Keywords and Getting Found

Pinterest Keyword Research Tools for Small Businesses

"Keyword Tools on a Budget" graphic with an illustrated three step search, browse and buy flow with seasonal product grids

You don't need a paid tool to start: Pinterest hands you most of this for free if you know where to look. The best Pinterest keyword research tools are Pinterest's own search suggestions and Pinterest Trends, paired with a simple keyword map where you record each phrase.

Which free tools does Pinterest give you for keyword research?

Start here before you spend anything, since you may find you already have more phrases than you can use. Pinterest's search bar is the first tool. Type your topic and note the suggestions that appear as you type, because they are phrases people are using. After you search, look at the related searches Pinterest shows and add the ones that fit your content.

Pinterest Trends is the second. Check it when it covers your market and topic, and treat it as a second opinion on a phrase rather than the only reason to use it. If a phrase you like does not show up there, that does not make it wrong.

What is a keyword map and why keep one?

A keyword map is a simple list that records each phrase alongside what it means and where you will use it. Copying phrases blindly leaves you with a long list and no plan, while a map turns the list into decisions. A spreadsheet or a notes page is enough, and a status column such as “ready to use” or “needs a page” shows the gaps in your site early.

A sample keyword map
PhraseIntentRelevanceWhere it goes
personalized birthday gift for a coworkerReady to buy a giftMatches a gift product pagePin title, product page headline
Pinterest SEO for handmade product businessesWants to learnMatches a guide on the siteProfile bio, board title

How do you compare phrases without chasing popularity?

Compare phrases by intent and relevance first, and by popularity last. Intent is what the searcher wants to do, and relevance is how well your page delivers it. A phrase many people search is no use if your page does not answer it, while a narrower phrase that fits your page exactly can be the better pick. Popularity still has a place, but as a tiebreaker between two phrases that both fit. The long-tail keywords guide explains how to narrow a broad phrase.

How do you turn keyword research into action?

Work through the map one row at a time so each phrase ends up with a job. Turn each mapped phrase into a board, a content brief or a destination page improvement. A phrase with several related searches around it often suggests a board. A phrase tied to a product suggests a Pin plus a page headline that matches it. The steps behind this are in how to do Pinterest keyword research, and where to use keywords on Pinterest shows where each phrase lands.

Do you need a paid tool for scheduling?

Not to do the research, but a scheduler can help once you are publishing regularly. If you want a dedicated scheduling tool, you can try Tailwind for Pinterest scheduling. A scheduler makes batching easier, but it works best when a clear plan sits behind it, so do the research first.

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If you would rather have someone else review the keywords you use today, the Pinterest SEO Audit covers your profile, boards, keywords, existing Pins and analytics, then gives you a ranked 30 day action plan. It is a one time review, and you decide which of the recommended changes to make. Results from any keyword work depend on your niche, competition and consistency, and how long Pinterest SEO takes is worth reading before you judge them.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a paid tool for Pinterest keyword research?

No. You can start with Pinterest search suggestions, the related searches shown after a search, and Pinterest Trends where it covers your topic, then record what you find in a simple keyword map.

What should I record when I research Pinterest keywords?

Record each phrase, the intent behind it, how relevant it is to a real page on your website, and where you plan to use it. That turns a list of phrases into a plan.