How to Use Pinterest for Beginners :8 Simple Steps to Get Started

Starting a blog and wondering how to use Pinterest for beginners?

You’re not alone. Most new bloggers look at Pinterest and feel overwhelmed.

All those boards, pins, and keywords seem confusing.

Without Pinterest, your blog posts sit unnoticed.

Other bloggers get thousands of visitors from Pinterest while you struggle to get even a few clicks.

You watch your traffic stay flat while theirs grows every month.

Pinterest is actually simple once you know the basics.

This guide shows you exactly how to set up your account, create boards, and write descriptions that get found.

Follow these 8 steps and you’ll start getting real traffic to your blog.

Save/Pin the image below👇because I often update my posts. So stay informed with this blog “How to Use Pinterest for Beginners” and save it.

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This page have some affiliate links. In other words, if you buy from my links, I may get a commission. Some images were sourced from Deposit Photos

Ready to Learn How to Start a Thriving Pinterest Blog? Click Here Now

1. Create a business Pinterest account

Getting started on Pinterest is easy.

You can set up a free business account in just a few minutes.

A business account gives you access to helpful tools like analytics to see how your pins perform.

You can also run ads if you want to reach more people.

There are two ways to get a business account:

Create a new account from scratch, or convert your personal account to a business one.

Go to Pinterest’s website and click “Create account.”

Choose the business option when prompted.

Fill in your business name, email, and password.

And pick a username that matches your brand or business name.

Add your business details like your website and location to help people find you more easily.

Upload a clear profile picture that shows your brand.

Write a short bio that explains what your business does.

Keep it simple and use keywords that describe your interests or business.

For example, if you share cooking content, mention “easy recipes” or “home cooking” in your bio.

This helps people find you when they search for those topics.

2. Claim your Website on Pinterest

Claiming your website on Pinterest connects your site to your business account and unlocks analytics so you can see how your pins perform.

You need to own your website’s domain to claim it and have access to edit your website’s code or use a website builder.

Pinterest offers several ways to verify your site.

The HTML tag method works for most websites—just copy a special code and add it to your website’s header section.

If you use WordPress, you can add the code through your theme editor.

Wix and Squarespace users can paste it in their site settings.

The meta tag method is another option.

You get a verification file to upload to your website’s root folder.

Once you add the code, go back to Pinterest and click verify.

Pinterest checks if the code is there correctly.

After verification, you’ll see a checkmark next to your website URL.

This shows other users that you own the site.

Claimed websites get better analytics data.

You can track which pins drive the most traffic to your site.

And when you claim your website, you’ll have rich pins available.

Rich Pins pull information straight from my website to my pins.

I use them because they add extra details that make people want to click on my pins more.

Still unsure about claiming a website on Pinterest? Then read my full guide on How to Claim your Website on Pinterest in 5 Steps.

Claiming a website or social link on Pinterest. An important marketing strategy.
  • @jasonoudotcom
  • @jasonoudotcom

Figure 1: How to claim your website on Pinterest.

3. Find the right Pinterest keywords

Keywords are the secret to getting found on Pinterest.

When people search for ideas, they type words into the search bar.

You want your pins to show up in those searches.

Start with Pinterest’s search bar.

Type a word that relates to your content and watch what appears in the dropdown menu.

These suggestions are real searches people make on Pinterest.

Write down all the keyword ideas you see.

Look for phrases that match what your audience wants.

If you blog about healthy dinner recipes, you might find “healthy dinner recipes for  family” or “healthy dinner recipes for two.”

As Well, check out Pinterest Trends to see what’s popular right now.

This free tool shows you which keywords are getting more searches and gives you related keyword ideas.

Look at successful pins in your topic area.

Read their titles and descriptions to see what keywords they use.

This can spark new ideas for your own keyword list.

One last point.

You can try different keyword combinations.

Instead of just “recipes,” use “30-minute recipes” or “budget-friendly meals.” Longer phrases often work better because they’re more specific.

Make a list of 10-20 keywords that fit your content.

👋A  Quick Note: You’ll use these keywords in your pin titles, pin descriptions, board descriptions and board names to help people find your pins.

Screenshot about how to find keywords for beginners with Pinterest search.
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  • @jasonoudotcom

Figure 2: How to use Pinterest to find your ideal keywords.

4. Create boards to organize your pins

Boards are like folders that help you sort your pins by topic.

Think of them as digital collections where you save ideas that interest you.

You can create boards from your profile page or while saving a pin.

Start with topics you care about most.

Popular board ideas include recipes, home decor, fashion, travel, and DIY projects.

Pick names that clearly describe what you’ll save there.

Keep your board titles simple, keyword optimized and easy to understand.

Other users should know what to expect when they click on your board.

You can make boards public or keep them secret.

Secret boards are great for planning surprises or personal projects.

Consider creating specific boards instead of general ones.

“Quick Weeknight Dinners” works better than just “Food” because it’s more focused.

Pinterest also offers sections within boards.

These let you divide one board into smaller groups for better organization.

👋A quick reminder: Make sure your board titles and descriptions are keyword optimized.

5. Upload your own pins to share original content

Creating your own pins lets you share original content with Pinterest users.

You can use free tools like Canva to help you design a vertical pin that contains a high quality image and a text overlay or headline for your pin.

The text itself should contain the most important message.

You can then upload these pins or videos from your computer, tablet, or phone.

Start by clicking the “+” button on your Pinterest homepage.

Select “Create Pin” from the menu options.

Choose the pin or video you want to upload from your device.

Pinterest accepts most common file types for both photos and videos.

Remember to add a compelling title and keyword that describes your content.

Write a detailed description using keywords people might search for.

Pick the right board to save your pin.

You can also create a new board if none of your existing ones fit.

Make sure your images are high quality and vertical if possible.

Pinterest favors tall images that take up more space in feeds.

Add your website link if you want people to visit your site.

This helps drive traffic back to your content.

Upload pins regularly to stay active on the platform.

Fresh content helps you show up in more searches and recommendations.

🎨 Need Help With Pinterest Graphics? Use Templates!

Making good-looking pins takes time.

Not all of us have hours to sit in Canva creating designs from scratch.

And coming up with new ideas for pins every week?

That gets tiring too.


💡 Here’s a Shortcut That Saves Hours:

Use Pinterest templates!

I use this Viral Pinterest Template bundle for Canva, which has saved me hours of headaches.

It’s perfect for busy bloggers who want to:

  • Save time on design
  • Create click-worthy pins faster
  • Stay consistent without burnout

👉 Grab these Pinterest Pin Savvy templates here


✅ Why These Templates Work:

  • Made for bloggers by a blogger
  • Fully customizable in free Canva
  • Designs that actually get clicks
  • Batch create pins in minutes, not hours

You just drag, drop, tweak the text ... and boom! Done.

👉 Grab your viral Pinterest templates here and start creating pins the easy way!


6. Write clear and catchy pin descriptions

Your pin description tells people what your pin is about.

It helps them decide if they want to click on it.

Write descriptions that are easy to read.

Use simple words that your audience understands. Keep your sentences short and clear.

Add keywords that people search for.

Think about what words someone would type to find your content. Use these words naturally in your description.

Make your description longer than just a few words.

Pinterest likes descriptions with more details. Aim for at least one full sentence that explains your pin.

Start with the most important information first.

Tell people what they will get if they click your pin. Be specific about what you are sharing.

Use a call-to-action at the end.

Tell people what to do next, like “click to read more” or “save this for later.”

Write like you are talking to a friend.

Keep your tone casual and friendly. This makes people want to connect with your content.

Test different descriptions to see what works best.

Pay attention to which pins get more clicks and saves.

7. Pin regularly to keep your boards fresh and engaging

Pinterest works best when you stay active.

You should pin new content several times each week to keep your boards looking fresh.

Aim to pin 3-5 times per day if possible.

This helps more people see your content. You can space out your pins throughout the day instead of posting them all at once.

Mix up your content types.

Pin your own photos along with content from other users. This variety keeps your boards interesting for followers.

Create a simple schedule that works for you.

Maybe you pin in the morning with coffee or during lunch breaks. Pick times when you can be consistent.

Don’t forget about your older boards.

Add new pins to boards you made months ago. This brings them back to life and helps new people find them.

You can use Pinterest’s scheduling tools to plan pins ahead of time.

This helps you stay active even when you’re busy with other things.

8. Use keywords to improve pin searchability

Pinterest works like a search engine.

People type words to find content they want. You need to use the right keywords so your pins show up in searches.

Start by thinking about what words your audience would type.

If you share cookie recipes, they might search for “easy chocolate chip cookies” or “homemade desserts.”

Use Pinterest’s search bar to find popular keywords.

Type in a word and see what suggestions pop up. These are real searches people are doing.

Then …

  • Put keywords in your pin titles and descriptions: Write naturally and don’t stuff too many keywords in one place. Pinterest can tell when you’re trying too hard.
  • Add keywords to your board names and descriptions too: This helps Pinterest understand what your content is about.
  • Add the main keywords in your profile.

For more keyword ideas, you can look at what successful pinners in your niche are doing.

Check their pin descriptions and board names for keyword ideas.

Pinterest trends shows you what people are searching for right now.

Use this tool to find trending keywords for your pins.

Remember that Pinterest SEO takes time.

Keep using relevant keywords and your pins will start showing up in more searches.


Real Quick

By the way, if you need a planner to stay organized with your weekly pins and keywords, then check out this Printable Power Planner below👇👇👇

How to Use Pinterest for Beginners : The Wrap

Side view of a blogger typing on a laptop keyword and with an overlay text that says "How to Use Pinterest for Beginners"
  • @jasonoudotcom
  • @jasonoudotcom

Learning how to Pinterest for beginners comes down to understanding the basics and staying consistent.

Set up your business account, create clear boards, and pin regularly to build your following.

The biggest mistake beginners make is ignoring keywords.

Pinterest works like Google – people search for ideas using specific words.

If you don’t use the right keywords, nobody will find your pins.

How to Use Keywords on Pinterest:

  • Pin titles – Use 2-3 keywords that describe your content clearly
  • Pin descriptions – Write longer descriptions with keywords that sound natural
  • Board names – Choose specific names like “Quick Dinner Recipes” instead of just “Food”
  • Board descriptions – Add a short explanation using relevant keywords
  • Profile bio – Include keywords that describe what you share

Find keywords by typing in Pinterest’s search bar and watching what suggestions appear.

These are real searches people make every day.

Start with 5-10 boards on topics you love. Pin 3-5 times daily, mixing your own content with other people’s pins.

Write descriptions like you’re talking to a friend – keep it simple and helpful.

Pinterest takes time to work, but these basics will get you real traffic if you stick with them.

Focus on helping people find solutions to their problems.

Ready to Learn How to Start a Thriving Pinterest Blog? Click Here Now

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

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Bluehost is a great starting point for beginners or bloggers who want to switch to a reliable web hosting service. And it gives you the best bang for your buck - starting at $2.95 a month*.

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WPX Hosting

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Aweber

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