Photography Ideas.”
- Board Descriptions: Include relevant long-tail keywords naturally. Example: “Explore rustic wedding photography ideas, featuring barns, sunset portraits, and countryside celebrations.”
3. Pins
- Pin Titles: Add keywords that align with search behavior. Example: “10 Stunning Bridal Details for Your Fall Wedding.”
- Pin Descriptions: Write 2-3 sentences using your keywords naturally. Example: “Get inspired by beautiful fall bridal details, including custom invitations, heirloom jewelry, and rich fall colors.”
- Alt Text: Use descriptive keywords to help Pinterest understand your pin image.
Step 5: Create Content Around High-Value Keywords
Build boards and pin content focused on popular keywords brides and planners are searching for. Here are a few examples:
- “San Diego Outdoor Wedding Venues”
- “Bridal Styling Checklist for Perfect Detail Shots”
- “Fall Wedding Color Palettes 2024”
By creating highly targeted content, you increase the chances of ranking for those searches and attracting your ideal clients.
Take the Next Step in Mastering Pinterest SEO
Effective Pinterest keyword research ensures your pins get seen by brides and wedding pros searching for inspiration. By using tools like Pinterest Search, Pinterest Trends, and Analytics, you can target the right keywords, optimize your content, and drive traffic that converts.
Ready to take your Pinterest strategy even further? Join The Marketing Lab for Wedding Pros for expert training on Pinterest SEO, keyword research, and proven strategies to grow your creative business. Start ranking and booking your dream clients today!