July 12, 2024

12 Key Guidelines for Proper Pinning on Pinterest

Pinterest strategy

Pinterest is quickly becoming a key player for many businesses. So, have you checked if your Pinterest profile is pulling its weight for your company? If it feels like it’s lagging a bit, I’ve got 12 straightforward tips to help you step up your pinning game:

Make sure your profile is top-notch: 

If you’re a brand, it’s crucial to switch your account to a business profile and get your website verified. Use a clear, recognizable profile photo, link your other social media accounts, and sprinkle some strategic keywords in your bio to make it easier for people to find you.

Start with a solid content strategy: 

Your main goal should be to entertain, educate, or inspire your followers with content that resonates with them. Not sure what to post? Dive into your website analytics to see what’s trending, or ask your audience directly in your next newsletter. Mixing original and shared content is key.

Here’s a ProTip: 

  • Keep the content coming regularly, so your followers always have something new,
  • But toss in a few unexpected treats from time to time – it really makes people feel special when there’s a reward.
  • Increase engagement by launching some of your content as a series (like on the left side of the screen).
  • Stay current by jumping on trending topics, celebrating holidays, and sharing your take on the latest happenings.
  • But always remember to stay true to what your brand stands for—keep all your content aligned with your mission.

Definitely use hashtags and keywords: 

When you’re setting up your boards or pinning, make sure you include relevant hashtags and keywords. Think about what’s in your image and why someone might be searching for it. Your descriptions should not only describe what’s visible but also hook a viewer by showing how your pin answers their search query.

Go for rich pins: 

Rich pins are very cool and still kind of new on Pinterest. They add extra details to pins, like ingredients for recipes or prices for products. To get these set up, you’ll need to add some meta tags to your website. It sounds techy, but it’s a game changer because it gives your pins more context.

Always opt for high-quality images: 

Pinterest strategy

Pinterest is all about visuals, so high-quality photos really help your pins stand out. These images are more likely to connect with people and get repinned. Try to use images that fill the frame well, especially vertical ones since they take up more space in feeds and really grab attention.

Make your website content pinnable: 

Sprinkle your website with eye-catching, high-quality images that visitors can easily pin. Don’t forget those handy “pin it” buttons near your best images, charts, or infographics to encourage sharing.

Encourage clicks, not just views: 

A beautiful image might get lots of repins, but you also want people to click through to your site. Make sure your pin descriptions hint that there’s more to see on the other side. Use smart labels, maybe a price tag, and a strong call to action to tempt viewers to visit your website.

Link back to the original source: 

Always make sure you’re pinning from and linking back to the original source, not just any random site or image aggregator like Tumblr or Google Images. It’s about respecting copyright and ensuring your followers get quality content from reliable sites.

ProTip: Track Down the Original Source of an Image

Ever stumbled upon a pin that leads nowhere useful? Avoid that frustration for your followers by using a reverse Google Images search. Just save the image, head to images.google.com, and drag the image into the search bar. This will help you find and link back to where the image really comes from, keeping your pins credible and valuable!

Use secret boards as your ninja move: 

Secret boards are fantastic for staying organized behind the scenes. They’re perfect for planning out how you want to arrange your public boards. You can also stash images on them for later, which is a lifesaver when you’re crunched for time.

Be a social butterfly: 

Remember, Pinterest is a social network. Engage with others by following relevant users, and don’t be shy to comment, like, and repin their content. It’s also nice to show some love back to people who share your pins.

Keep an eye on your performance with analytics: 

If you’re putting time into your Pinterest strategy, you’ll want to know how it’s doing, right? Use tools like Pinterest Web Analytics or even third-party apps to track which of your pins are hitting the mark, getting loads of repins, or driving traffic to your site.

Don’t be a jack-of-all-trades: 

Instead of creating a board for every single popular category on Pinterest in hopes of getting more followers, focus on your niche. When you hone in on a specific area, you’ll attract more engaged followers who are into what you’re passionate about.

Don’t turn your page into an ad fest: 

People aren’t on Pinterest to be bombarded with ads. Sure, showcase good content from your site, but also pin content that’s genuinely inspiring, entertaining, or informative from other sources too. Balance is key—make sure you’re offering value, not just promotions.

Conclusion

In the fast-evolving world of social media, mastering Pinterest can give your business a significant edge. It’s not just about pinning randomly; it’s about creating a thoughtful, engaging strategy that captures the essence of your brand and connects with your target audience. By following these guidelines, you’re not just participating in the community—you’re leading it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I update my Pinterest boards?

Aim to update your boards regularly, at least once a week. This keeps your content fresh and engaging for your followers. Consistency is key in keeping your audience interested and engaged.

What are the benefits of using rich pins?

Rich pins provide more context about an idea because they include extra information directly on the pin itself. This can be a game changer for businesses as it allows users to see a snapshot of what the pin links to, whether it’s a product price, article headline, or a recipe. This makes the content more useful and can significantly increase click-through rates.

How can I improve the quality of my pin images?

Use high-resolution images and ensure good lighting and composition. Tools like Adobe Photoshop or free alternatives like Canva can help enhance your images. Remember, visually appealing pins are more likely to get repinned and attract attention to your boards.

Can analytics really make a difference in my Pinterest strategy?

Yes! Analytics help you understand what works and what doesn’t. By analyzing which pins and boards are performing best, you can tailor your content to better suit the preferences of your audience, optimize your posting times, and improve overall engagement.

Is it worth engaging with other Pinterest users?

Yes, engaging with other users by repinning, commenting, and liking their content can significantly increase your visibility and follower engagement. It also helps build relationships and a community around your brand, which can lead to increased loyalty and traffic to your site.

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