Pinterest is a platform that’s always been “in-between” when it comes to what it is. It’s not exactly a social media platform, but it’s not the traditional search engine either. And, with nearly every platform becoming a search engine (or generative search engine) in some capacity, the lines are even more blurred.
The best way to put it is that Pinterest is a visual search engine. While its algorithm leans heavily into pushing more content related to what its users save, like, and share, it gives just as much attention to content (and accounts) that use the right keywords.
Which is why you, as an interior designer and business owner on Pinterest, need to learn how ot use Pinterest SEO for your interior design business to get your content and pins to show up in front of the right pinners.
What is Pinterest SEO?
Pinterest SEO is the practice of optimizing your pins, boards, and profile so that your content shows up when people search for design inspiration, home decor ideas, or solutions to their space challenges on Pinterest.
When someone opens Pinterest, they’re not scrolling to see what their friends are up to; they’re actively searching for ideas, inspiration, and solutions.
They’re typing in things like “modern farmhouse living room,” “small bathroom remodel ideas,” or “coastal bedroom design” – and if you’ve optimized your pins correctly, YOUR work (or content) shows up.
That’s where Pinterest SEO comes in. Just like you’d optimize a blog post to rank on Google, you optimize your pins to rank on Pinterest.
How to Use Pinterest SEO for Your Interior Design Business
Okay, so Pinterest is a search engine and you need to optimize for it. But what does that actually mean? How do you do it? Here’s how you can start using Pinterest SEO for your interior design business:
Tip #1: Keyword Research
Before you create a single pin, you need to know what your ideal clients are actually searching for on Pinterest. And I’m not talking about guessing or assuming – I’m talking about knowing what they search before they search it (and yes, it’s possible).
Use tools such as the Pinterest search bar and Pinterest Trends to find phrases your ideal clients are actually using. Start with broad terms related to your work. Pick a room, style, color, or main piece of decor or furniture.
For example, if you type in “bedroom inspiration,” Pinterest suggests:
- Bedroom inspirations
- Bedroom inspirations for small rooms
- Bedroom inspirations for couples
- Bedroom inspirations green
Pay attention to the suggested searches that pop up – these are your keywords! If you’re using Pinterest Trends, identify keywords that have upcoming search volume (preferably in the next 2-3 months) to get ahead of the algorithm.
Tip #2: Use Your Keywords Throughout Your Pin (and Account)
Once you’ve found your keywords, you need to actually USE them – and there are specific places on Pinterest where keywords matter most!!
Your pin title.
This is the first place Pinterest looks to understand what your pin is about, so make it count. Instead of using a title like “Living room project,” try something more descriptive and specific, like “modern coastal living room design with natural textures” (see how the keywords are mixed in naturally?).
Your pin description.
Your pin’s description should expand on your title and include related keywords. Just remember to write like a human is going to read them – not like a robot or AI. Your description should be genuinely helpful and enticing, not just a pile of keywords. There’s a 500-character limit, so aim for 2-3 sentences that describe what someone will see or learn.
Your board titles and descriptions.
Remember those broader keywords from your research? Those are great for your board titles and descriptions. Follow a similar structure as you did for your pin title and description!
Pssst….This also gives you the opportunity of showing up in the “featured boards” section of Pinterest feeds!
Your Pinterest profile.
Before you start pinning, you need to optimize your Pinterest profile!! Skipping this is actually one of the most common Pinterest mistakes I see interior designers make. Your bio should clearly state what you do and who you serve, using keywords your ideal clients might search for.
Tip #3: Diversify The Type of Pins You Create
Pinning your portfolio is not what’s going to help you show up in Pinterest search results – even if the user is searching for inspiration. If you want to show up in search AND utilize Pinterest SEO, you have to diversify the type of pins you create.
Since Pinterest is a visual search engine, it uses both text and imagery to place your pin in search. If your pin looks similar to someone else’s that’s currently ranking, yours is more likely to show up in search, too.
But, even if your pin looks different, using your keyword on your pin and creating a “graphic” based on your portfolio pieces and blog posts can also help you show up in search results and get more clicks through to your website.
For example, if you search “bedroom inspirations,” your feed might look like this:
It’s a nice mix of product and sponsored pins, regular photo or portfolio pins, and pins with text explaining what they are (or what content the image leads to).
How to See Better Results From Pinterest as an Interior Designer
Pinterest requires consistency, not perfection.
While Pinterest SEO can help your pins rank in Pinterest search, it can’t make up for a lack of pins to begin with. Even pinning one pin per day, or batching a few pins when wrapping up a project, can help you start building more presence and start showing in more searches.
And the more you rank in search, the more your pins can perform whether you’re creating new content or not!!Ready to see better results from Pinterest? Download my free guide here, it teaches you how to turn your Pinterest into a client magnet!!
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