How Many Pinterest Keywords Should I Use Per Pin? (And Where to Put Them)
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One of the most common questions I get when it comes to Pinterest keyword strategy is how many keywords should be used in one Pinterest Pin.
Some creators worry they are not using enough keywords. Others try to add as many as possible because they think the more keywords, the more reach. Both approaches can lead to confusion and inconsistent results, and won’t create the best experience for those who may find your Pins.
Pinterest does not reward keyword overload (stuffing). It rewards clarity. In fact, keyword stuffing can be seen as spam by Pinterest. Don’t just take my word for it, check out the spam section of Pinterest’s Community Guidelines to see it for yourself.
Your goal is to clearly explain what your content is about so Pinterest know for what to rank your pins. When your keywords are clear and intentional, your content has a better chance of reaching people who are already looking for what you offer.
Alright, time to take some notes because I’m about to tell you how to optimize your Pinterest Pins with keywords.
Start With One Primary Keyword Per Pin Title
Each Pin title should focus on one main keyword; no, this doesn’t mean you’ll only include one, but we’re starting here. This keyword represents the core topic of the Pin.
It should clearly describe what someone will learn, see, or get when they click on your Pin or when they click the link.
A helpful way to identify your primary keyword is to ask yourself this question.
If someone entered a keyword on Pinterest and found this pin, would they understand what this pin is about?
If the answer is yes, that phrase is likely your primary keyword. In case you were wondering, when I say one pin per pin title, I mean as text overlay on your graphic/video AND where you enter the Pinterest Pin title on Pinterest.
Your primary keyword should be used consistently in key places so Pinterest can easily understand the topic.
In the context of Pins, the main keyword should appear in:
Your pin title, that way you make things clear right away
Your pin description so Pinterest has more context
Your file name before uploading the Pinterest Pin
You do not need multiple main keywords on one pin. Focusing on one keeps your message clear and avoids confusing Pinterest.
Add One to Three Supporting Keywords
Supporting keywords help strengthen your main keyword without changing the topic of the pin.
These are related phrases that someone searching your main keyword could also use. They add depth and help Pinterest better understand how your content fits into a broader topic.
For example, if your primary keyword is Pinterest keyword research, supporting keywords could include:
Pinterest SEO tips
Pinterest keywords for bloggers
Pinterest keyword strategy
You can naturally include one to three supporting keywords in your pin description. These keywords should fit smoothly into full sentences and support the main topic.
Supportive keywords can also be added to Pinterest board descriptions, where it makes sense.
If a keyword feels forced or out of place, it is better to leave it out. Natural language almost always performs better on Pinterest.
Where Pinterest Keywords Matter Most
Pinterest uses several signals to understand and rank your content. Some areas carry more weight than others. Understanding where keywords matter most can help you focus your efforts.
This also helps you get discovered by those who need you most.
Adding a keyword in your Pinterest Pin title. This is one of the strongest keyword signals. Your main keyword should appear clearly and naturally in the title so both Pinterest and users know what the pin is about right away.
The Pinterest Pin description allows you to explain the content in more detail. Use complete sentences, include your primary keyword once, and add supporting keywords where they fit naturally.
Board name and board descriptions optimised with Pinterest keywords. Saving your pin to a relevant board helps Pinterest categorize your content correctly. Boards should clearly reflect the topic of the pin rather than being overly broad or unrelated.
Renaming your pin file before uploading it using your main keyword adds another layer of clarity. While small, this step supports consistency across your content.
When possible, include your main keyword or a variation of it on the pin graphic or video. Adding text overlay helps users instantly understand the topic and reinforces relevance for Pinterest.
I talk a lot about creating different variations of your Pinterest Pin titles and descriptions to be able to test new keywords.
As long as the keywords are relevant, each time you do this, you can technically test a new primary keyword multiple times for the same content, which gives you more chances of coming up in searches.
What Not to Do With Pinterest Keywords
Using too many keywords can make your content feel cluttered and unclear; it’s also something that looks spammy and can go against the community guidelines on Pinterest if you’re not careful.
Some common mistakes to avoid include:
Writing descriptions that look like a list of keywords instead of sentences
Using keywords that do not accurately reflect your content
Saving pins to boards that are not related to the topic or niches of your content
If your description sounds unnatural when read out loud, it is likely not a good fit. Pinterest prioritizes content that feels helpful and easy to understand.
How Keyword Consistency Improves Performance
Keyword consistency plays a major role in how well your pins perform. When your pin title, description, board, and content all focus on the same topic, Pinterest can more easily understand who should see your pin.
Some issues to try to avoid:
The title focuses on one topic
The description introduces another
The board does not match either
This creates confusion and can limit distribution. As long as your keywords all align with the same niche and topic, you likely won’t run into this. I’ve audited Pinterest accounts where the pins, descriptions, and boards didn’t align at all.
Clear and consistent keyword use helps Pinterest confidently place your content in front of the right audience.
Should You Change Keywords Per Pin Design?
Yes, as long as each pin remains focused. I always recommend testing five to seven different variations of your Pinterest Pin graphic designs. This also allows you to text new keywords. This is something you should repeat on an ongoing basis.
This really allows you to reach a wider audience without overloading a single pin with too many keywords. This is actually a really important part of your strategy; your content should be shared on an ongoing basis.
How to Know If Your Keywords Are Working
Pinterest analytics are your best friends. The more time you spend reading analytics, the more you’ll understand what’s working.
Pay attention to:
Impressions to understand what’s coming up in searches
Saves to measure interest and relevance
Outbound clicks to match interest and traffic
Over time, you will notice patterns. Certain keywords may consistently perform better, while others may not. Use this data to refine your keyword strategy and guide future content decisions.
A Simple Keyword Rule to Remember
If you want a straightforward way to approach Pinterest keywords, keep the following tips in mind.
Quality and relevancy vs quantity by using one primary keyword per pin.
One to three supporting keywords in your Pinterest Pin descriptions and Pinterest board descriptions.
Clear and natural language, keep industry jargon out, and also don’t use language like your signature series name, etc, since that’s not what your ideal readers and buyers would search for on Pinterest.
Review your analytics, become obsessed with them.
If you’re like, this sounds amazing and all, but I don’t have time to do my own Pinterest keyword research, I’ve got you. My done-for-you Pinterest keyword offer saves you time and takes the stress out of knowing if you are using the right keywords or not.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pinterest Keywords
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You should add one primary Pinterest keyword per pin. You can then support that keyword with one to three related keywords in the pin description and, where relevant, in board descriptions. While there is no “one” correct answer for this, as long as your content feels natural, helpful, and you aren’t stuffing keywords.
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Pinterest keywords work best when they are used consistently. Your primary keyword should be added to your Pinterest pin titles, Pinterest pin descriptions, file name (the photo or video you upload to Pinterest), and ideally on the pin graphic/video as text overlay. Supporting keywords can be added naturally in the description and board descriptions. Supporting keywords = relevant keywords.
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Yes. You can reuse keywords on multiple pins (and you should), especially when creating different designs for the same blog post or offer. You can create different variations of your Pinterest pin titles and descriptions with different keywords.
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Yes. Keyword stuffing can hurt performance and go against Pinterest’s Community Guidelines. Descriptions that look like keyword lists instead of sentences can be flagged as spam. Pinterest rewards clear, helpful language over repeated keywords.
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When it makes sense, yes. The pin title entered on Pinterest should include your primary keyword, and adding a keyword or variation as text overlay on the graphic or video helps users quickly understand the topic. This also reinforces clarity for Pinterest.
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Pinterest is a long-term game. Some pins may start gaining impressions within weeks, while others can take months. Consistent keyword use, regular pin creation, and ongoing testing all contribute to stronger results over time.
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Pinterest analytics will show you how your pins perform. Look at impressions to understand visibility, saves to measure interest, and outbound clicks to track traffic. Over time, this data helps you identify which keywords are worth using more often.
