5 Pinterest Secrets to Help You Reach Your Business Goals
You may be wondering why you should bother learning Pinterest secrets. After all, you’re already super busy and don’t have time to learn something new. But consider this: Pinterest is a search engine. Just like Google, people use Pinterest to find what they’re looking for. And if you’re not using Pinterest to reach your business goals, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity.
The common challenge people have with Pinterest is that they don’t understand how to use it. As a result, they create pins that don’t get attention, boards that aren’t keyword optimized, and ineffective descriptions. Plus, they don’t track their results, so they don’t know what’s working and what’s not.
If you are a content creator who wants to use Pinterest to reach your business goals, you need to understand how it works. That means learning the secrets to success.
This article will cover everything from creating attention-getting pins to writing great content descriptions. We’ll also talk about what fresh pins are and why they matter.
Are you ready to learn some Pinterest tricks?
This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using this link. For more information, see my full disclaimer here.
1. Pinterest is (mainly) a search engine
Pinterest is often misunderstood as a social media platform when it’s actually a search engine. Just like Google, people use Pinterest to find what they’re looking for.
Pinterest is a visual search engine
Pinterest is a visual search engine which means that people use it to find images rather than text. So if you want your pins to be found, you need to use search engine optimization techniques for Pinterest, just like you would for Google.
That means using keywords and descriptions that accurately reflect what your pin is about. If you already understand Google SEO, then you are a step ahead in using Pinterest to drive traffic.
Pinterest is a search platform with a social component
Pinterest is a search engine, but it also has a social aspect. This means that you can gain followers for your Pinterest account and your boards. And while people can comment on your pins, you won’t find the same type of community engagement you see on other social media platforms.
Pinterest users want to discover content
When people hop onto Pinterest, they type in queries and topics and seek out pins that fulfill their requests. They aren’t looking for your business or your products. So you need to create visual content that will catch their attention and make them want to click through to your website.
2. Create pins that get attention
When creating pins, it’s important to remember that you’re competing with other pins for attention. If your pins don’t stand out, they’ll get lost in the shuffle, and no one will see them. That’s why creating pins that get attention is such a vital part of Pinterest marketing.
Creating pins that get attention is a vital part of Pinterest marketing.
Create eye-catching pins
One of the best ways to create pins that get attention is to make them eye-catching. This means using bright colors, easy-to-read fonts, and attractive images. Plus, you want to make sure your pins are the right size. Too small, and they’ll get lost on the page. Too large, and they’ll take up too much space. The current best practice for image size is 1000 x 1500 px.
Use a catchy headline on your pin
Another way to create pins that get attention is to use a catchy headline. This means using a headline that grabs the reader’s attention and makes them want to learn more. For example, you could use a question as your headline or make a bold statement.
Include a call to action
A call to action (CTA) is an instruction to the Pinterest user telling them what they should do next. For example, “click here” or “sign up now.” When you include a CTA on your pin, you’re increasing the chances that the reader will take action.
Create pins that are relevant to your target audience
The best way to create pins that get attention is to create pins relevant to your target audience. This means using keywords and descriptions that accurately reflect what your pin is about. And it means using images and fonts that appeal to your target market.
3. Great pin descriptions are essential
One of the best ways to get your pins seen is to write great pin descriptions. Remember that Pinterest is a search engine. Your pin description provides important information that Pinterest will use to display your pins in the search results.
A good pin description will do several things:
- It will accurately reflect what the pin is about
- It will use keywords that people will use to search for pins like yours
- It will be interesting and catchy so that people will want to read it
- It will include a call to action, telling the reader what they should do next
How to use keywords in your pin descriptions
When you’re writing your pin descriptions, it’s essential to use keywords that people will use to search for pins like yours. This means using the same keywords you used in your pin title and your pin image.
For example, if you’re a wedding planner, you might want to use the keyword phrase “wedding planning tips.” This phrase is specific to your business and will help you reach the right people.
How to write interesting and catchy pin descriptions
In addition to using keywords, you also want to write pin descriptions that are interesting and catchy. You don’t want to write a description that is simply a list of keywords. That’s called keyword stuffing, and it’s frowned upon.
Make your descriptions read like a story. Be sure to use strong verbs and exciting adjectives to describe your pins.
And be sure to include a call to action, telling the reader what they should do next.
How to include a call to action in your pin descriptions
Including a call to action in your pin descriptions is a great way to increase the chances that the reader will take action. A good call to action should tell the reader what they should do next without being too pushy.
Some good calls to action include:
- Click through to learn more!
- Enter your name and email address for instant access!
- Download your free printable [name of freebie]!
- Take a look at our [insert topic of blog post].
- Here are some of the best tips for [topic].
4. Pinterest can read your image
Did you know that Pinterest can read your images? That’s right- Pinterest uses image recognition technology to identify the content of pins.
What Pinterest reads in your images
Pinterest reads the words that are part of your text overlay.
It also “reads” the photo you’ve included in the graphic.
How to leverage Pinterest’s image recognition technology
Be sure that you choose a photo that relates to your topic. This is important whether you take your own photos or use stock photos.
You also want to make sure that your text is readable.
I mentioned that earlier in the section about creating pins that get attention. But it bears repeating here because the algorithm is also trying to read the text overlay. So if you use a fancy script font, the algorithm may not be able to identify the words.
5. Pinterest wants fresh content
Pinterest wants fresh pins – meaning that they are new and haven’t been seen before. This is because fresh content provides a better user experience.
Pinterest users don’t want to see the same pins over and over.
What exactly is fresh content?
Pinterest defines fresh content as an image or video that hasn’t been seen before. This means the whole image – background, color, logo, photo, text overlay, etc.
It’s helpful to understand what this means for you, the content creator. It does not mean you have to write a brand-new blog post (or create a new YouTube video, etc.). Instead, you can create fresh images for your existing content. Experienced pinners know to make multiple pins for each piece of core content.
What are some easy ways to create fresh content?
- Change the background color
- Change the photo
- Write a different headline and use a different font
- Use the same photo and headline, but change the design layout (this is easy to do if you use templates)
- Mix and match the above ideas
Pinterest secrets wrap-up + a bonus tip
Using Pinterest to reach your small business goals can be a great way to drive traffic to your website or blog. You can use Pinterest to share your content, and you can also use it to generate leads.
To achieve success on Pinterest, you need to create pins that get attention, write great pin descriptions, and make sure your Pinterest images are readable. Finally, you should know that Pinterest wants fresh pins.
And finally, if you want to take your Pinterest strategy to the next level, consider taking a course. I recommend Pinteresting Strategies for both newbies and experienced pinners. It will take you from setting up your Pinterest account all the way through a deep dive into the Pinterest algorithm.
You can read my complete Pinteresting Strategies Review here.
FAQs
The best way to increase your Pinterest traffic is to create pins that get attention, write great Pin Descriptions, and make sure your images are readable.
If you want your pins to be seen by more people, you need to learn Pinterest SEO (i.e., how to use keywords on Pinterest). You can also use Pinterest ads (aka promoted pins).
The best way to generate leads from Pinterest is to create high-quality content that is specifically targeted toward reaching potential email subscribers. Running Pinterest ads is a good way to grow your email list.
If none of your pins are getting impressions, you may need to change how you design them or improve your Pin Descriptions. Try different image styles first. Then try different keywords on both your images and in your descriptions.
You can also try using promoted pins, but that is a more advanced strategy.
If your pins are getting impressions but no clicks, then try a more compelling call-to-action.
The best way to learn more about Pinterest is to take a course like Pinteresting Strategies. You can read my complete review of that course here.
Want to remember this? Save Pinterest Secrets to your favorite Pinterest Board.
More posts to help you use Pinterest for your business:
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