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4 Smart Pinterest SEO Tactics That Help You Rank (On Pinterest and Beyond)

SEO is getting so much more complicated. Search Everywhere Optimisation is the new reality. People aren’t just searching on Google anymore. They’re hopping between ChatGPT, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok and AI tools to find what they need.

In this new world where search is increasingly AI-driven, Pinterest SEO is one of the smartest, but most overlooked ways to get your brand and products discovered on and off the platform. Not only is it extremely effective to attract long-term, high-quality traffic to your site, your content on Pinterest can also help you get found on other SEO and AI channels that people use to search.

So how do you make the most of Pinterest to boost your SEO performance in 2025?

Let’s dive into 4 tactics that will help you get found by the right audience – on Pinterest and beyond!

Mary Lumley - Pinterest Expert
Hi! I’m Mary Lumley. Thanks for dropping by!

Need help with this Pinterest stuff?

We’re here for you! Let’s talk.

Need help with this Pinterest stuff?

We’re here for you! Let’s talk.

Mary Lumley - Pinterest Expert
Hi! I’m Mary Lumley
Pinterest Specialist for eCom & Travel

How Pinterest SEO Helps You Get Found Everywhere

Re-imagine Pinterest as an entry point to a much bigger search ecosystem.

Pinterest isn’t a social platform, it’s a visual search engine where people actively seek out ideas, products, and inspiration. And, when you use Pinterest SEO smartly, you’re not just increasing your content’s visibility on Pinterest – you’re also boosting your reach across other search platforms, including Google and AI-driven tools such as Perplexity.

Each pin you create acts like a mini search-optimised page. It links directly to your website and contains keywords that help it surface in Pinterest search results. But the benefits don’t stop there. When people click through from Pinterest and spend time exploring your content, it sends positive signals to Google and other search engines. The result? Your site may climb higher in organic search results, especially if that traffic is engaged and sticks around.

Screenshot of Perplexity search results showing Pinterest links ranking for garden landscaping inspiration, demonstrating how Pinterest SEO helps content appear in AI search engines like Perplexity
Example of Pinterest content showing up in Perplexity search results

How Pinterest SEO Meets AI

In today’s evolving search landscape, platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) are constantly scanning the web for quality, relevant content.

Pinterest content that is well-optimised, links to valuable pages, and that resonates with users can be surfaced as a source in AI-generated responses. That means your Pinterest content, when aligned with solid SEO principles, has the power to show up in entirely new places where people search.

Check out this example screenshot. I asked Perplexity for some landscaping inspiration (didn’t even mention Pinterest!) and look what popped up in the source list: content straight from Pinterest.

The key is to focus on creating helpful, visually engaging pins on Pinterest that lead to genuinely useful content on your site. That combination increases the odds of being discovered, not just on Pinterest, but across the full spectrum of search engines, including those powered by AI. So how do you do this?

How to Boost Your Visibility with Pinterest SEO

To get started you need a Pinterest Business account. If you’re currently using a personal profile, no worries. You can switch it to a business account in just a few clicks. With a business account, you unlock access to helpful tools like Pinterest Analytics and the Pinterest Ads Manager. They will help you track performance, understand your audience, and fine-tune your content strategy for maximum reach. (Need a walkthrough? Here’s how to set up a Pinterest business account in 3 easy steps.)

To really boost your visibility and get your content discovered, on Pinterest and LLMs (Large Language Models) like ChatGPT, you need a content strategy that’s built around relevance. That means understanding what your audience is looking for, using keywords they’re actively searching with, and regularly creating and publishing visually engaging, high-quality pins that link to helpful content on your site.

When done right, Pinterest SEO doesn’t just improve your rankings on Pinterest. It sends qualified traffic to your website, increases time-on-site (which Google loves), and positions your content to be surfaced across today’s broader, AI-driven search landscape.

Now, let’s look at exactly how to do that.

1. Create eye-catching, click-worthy pins

Visuals matter. A lot. Pinterest users scroll quickly, so you need pins that stand out in the feed and invite clicks.

By focusing on creating visually appealing and shareable pins, you can increase the chances of your content being saved, shared, and ultimately, reaching a wider audience. Here’s how to make your pins pop:

  • Use high-quality images: Invest in high-quality images that are visually appealing and relevant to your content. Avoid blurry or low-resolution images that may deter users from engaging with your pins.
  • Experiment with different formats: Pinterest offers various pin formats, including standard, carousel, and video pins. Test different formats to see which ones resonate best with your audience.
  • Design vertical pins: Vertical pins perform better on Pinterest as they take up more space in users’ feeds. Aim for a 2:3 aspect ratio (e.g., 1000px x 1500px) to optimise your pins for maximum visibility.
  • Avoid visual clutter: Clean, minimal backgrounds keep the focus where it belongs.
  • Add compelling text overlays (if appropriate): Use bold and easily readable text overlays to convey the main message of your pin. Experiment with different fonts, colours, and styles to create visually appealing designs.
  • Add branding: A small logo in a corner builds brand recognition (but avoid the lower-right corner, where Pinterest icons show).
  • Include a call to action: Encourage users to take action by including a clear call to action in your pins. Whether it’s to visit your website, sign up for a newsletter, or make a purchase, a strong call to action can increase engagement and drive traffic.

Pro tip: High-performing pins often include real-life context, like product-in-use images or lifestyle scenes. These build emotional appeal and are more likely to get clicks.

Below are a few examples to illustrate what works well. For a deeper dive, explore How to Create High-Converting Pinterest Images That Guarantee Clicks!

Couple at the pyramids in Egypt, promoting a 7-day tour—ideal for Pinterest SEO travel content targeting adventure seekers.
Colourful fabric swatches and samples displayed neatly—ideal for interior trends and Pinterest SEO for home décor.
Tropical reusable bottle against green background, ideal for eco-conscious shoppers. Perfect for visual branding and Pinterest SEO.
Abstract ocean-inspired mural behind a wooden cabinet—bold interior design pin for Pinterest SEO optimisation.

2. Optimise your pin copy with smart keywords

Pinterest is visual, but its SEO is text-based. That means your pin titles, descriptions, and board names should include relevant keywords that your audience is actually searching for. Keywords play a crucial role in helping your pins appear in relevant search results on Pinterest. Here’s how to conduct keyword research and optimise your pins for maximum visibility:

To find the right keywords:

  • Use the Pinterest Trends tool to see what’s popular in your niche.
  • Start typing a keyword into the Pinterest search bar to get autocomplete suggestions.
  • Research seasonal spikes. Think ahead! Pinterest users often search 2-3 months in advance.
  • Analyse the keywords used by your competitors and incorporate them into your own Pinterest strategy. This can help you discover new ideas and stay ahead of the competition.

Sprinkle those keywords:

  • In pin titles and descriptions
  • In board titles and board descriptions
  • In your profile bio
  • Even in your image file names before you upload them and in the image alt text on your website

3. Create relevant and discoverable boards

Be strategic with boards and topics. Each board is like a mini search engine within your Pinterest account. Think of your boards as categories that organise your content in a way that makes sense, for both users and Pinterest’s algorithm.

To optimise:

  • Give boards clear, niche-specific names (e.g., “Minimalist Home Office Ideas” instead of just “Office”)
  • Use keyword-rich descriptions that clearly explain what’s inside the board.
  • Keep boards tightly themed to make your profile easier to browse and more relevant.

When setting up a new board, you might be inclined to go with general titles like “Healthy Food” or “Bucket List Ideas” However, to truly enhance your Pinterest SEO, specificity is key! The name of your board plays a crucial role in attracting people; a highly targeted board name not only boosts the relevance and quality of your pins but also elevates your content’s ranking in search results. By choosing precise and relevant titles, you make it easier for your target audience to discover and engage with your content, ultimately improving your visibility and effectiveness on (and off!) the platform. 

General board titles

  • travel ideas
  • home decor
  • hairstyles
  • gardening
  • money management

Specific board titles

  • solo travel ideas for females
  • bathroom wallpaper ideas
  • short hair style women
  • small garden vegetable patch
  • investing for retirement

4. Consistently post fresh content

Regularly publish fresh pins to maintain engagement and maximise distribution. Pinterest favours new pins and consistency matters more than volume.

Here’s how to stay consistent and on top of things:

  • Create multiple pin designs for each piece of content (blog post, product, lead magnet,…)
  • Use a scheduling tool to post content automatically daily or weekly (tools like Tailwind or Pinterest’s native scheduler can help).
  • Repurpose content across seasons by tweaking the message or design.
  • Keep up with trends. Seasonal content performs especially well if it’s published early. The Pinterest Trends tool can help you with this. Learn more about the Pinterest Trends Tool.

Pro Tip: A new image for an existing piece of content is considered fresh content. So, get creative and make a variety of different images for it. Below is an example for Caravan Tours. They published a range of different images that link back to the same travel blog article for Costa Rica.

Image featuring a close-up of a smiling sloth in the jungle and a serene forest scene, with the text '5 Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica.' This pin utilizes Pinterest SEO to attract users interested in exploring top destinations in Costa Rica, aiming to increase engagement and visibility on the platform.
Image displaying a beautiful sunset over the ocean with a palm tree in the foreground, accompanied by the text '5 Must-See Things in Costa Rica.' This pin leverages Pinterest SEO to draw in travelers looking for top attractions in Costa Rica, optimizing for increased visibility and engagement.
Image featuring a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery with the text 'Top Things to Do in Costa Rica.' This pin effectively utilizes Pinterest SEO techniques to attract users searching for travel activities in Costa Rica, enhancing visibility and engagement
Image showcasing '5 Must-See Things in Costa Rica' with a scenic view of a volcano and a person walking on a suspension bridge in the rainforest. This visually engaging pin is an example of using Pinterest SEO strategies to attract travelers and boost visibility for Costa Rica tourism-related content.

Final Thoughts: Your Pinterest SEO Strategy for 2025

If you’re putting effort into creating great content, it deserves to be seen, and Pinterest SEO is one of the best ways to make that happen. When you show up on Pinterest with consistent, optimised content, you’re not just building reach on one platform, you’re giving yourself the chance to appear across search engines, AI tools, and more. Start applying what you’ve learned here, and watch your pins (and your traffic) start working harder for you.

But it’s not just about climbing up in search results. Pinterest also opens up the stage for your brand. Your brand’s digital footprint gets bigger, attracting natural links back to your site and pulling in more people. By crafting eye-catching visuals, targeting the right keywords, and keeping your Pinterest account active, you’re making your brand more visible, ensuring your content doesn’t just get noticed but attracts exactly the audience you’re looking for!

We’ll handle Pinterest. You enjoy the results.

Ready to drive traffic and sales with Pinterest but short on time or knowledge? We’re here to help! Our team of Pinterest experts can take the reins, managing everything from content creation to pinning strategy, so you can focus on running your business. Whether you’re looking to optimise your existing Pinterest presence or start from scratch, we’ve got the tools and know-how to drive traffic and increase conversions. Let us handle the pinning while you enjoy the results. Get in touch today!

We’ll handle Pinterest. You enjoy the results.

Ready to drive traffic and sales with Pinterest but short on time or knowledge? We’re here to help! Our team of Pinterest experts can take the reins, managing everything from content creation to pinning strategy, so you can focus on running your business. Let us handle the pinning while you enjoy the results. Get in touch today!

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Mary Lumley – Pinterest Marketing for eCommerce & Travel / 4 Smart Pinterest SEO Tactics That Help You Rank (On Pinterest and Beyond)