Pinterest SEO tips that still work
Pinterest SEO is simpler than Google SEO, because Pinterest tells creators fairly clearly what it reads: the text on and around the pin, the board, the link, and how people engage. Pinterest doesn't publish a weighted list of factors, so the tips below stick to what it has said publicly, plus what is widely reported to work.
Text on the pin
- One main keyword per pin, in the title. Titles can be 100 characters; put the keyword early.
- Repeat it once in the description, in the first sentence, then add two or three related phrases. Descriptions can be 500 characters.
- Write for people. A readable sentence beats a list of keywords.
- Add alt text. It describes the image for screen-reader users and gives Pinterest more context. Try the alt text generator.
- Treat hashtags as optional. A few relevant ones do no harm. See our hashtag guide.
Boards and profile
- Name boards with search phrases, like "Small Bathroom Ideas", not "My Happy Place".
- Write board descriptions of one or two sentences with related keywords.
- Save each pin to the most relevant board first.
Links and content
- Link to a page that matches the pin. Pinterest's guidance mentions crawlable, relevant landing pages that load quickly. A recipe pin should land on the recipe.
- Claim your website so pins from your domain are tied to your account.
- Publish fresh images rather than repinning the same one. Pinterest's creator guidance favors original content.
- Pin seasonal content early. Many creators publish 30 to 45 days before a holiday. The trending keywords tool suggests what to pin now.
Check before you publish
Paste your pin text into the Pinterest SEO checker for a score out of 100 and a list of fixes.