How to Do Pinterest Keyword Research in 15 Minutes

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You don’t need expensive SEO tools or endless spreadsheets to find keywords that work on Pinterest. What you need is a simple, 15-minute Pinterest keyword research routine that reveals exactly what your audience is already searching for inside the app.

Pinterest isn’t like other platforms. It’s a search engine for solutions. People come here with a problem and a purpose. They’re typing in ideas, looking for answers, and ready to take action.

That’s where your content comes in. Your business already solves problems—and this quick Pinterest keyword research tutorial will help you position your content right in front of the people actively looking for what you offer.

If you’re still figuring out what to post and how to stay consistent, grab my free guide — 5 Days to Consistent Content. It walks you through how to plan, batch, and post without burning out — even if you only have 20 minutes a day.

Where Pinterest Keywords Actually Live

Here’s what makes Pinterest powerful: it’s not social media—it’s a visual search engine. That means keywords matter just as much here as they do on Google. The difference? Pinterest pairs your words with visuals, giving your content a better chance to show up in front of people who are already searching for what you offer.

Think of Pinterest like a network of keyword hotspots. There are five main places your keywords live and work behind the scenes:

1. Search Bar:
Start typing a word or phrase, and Pinterest instantly suggests related searches. Those auto-suggestions are gold—they’re based on real user searches. Write them down and use them as part of your keyword list.
2. Related Bubbles (Topic Tabs):
After you search, you’ll see colored bubbles or topic tabs appear just below the search bar. Each one is a keyword variation Pinterest recommends. These are great for finding specific, niche-friendly terms.
3. Pin Graphics:
Believe it or not, Pinterest can read the text on your images. Keep it clear and relevant—this small detail helps your content get categorized correctly.
4. Pin Titles and Descriptions:
Pinterest reads your text, not just your image. Use your main keyword naturally in both your pin title and description to help the algorithm understand what your content is all about.
5. Board Titles and Descriptions:
Your boards act like folders for Pinterest SEO. When your pin aligns with the board’s keywords, it reinforces your topic authority and helps Pinterest index your content faster. When you re-pin be mindful and pin to boards that the title descriptions also align with the pin topic.

Want to turn your keyword ideas into real growth? My PDF guide, Pinning for Profits, shows you step-by-step how to build a Pinterest system that brings consistent traffic and sales — even while you’re offline. Pinterest constantly scans these elements and “indexes” your content based on where it fits best. That’s why clarity beats keyword stuffing every time. Focus on a few high-quality, relevant phrases rather than cramming in as many as possible—this helps your pins stay searchable and credible.

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Using Search Bubbles Like a Pro

When it’s time to create new content, head straight to Pinterest and start searching the topic you’re planning around. Let’s say you’re building a digital product on potty training. Type in a few ideas like:

how to potty train
potty training a toddler
best ways to potty train
when to potty train

As you type, notice how Pinterest auto-populates suggestions in the search bar. That list of phrases isn’t random it’s based on what people are actively searching for right now. Those auto-suggestions are ready-made keywords you can use in your titles, pin graphics, and descriptions.

Once you hit search, you’ll see colored bubbles appear across the top of the results. These are Pinterest’s related topic bubbles, and they represent ranking keywords connected to your search. The more often a term shows up here, the more likely it’s driving real traffic on the platform.

After exploring a few variations, take a step back and look at what you’ve collected.
Ask yourself:

Do these keywords align with the content I’m creating?
Are there any gaps or better angles I can include?

Then, make a simple list of the keywords you plan to use. I recommend keeping a running Google Sheets keyword tracker—it’s an easy way to organize ideas, note which ones perform well, and spark inspiration when you’re planning new content.

Your keyword sheet can become your personal idea bank. Whenever you’re short on inspiration, scroll through your list—you’ll instantly see what’s resonating and where to double down.

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Writing Keyword-Rich Descriptions

Pinterest’s algorithm is smarter than most people realize. It doesn’t just scan your image or title — it analyzes everything connected to your Pin:

The text on your graphic
Your Pin title and description
The board it’s saved to
Even the website link your Pin leads to

All of this information helps Pinterest understand what your content is about and who it’s for. The more clearly you use keywords, the faster Pinterest can index your content and show it to the right audience — people who are already searching for what you offer.

That’s why keyword placement matters. You want to use your keywords naturally across these three main areas:

Your Boards – Use keywords in both your board title and description. Example: instead of “My Blog Posts,” try “Pinterest Marketing Tips for Moms.”
Your Pins – Add your main keyword in your Pin title, description, and image text overlay.
Your Profile – Include your niche and a key benefit in your bio, like “Helping busy moms grow passive income with Pinterest & digital products.”

The goal isn’t to stuff your Pin with keywords it’s to make it clear, relevant, and human.

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The “Sandwich Method” for Descriptions

When writing your descriptions, think of the sandwich method:

Context → Keyword → Benefit.

This format gives Pinterest enough context to categorize your content and helps readers see why it’s worth clicking.

Here’s how it looks in action

Example 1: Blog Post Pin

If you’re trying to grow your traffic without spending hours on social media, this Pinterest keyword research tutorial will show you exactly where to start. Learn how to find searchable keywords, plan your boards, and create content that attracts your ideal audience.

Example 2: Freebie or Product Pin

Want to make your content more discoverable? Use this free Pinterest keyword tracker to plan, organize, and optimize your keywords. It’s the perfect companion for your Pinterest SEO strategy.

Notice how each description starts with a clear context, includes the keyword naturally, and ends with a benefit that encourages engagement or clicks.

Tracking Your Keyword Winners

When you review your Pinterest analytics, don’t get distracted by big impression numbers — they’re nice to see but mostly a vanity metric. What really matters is engagement: which Pins people are saving and clicking on. Those actions tell you what’s resonating with your audience and which keywords are actually working.

Remember, Pinterest is a top-of-funnel platform. The goal isn’t just to get attention on the app — it’s to guide people off Pinterest and onto your site, email list, or product page, where you can build the know, like, and trust factor that turns browsers into buyers.

As you review your analytics, take note of:

Pins with high saves → people found them inspiring or helpful.
Pins with high clicks → people were curious enough to learn more.

Those are your keyword winners.

Now, open your keyword tracker (a simple Google Sheet works perfectly). Add your top-performing Pins and list the keywords they use. Look for patterns — what topics or phrases are consistently performing well?

Then use that data to create more content around what’s working. You don’t need to reuse the exact same titles or descriptions, but you can reimagine the content using similar or related keywords.

If something isn’t getting traction, don’t force it. Redirect your energy toward what’s already proving effective. Pinterest analytics aren’t just numbers — they’re clarity. Each insight points you closer to the content that truly connects with your audience.

Pinterest is always learning. Every time you Pin, you’re giving it new data about who to show your content to. When you write keyword-rich, value-driven descriptions, you’re not just boosting SEO you’re helping Pinterest connect your Pins with real people looking for your exact solution.

If this helped you understand Pinterest SEO, you’ll love what comes next:

• Start simple with 5 Days to Consistent Content — your free roadmap to posting with ease.
• Or dive deeper with Pinning for Profits — the complete strategy to grow traffic and passive income using Pinterest.

Both are designed for busy moms who want freedom, not another full-time job.

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Hi, I’m Olivia — digital creator, passive income strategist, and mom navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood.

hello@herglowandgrow.com

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