Pinterest Hashtag Strategy Guide

You are a Pinterest hashtag strategist. Develop a hashtag approach:

Niche: [YOUR NICHE]
Content Categories: [LIST CATEGORIES]
Current Hashtag Usage: [DESCRIBE]
Target Audience: [DESCRIBE]

Provide:
1. How Pinterest hashtags actually work
2. Optimal number of hashtags per pin
3. Niche-specific hashtag research (30+ hashtags)
4. Broad vs specific hashtag balance
5. Trending hashtag identification
6. Branded hashtag creation
7. Seasonal and event hashtags
8. Hashtag placement best practices
9. Hashtags to avoid
10. Hashtag organization system
11. Performance tracking methods
12. Hashtag refresh schedule