Keywords vs. Hashtags: Which ones should you use for Pinterest?
So, you have decided to get started with Pinterest to drive more traffic to your business? Amazing! One of the key questions I get from my clients is whether or not they should be using hashtags on their profile, board description, and pins. Let’s discuss this in detail in this post!
Pinterest is not a social media platform
Before we get started, it is vital to understand that unlike Instagram, Facebook, and even Twitter - Pinterest is NOT a social platform. This means, your approach should be a bit more different for it.
It is more like Google than Facebook in the sense that people go into the platform to search for certain things. Unlike going into Facebook or even Instagram where they scroll to discover new things. So you need to treat it more like how you would treat your website - add a dash of SEO to your Pinterest Strategy.
Were hashtags even a trend on Pinterest before?
Yes, way back in 2017 Pinterest shared an official statement that made hashtags a big deal. The statement made it clear that creators can and should be used on the platform.
But things have changed since then and well, read on.
So, no hashtags for Pinterest then?
Quick answer yes, you don’t have to use hashtags on Pinterest.
Since it is a visual search engine, you would need to focus instead on keywords to help you gain more traction on the platform. Hashtags aren’t even clickable on the platform - whether on desktop or mobile!
Think how pinners use the platform
Instead of stressing out or worrying over hashtags, go and put yourself in the shoes of your target audience. Ask yourself:
How do they use the platform?
How do they search for pins?
What keywords are they using?
What visual design will resonate with them more?
Your focus shouldn’t be on hashtags but instead on keywords and visual pin design.
For pin design, this is where you can experiment to see what works and what doesn’t - for each link, you have to try to at least have 3-5 pins for it. See an example below of how I usually do it:
From here, I would be able to see the design that works and that I should experiment more with! So, don’t hesitate on creating new pins for a blog post (PS, you really should do 5-10 pins for a blog post to make the most out of it!).
Next, focus on searching for keywords. There are many tools to help you out with it and some of them are:
The Pinterest Search Bar - start here! When you search, you will get recommendations from Pinterest. So why not utilize those suggestions well?
Answer the Public - this is one of my favorites because it gives you longtail keywords that you can use! You just need to start with a keyword!
Wordtracker - here’s another one! While you get data for searches done on Google, it can be a great starting point for your keyword strategy too!
Ready to optimize your Pinterest now?
To end this post, remember that even if you start putting in your keywords today, you shouldn’t expect a drastic change right away. The key for the platform is time + consistency.
If you don’t see an uptick in your performance right away, that is normal especially if you are just new to the platform. Just keep pinning and at least give it a try for 3-6 months!
Like this post? Save it on your Pinterest board for reference later!
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It’s been three years since I resigned from my corporate job and started my business. It has been an amazing ride so far but the one thing I realized is that I had moments when I felt burned out from everything I was doing. This is when I knew I had to take better care of myself.