Pinterest works more like a search engine than a social feed. People type what they want, and Pinterest shows the pins that match best. Your pin title and description are a big part of how it decides what your pin is about.
Here’s how to write both, with examples.
Pin title vs. the text on your image
These are two different things:
- The text on your image is what people read in the feed. It should be short, bold and easy to read at small sizes.
- The pin title is what you type into Pinterest when you create the pin. It can be longer and more descriptive, and it helps your pin show up in search.
They can say the same thing in different words. That’s a good chance to use two related keywords.
How to write a pin title
Pinterest allows up to 100 characters for a pin title. Use them well:
- Start with the main keyword. Put the phrase people search for near the beginning.
- Be specific. Say exactly what’s in the post.
- Add a benefit or detail. “on a budget”, “in 10 minutes”, “for beginners”, when it’s true.
- Write for people. It should read like a headline, not a list of keywords.
Examples:
- Weak: “Kitchen Ideas”
- Better: “Small Kitchen Storage Ideas”
- Best: “20 Small Kitchen Storage Ideas That Make Room on a Budget”
- Weak: “Dinner Recipe”
- Better: “Easy Chickpea Curry”
- Best: “Easy Chickpea Curry in 30 Minutes (One Pot, Vegan)”
How to write a pin description
Descriptions can be up to 800 characters. They don’t show in the main feed, but Pinterest uses them to understand your pin and match it to searches.
A simple formula that works:
- One sentence on what it is, using your main keyword.
- One or two sentences on what’s inside or why it’s useful, using related keywords.
- A short call to action, like “Read the full list” or “Get the recipe”.
Example:
Short on space? These small kitchen storage ideas help you use every corner, from open shelves and pull-out drawers to hidden spice racks. Easy, budget-friendly ways to organize a tiny kitchen and keep counters clear. Tap to see all 20 ideas.
Notice the related phrases: “small kitchen storage ideas”, “organize a tiny kitchen”, “budget-friendly”. They read naturally, and each one matches something people search for.
Finding the right keywords
You don’t need paid tools to start:
- Use Pinterest search suggestions. Type your topic into Pinterest search and look at the phrases it suggests as you type.
- Look at the filter words. After searching, Pinterest shows extra words under the search bar. They’re popular refinements of your topic.
- Check Pinterest Trends to see what’s growing and when it peaks in the year.
Pick one main keyword per pin and a few related ones for the description.
Should you use hashtags?
Hashtags matter much less on Pinterest than on Instagram. A few relevant ones at the end of your description won’t hurt, but a well-written title and description do far more work. Never stuff a description with keywords or hashtags; it reads badly and doesn’t help.
Don’t forget alt text
Pinterest lets you add alt text, a short description of the image for people who use screen readers. Describe what’s in the picture: “Small kitchen with open wooden shelves and labeled jars along the wall.” It’s good for accessibility and helps describe your pin.
Quick checklist
- Main keyword at the start of the title
- Title is specific and under 100 characters
- Description explains what’s inside, with 2–3 related keywords
- Short call to action at the end
- Alt text describes the image
- Pin links to the exact page it promotes
Make the pin first
Need the image? Make your pin with PinMaker HQ in under a minute: add photos, type a title, pick a layout, download. Then follow our step-by-step guide to publish it.
Source for limits: Pinterest Help: review Pin specs.