Pinterest. It’s where mood boards come to life, recipes are saved, and dream homes take shape. But it’s also a powerful tool for businesses and bloggers, a place where eye-catching visuals meet smart marketing. This beginner’s guide will show you how to use Pinterest not just for personal enjoyment, but as a way to broaden your reach and boost your brand. I’ll break down how to use Pinterest step by step, sharing some personal stories and experiences along the way.
Whether you’re a seasoned pinner or just starting, understanding how to use Pinterest effectively can change your marketing game. With over 450 million active users, there are customers waiting to discover your business. Pinners are 3.6 times more likely to follow or research brands on Pinterest than on any other social media platform.
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Why Bother With Pinterest?
I get it. Another social media platform, another learning curve. Why add Pinterest to the mix? Let me share a quick story. When I first launched my blog, Get Organized HQ, Pinterest felt like a fluffy add-on.
But I was wrong. It’s become a powerhouse, consistently driving traffic to my blog, thanks to Pinterest content I created months ago. A pin’s half-life isn’t hours or days but a whopping 3.5 months. This is unheard of for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
More than that, Pinterest is a visual search engine. People go to the search bar when looking for ideas, not when aimlessly scrolling. With a targeted strategy and eye-catching images, you don’t need a lot of followers to start making an impact. Consider how people save pins to easily return to ideas later.
How to Use Pinterest: A Step-by-Step Guide
Setting Up Your Profile
First, get your Pinterest account looking top-notch. A cohesive and well-branded profile helps grab and maintain interest. Take my own profile as a case study. It’s all planners and organizing, including content I create plus inspiring pins for home design and quick meals.
Create a space for other “pinners” to visit. Choose a professional yet personable profile picture and username that users will remember. Your profile description should accurately reflect your offerings.
For example, “Planners, organizing resources, and DIY projects for creatives. Free guides + how-tos to stay productive and inspired” gives new visitors insight into your specific focus. Remember to create Pinterest boards, similar to topic files but more visual.
Creating Engaging Boards and Pins
Pinterest boards are where your images live. They organize images based on categories, giving pins a place to settle in. Each image can link back to helpful blog posts, free guides, or other designs.
Images matter on Pinterest. Using vibrant images that capture user attention is key. The ideal aspect ratio is 2:3 (600 pixels wide by 900 pixels high). Think of a crisp Sunday newspaper spread.
You can add customized text overlays. Ensure the messaging blends in smoothly with the overall aesthetic. This provides Pinners both intrigue and easy viewing, especially on mobile.
To create a pin, you can upload an image directly, paste a link, or click on the Pinterest browser extension. This worked like magic on my site’s free downloads. Choose the Rich Pin option whenever posting.
Product Rich Pins reveal useful information including cost. Ensure pins leading off your site open to the relevant page. This guides users exactly where they want to go. There’s nothing more frustrating than clicking an image for a DIY project only to land on an unrelated homepage.
Crafting Compelling Descriptions
Pinterest descriptions are prime real estate for SEO keywords, brand names, and details. Keywords like “planning,” “organizing,” “productivity,” and “time management” lead users seeking structure to my planner content. Use descriptive language and promote your brand authentically.
If your content is on a personal website, be upfront about who you are. Don’t hide your links and brand information. Think of it as a Pinterest “hello.” to new users.
Engagement: More Than Just Pretty Pictures
Pinterest isn’t a one-way street. Engage with other users, commenting and repinning. When new Pinners like your content, visit their page, browse their interests, and return the gesture.
Pin other users’ images, considering how they relate to your content. Community over competition is a win-win. This helps you find ideas and build a presence.
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How To Use Pinterest For Your Business
Pinterest brings unique offerings to your marketing plan. This visual discovery engine is like a highly organized board. Images drive both attention and action. Use Pinterest for finding ideas and to grow brand awareness.
Using Pinterest for Different Industries
High-quality images paired with keyword-rich pin titles and descriptions are essential for any Pinterest marketing strategy. Whether you sell products or promote ideas, creating pins requires careful planning. Pinterest can increase website traffic.
Think of Pinterest as a long game. Pins with optimized descriptions and keywords, paired with consistent effort, create long-term results. Ensure each board is clear and eye-catching, with its topic clearly stated. Use up to 20 relevant hashtags for each pin, considering what your target audience might search for.
| Industry | How to Use Pinterest |
|---|---|
| E-commerce | Showcase product images, create shoppable pins, and run targeted ads. |
| Blogging | Promote blog posts with visuals, create infographics, and engage with readers. |
| Service-based businesses (consultants, coaches, etc.) | Share valuable tips, create infographics, and build authority through informative pins. |
| Nonprofits | Raise awareness, share stories, showcase impact, and drive donations through inspiring images. |
FAQs about how to use Pinterest
How do you use Pinterest effectively?
Use high-quality vertical images and keyword-rich descriptions. Engage with others and follow people and boards aligned with your interests or business. For business accounts, consider running ads and using Rich Pins.
Check your Pinterest analytics often and adjust your strategy based on user data. Look for trending topics within your niche to get style inspiration for pin design and creation. Follow boards relevant to your business.
How to use Pinterest for beginners for free?
Sign up for a free Pinterest account (personal or business). Follow interesting people and boards, create your own boards around themes or interests, and start pinning. Install the “Pin It” browser button to quickly save visuals from websites.
Why would anyone use Pinterest?
Pinterest is like a digital corkboard, style guide, recipe book, DIY guru, wedding assistant, and travelogue. It helps gather ideas for current or future projects, all stored for free with an easily navigated layout. Many users find it enjoyable, similar to browsing magazines.
Pinterest is a great source for style inspiration, DIY projects, and finding ideas for home improvement, recipes, travel, weddings, and more. You can easily create pins, save ideas, create boards, follow people, and even have a private board.
Is Pinterest free or not?
Yes, creating a Pinterest account (personal or business) is free. You can pay to run advertising campaigns, but it’s not required.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – a guide on how to use Pinterest. From setting up your profile and creating eye-catching pins to engagement strategies and SEO tricks, it’s about smart planning and inspiration. Consider how users discover new brands and information, and look for opportunities to increase brand awareness.
Learning how to use Pinterest takes practice. The key is to leverage its functions to offer value to your target audience in inspiring and authentic ways. Using Pinterest effectively involves pinning regularly, scheduling pins, understanding how users save pins, and optimizing your Pinterest content for visual search. Learn about how users discover and save ideas on Pinterest.
