Freebies
Here’s where you can get all my kick-butt products. ….. oh, and did I mention they’re free? Enjoy!
Click Here

How to Find the Best Pinterest Keywords (Using My Favorite Tool)

A graphic listing the top 10 best Pinterest keywords for effective content discovery and engagement.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

This post is all about finding the best Pinterest keywords — and how to actually use them to get your content seen, clicked, and shared like CRAZY!

If you’ve ever wondered how some creators get thousands of views from Pinterest while your pins are sitting there collecting dust… this is why.

They’re not guessing what to post. They’re using the right keywords — the ones Pinterest recognizes and rewards.

And the best part?

You don’t need to be an SEO wizard to do this. You just need a little help from my favorite Pinterest keyword research tool — Pinclicks.

What Is Pinclicks (and Why It’s Soooo Good)

Before we dive into how to find the best Pinterest keywords, let’s talk about the tool that makes it ridiculously easy: Pinclicks.

Pinclicks is like Google Keyword Planner — but for Pinterest.

Instead of guessing which words people are searching, it shows you exactly what Pinterest users are typing in, how popular those searches are, and which keywords are trending right now.

It even tells you whether Pinterest officially recognizes a keyword (that’s called a Taxonomy keyword) and whether people are actively engaging with it (aka Related Interests).

So basically, it’s like having a sneak peek into Pinterest’s brain — and once you learn to read it, you’ll know exactly what your audience wants to see. 

Why Using the Best Pinterest Keywords Matters

Pinterest isn’t just a social platform — it’s a visual search engine.

People don’t scroll aimlessly; they search for things — recipes, business ideas, DIY projects, side hustles, you name it.

That means if you want your pins to show up, you need to use the best Pinterest keywords — the ones people are actually searching for.

When you use the right keywords:

📌 Pinterest understands what your content is about.
📌 It shows your pins to the right audience.
📌 You start getting real, organic traffic to your website or shop.

When you don’t? You’re basically pinning into the void while your competitors steal all the clicks.

How Pinclicks Helps You Find the Best Pinterest Keywords

When you search a term inside Pinclicks, you’ll see two boxes beside each keyword:

Taxonomy
Related Interests

This is where things get interesting — because understanding these two boxes is how you find the absolute best Pinterest keywords for your niche.

What “Taxonomy” Means (and Why It’s Pinterest Gold)

When a keyword has Taxonomy checked, that means Pinterest officially recognizes it in its internal system — like an official label or “category” inside Pinterest’s algorithm.

Think of it like Pinterest saying,

“Yep, we know exactly where to file this keyword and who wants to see it.”

These keywords are your foundation. They’re what I call “algorithm approved.”

For example:

✅ “home organization ideas” — Pinterest knows this one cold.
🚫 “aesthetic pantry inspo” — cute, but Pinterest has no clue where to put it.

Why Taxonomy Keywords Matter

  • They’re evergreen — your pins can rank for them long-term.
  • They help Pinterest confidently recommend your content.
  • They’re perfect for consistent SEO growth over time.

When I use Pinclicks, I always start with a few solid Taxonomy keywords first. That’s my long-term traffic foundation.  And it should be yours too!

Now, the second box you’ll see in Pinclicks is Related Interests — and this is where you’ll find what’s hot right now.

When this box is checked, it means Pinterest users are actively searching, saving, and engaging with that keyword today.

So instead of Pinterest’s official categories, this box represents real-time audience behavior — what people are obsessed with this month.

Think of it like Pinterest whispering:

“Hey, people are loving this topic right now. Get in before it blows up.”

📌 They help you jump on trending searches early.

📌 You’ll reach new audiences faster.

📌 They’re perfect for seasonal or viral content ideas.

If you want your pins to go viral, sprinkle in a few of these. Trust me — I’ve seen creators double their reach just by using more Related Interest keywords from Pinclicks.

How to Spot the Best Keywords for Pinterest

Now, this is where the magic happens.

When a keyword has both Taxonomy and Related Interests checked — that’s your jackpot keyword.

Why?

Because Pinterest not only recognizes it (taxonomy) but people are actively searching for it (related interests).

It’s like getting both stability and trend power in one perfect keyword.

The Best Pinterest Keyword Breakdown

As I’ve mentioned, when you’re searching for the best Pinterest keywords inside Pinclicks, you’ll notice 3 main types:

👉 Taxonomy, Related Interests, and the rare Both combo.

Here’s what each one actually means — and how to use them wisely.

1. Taxonomy Keywords – Your Evergreen SEO Foundation

These are Pinterest’s “official” keywords — the ones the algorithm already understands.
Pinterest knows exactly where to file them, so your pins have a better chance of ranking and staying visible long-term.

Use these for: timeless topics (like budgeting tips, home organization or easy recipes).

Why they work: Pinterest already trusts these keywords, which means steady, reliable traffic month after month.

These are based on what users are currently searching, saving, and pinning right now.
They’re your fast movers — perfect for catching viral trends before everyone else jumps on them.

Use these for: seasonal posts, trending niches, or new ideas you want to test.

Why they work: Pinterest’s audience is already engaging with them in real time, so you can ride the wave while it’s hot.

This is where the magic happens.

When a keyword has both boxes checked in Pinclicks, it means Pinterest officially recognizes it, and people are actively engaging with it.

Use these for: your most important posts, products, or blog content.

Why they work: You get the best of both worlds — long-term ranking power and short-term viral traffic.

It’s basically Pinterest SEO perfection — the true sweet spot for finding the best Pinterest keywords.

Whenever I’m inside Pinclicks doing keyword research, I literally look for those double checkmarks — because that’s how I find the best Pinterest keywords every single time.

How to Actually Use Your Pinterest Keywords (The Right Way)

Okay, now that you’ve got your keywords — let’s talk about what to do with them.
Here’s how to use them naturally so Pinterest picks them up fast:

1. Pin Titles

Put your keyword at the start of your title.

Example:Budget Organization Ideas That Work in Small Spaces”

2. Pin Descriptions

Use your keyword 2–3 times in a conversational way.

Example: “If your finances feel messy, these budget organization ideas will help you take control fast. Simple, smart, and easy to start — the best budget organization ideas keep your money working for you.”

3. Board Titles

Match your boards to your keywords.

Budget Organization Ideas instead of “Money Stuff.” Clear names (and clear plans) make your ideas stick.

4. Blog Titles + URLs

If your Pinterest traffic goes to a blog (like MayaWaters.com), use the same keyword in your post title and meta description.

Pinterest loves consistency across platforms.

My Keyword Game Plan (You Can Steal This)

Here’s the formula I personally use when finding the best Pinterest keywords in Pinclicks:

  1. Start with 1–2 Taxonomy keywords for stability.
  2. Add 1–2 Related Interest keywords for trend reach.
  3. Mix them naturally in your pin title and description.
  4. Create 3–5 pin designs targeting those same keywords.
  5. Rinse and repeat weekly.

You’ll have a mix of evergreen pins that bring steady traffic and trendy ones that spike quickly — the perfect combo.

The Real Secret to Finding the Best Pinterest Keywords

The truth is, Pinterest success isn’t about luck — it’s about strategy.

And now you know how to read Pinclicks data, so that you don’t have to guess and you can start posting with confidence once and for all!

You’ll know exactly what your audience wants, when to post it, and how to describe it so that Pinterest will actually show it. 

There you have it. That’s the big secret!

📌 Look for Taxonomy keywords for long-term growth.
📌 Add a few Related Interests keywords for quick wins.
📌 Go all in on those double-checkmark keywords — they’re pure gold baby.

Mix them together, keep posting consistently, and you’ll watch your Pinterest traffic grow month after month.

So now if you’re serious about finding the best Pinterest keywords, go make yourself a Free Pinclicks Account right now. It’s fast, super beginner-friendly, and takes all the guesswork out of Pinterest SEO. You can spot trending, high-performing keywords in any niche — from blogging to digital products.

PinClicks - Pinterest Keyword Research & Analytics Tool for Creators
Claim Your Free Trial
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Best Pinterest Keywords FAQ

1. What are Pinterest keywords, and why do they matter?

Pinterest keywords are the words and phrases people type into Pinterest when they’re searching for ideas, products, or inspiration.

Using the best Pinterest keywords tells Pinterest exactly what your pin is about — so it can show your content to the right people. The better your keywords, the more your pins get seen, saved, and clicked.

2. How do I find the best Pinterest keywords?

The easiest way is to use Pinclicks — a free tool that shows you what people are actually searching for on Pinterest. It even marks which keywords Pinterest officially recognizes (Taxonomy) and which are currently trending (Related Interests).

The best Pinterest keywords usually have both boxes checked — meaning Pinterest knows the topic and users are engaging with it right now.

3. Where should I use Pinterest keywords?

Sprinkle your keywords in all the right spots:

– Your pin titles and descriptions
– Your board titles and board descriptions
– Your blog post titles and meta descriptions 
(if you link to your site)

Bonus tip: stay natural! Pinterest can tell when you’re keyword stuffing. Write like you’re explaining your content to a friend — and just weave your keywords in naturally.

4. How many keywords should I use per pin?

Stick with 3–5 related keywords per pin. That’s the sweet spot.

Choose one main keyword (like best Pinterest keywords) and a few supporting ones that fit the same topic (like Pinterest SEO, Pinterest keyword strategy, or Pinterest traffic tips). This helps Pinterest understand your content without confusing the algorithm.

5. What’s the difference between Pinterest SEO and Google SEO?

Google SEO targets web searches; Pinterest SEO targets visual searches.

On Pinterest, people want inspiration — not long explanations. That means your best Pinterest keywords should be simple, visual, and searchable. Think phrases like cozy bedroom ideas, budget meal prep, or work-from-home outfits — clear, short, and clickable.

6. How often should I update my Pinterest keywords?

Every few months!

Pinterest trends change with the seasons. A keyword that performs great in spring (like garden decor ideas) might slow down in winter. That’s why tools like Pinclicks are so helpful — they show you what’s hot right now so you can adjust before everyone else does.

7. Can Pinterest keywords really help me make money?

Absolutely.

Once you start ranking for the best Pinterest keywords, your pins drive steady traffic to your website, shop, or affiliate links. That traffic turns into clicks, leads, and income — especially if you pair your Pinterest strategy with monetized content (like ads, affiliate products, or digital downloads).


If you want to take that next step, read my guide on How to Make Money on Pinterest as a Beginner — it walks you through turning your Pinterest traffic into real profit.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts