When it comes to digital investigations and research, platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram might come to mind first. But have you considered Pinterest? This image-centric platform, known for inspiring wedding trends and DIY projects, is an untapped resource for finding people and piecing together valuable information.

Step 1: Leverage the Search Bar

The Pinterest search bar works like a standard search engine but is tailored towards visual content. To find someone, start with basic search terms like their full name, username (if known), or professional keywords related to their work.

For example: Searching “Jessica Aussie graphic designer Sydney” may lead you to her curated boards featuring her portfolio or design inspirations.

Step 2: Use Advanced Search Filters

Pinterest allows you to narrow down results through filters like “Pins,” “Boards,” or “Profiles.” Here’s how they’re useful:

• Pins will surface any images or links tagged with your chosen terms.
• Boards will reveal curated collections of pins about the topic related to your search, many of which are tied to specific users.
• People specifically displays profiles of individuals, making this an especially valuable filter when searching for someone by name.

Step 3: Search Indirectly

If a direct name search doesn’t yield results, think broadly:

• Use locations, interests, or companies associated with the person and see if related boards surface their activity.
• Check linked websites or social media accounts in pins for secondary leads.

Pro Tip

Pinterest users often pin their blog posts, LinkedIn profiles, or even resumes. If someone has a professional online presence, there’s a good chance you’ll catch traces of it on Pinterest.