If you want to create a Pinterest strategy for your business, it’s important that you understand how Pinterest works and what pins do well on Pinterest. Pinterest has over 100 million monthly active users and there are more than 70 million pins on the site. Pinterest is a social media platform that has quickly gained popularity in the past few years, so it’s no surprise that many people are looking for ways to maximize their Pinterest strategy. But Pinterest isn’t just a social media platform. It is the third-largest search engine right behind Google and YouTube! In this post, we will discuss how to create a Pinterest strategy to utilize for your business!
What is a Pinterest strategy?
A Pinterest strategy is your guide to answer the questions “how, what, when, and where” for each of your pins before they are posted! You can use your strategy for each pin individually as you create new posts, or you can use a strategy where you schedule all of your Pinterest content out a month in advance.
Many bloggers and business owners will create a schedule with a month full of pins to ensure they are always sticking to their strategy and within Pinterest community guidelines. This is by far my favorite way to create my Pinterest strategies!
Your Pinterest strategy depends on what type of business you have and will differ based on what your goals are for using Pinterest. There are many different methods when it comes to Pinterest strategies depending on what type of business you have. For example, If you have an e-commerce business, you can create pins on Pinterest featuring photos of your products. Pinterest created a feature called the product tagging feature that has your product with a link and price on the image. You can link your pins to direct pinners back to your site where they could make purchases. Pinning images of your products will help increase sales opportunities and brand awareness!
A Pinterest strategy should include:
- Choosing the right profile name and handle. You want to be straightforward in your name and include keywords so people can find you easily when searching for specific keywords. Adding keywords to your profile that relate to your niche and industry will optimize your profile for discovery!
- Setting up your boards with keywords in the descriptions. Both Pinterest users and Google understand the content better when your board descriptions are SEO optimized.
- Curating relevant pins on your boards to attract your target audience.
- Creating a daily pinning schedule for your pins with backlinks to your blog posts and website.
The key to creating a high-performing Pinterest strategy is hard work and determination. Yup, I said it. You may not be successful right away with your Pinterest strategy, but over time you will find what types of pins generate the most clicks to your site and evolve your strategy.
Pinterest strategies are NOT a one-size-fits-all. But I promise you that you will be able to create your own successful Pinterest strategy for you and your business!
Time to put in that elbow grease.
What is a good Pinterest strategy?
Since Pinterest is a social media platform, Pinterest users will follow people who post engaging and helpful content. Pinterest users can see all of your pins and follow anyone who has a public account. So, creating boards that are chock full of helpful information (whether that be recipe posts, blog posts, etc) is an effective way of improving your reach and visibility on Pinterest.
Your pins should always include keyword researched titles and easy-to-read descriptions to inform browsing Pinterest users on what your post is about. You should also include high-quality images and graphics in order for people to clearly understand the goal of your pin. Every pin you create should include all of the relevant information about the pin including title, source link, and Pinterest board where you would like the pin to be saved.
As you can see, Pinterest strategies for business depend on what type of business you have and what your goals are for using Pinterest. However, always remember to share high-quality images with relevant descriptions is a sure-fire way to increase your impressions and engagement on your business’ Pinterest profile. People want to find the answers to their questions and search queries FAST, so it is your job to give them all of the relevant info that they are searching for. Wrap all of your information up in a nice little bow AKA your rockstar pins!
How to create a Pinterest strategy:
Creating a Pinterest marketing strategy can sound like an elaborate task. You might think that everyone on Pinterest has this inside secret or trick to a successful Pinterest strategy. You may be constantly asking for advice on how to find a successful Pinterest strategy and double-checking to see if you are pinning “correctly.” But I’m going to be really honest with you here — there aren’t any secret tricks or methods! A Pinterest strategy is not a one size fits all. I know. That is not the answer you were looking for, BUT this does mean that you can still be successful on Pinterest no matter what your niche is!
There are many basic Pinterest strategies for businesses (specifically coaches and blogs) to use on Pinterest, and these are great foundations for our own customized Pinterest strategy.
Here is where the fun comes in: the more hard work you put into your Pinterest profile, the more success you will create in tailoring your own version of a successful Pinterest strategy!
What is the Pinterest algorithm?
As a social network, Pinterest is very different from other search engines. Pinterest has an algorithm as many other social media platforms have. I am sure you are familiar with the Instagram and Facebook algorithms.
The Pinterest algorithm determines what content you see in your Smart Feed and when to show specific types of posts. Unfortunately for us, the Pinterest algorithm has little do with search engine optimization (SEO) and keyword research on the platform. This is not to say you should throw SEO completely out the window. No way. Keyword research is an integral part of creating successful pins and gaining traffic on Pinterest.
An important traffic strategy on Pinterest is how your pins get ranked by the algorithm. The algorithm boosts Pinterest profiles and pins that receive high engagement. The algorithm looks not only at your image and title of each pin, but the Pinterest algorithm looks at your profile, pin title, pin description, and the board information that you are pinning it to. This means knowing some basic SEO strategies will be instrumental to your growth on Pinterest!
How does the Pinterest search algorithm work?
The exact ranking factors built into Pinterest’s algorithm are elusive, but there are a few key points that Pinterest has shared with us. The four main factors influencing how high your boards will rank on Pinterest are:
Domain quality
First things first — domain quality! This refers to what you’re pinning and whether or not it fits in well within our search engine-friendly standards (specifically for images). Pinterest is looking for Pinterest users to find the best pins, and they give preference to those who make Pinterest a great experience. They like it when your images are clear (without pixelation), relevant, and timely — so pinning beautiful photos that capture attention will help you rise in search results.
Timeliness and Relevance of Post Times
Pin-related items like timeliness and relevance of post times are also important Pinterest ranking factors. Pinterest wants to show users the best pins, so they are looking for relevant content that you will find interesting now or in the future – not just when it was originally posted!
Engagement Rate
Your engagement rate is a huge factor in Pinterest’s algorithm, Pinterest takes into account how many times your Pinterest profile is clicked on and what pins are repinned or liked. Content with high levels of Pinterest user interaction signals Pinterest’s algorithm that this is an awesome pin. Pinterest will give Pinterest user preferences more weight than new Pinterest users, so if you have some loyal Pinterest followers who love everything you pin, Pinterest is going to take that into account when ranking your pins higher.
Pinterest Profile Authority and Quality
Pinterest also takes into account Pinterest profile authority and quality. Pinterest looks at how many followers you have, what your follower demographics look like (i.e., are they from the same country or city?), and which boards get pinned most by Pinterest users.
If Pinterest sees that a large percentage of its Pinterest audience is pinning things to one specific Pinterest board, Pinterest will assume that is one of your best boards and push it to Pinterest’s top rankings.
What is the Pinterest Algorithm?
The ranking factors for Pinterest are tough to figure out, but there have been a few key points that the site has shared with us. Domain quality and Pin-quality seem like they would be fairly important in influencing your rank on this social media platform — which makes sense considering how many users come here from Google searches! But what about pinner values?
This is where you as an individual can make or break your online presence so it’s good practice not only to spend time creating high-quality content (which will also help improve domain ratings) but also sharing items others find valuable via other social media platforms. Pinterest is always looking for Pinterest Creators to create the best content, and they give preference to those who make Pinterest a great experience (and retain Pinterest’s users on the platform!). They like it when you pin clear (without pixelation), relevant, and timely posts that will attract new Pinterest followers!
What Does Pinterest Engagement Rate Mean?
When someone sees your pins in their feed and pins them to a board or clicks through to your website, this queues the Pinterest algorithm and lets it know you have valuable content. Pinterest will then promote your pins even more! Since Pinterest is a social media platform, the algorithm wants to give users the best content they can find. This means you need a lot of engagement on your pins and Pinterest profile in order for Pinterest to think you have valuable content.
The Pinterest algorithm takes into account how many times people click on your profile, pin, or board from Pinterest. Pinterest also looks at how many times your pins are repinned, liked on Pinterest, and clicked through to the original source of the pin. Pinterest will consider all of these signals when ranking you in search results or a specific board related to your niche!
This means that engagement is everything if you want Pinterest’s algorithm to rank you higher than your competitors. Pinterest is not a “set it and forget” platform! You have to be constantly pinning relevant content, engaging with users on Pinterest — anything that gets Pinterest excited about how much you are using the site is a win. An even bigger win is showing the Pinterest algorithm just how helpful you are being by posting such great, engaging content! Hello, Pinterest user retention.
How do I implement a Pinterest strategy?
A Pinterest strategy should be specific to your business or personal brand — so the first step is thinking about how you want people to perceive you on Pinterest!
First, you must ask yourself these questions:
- What kind of pins would resonate with your ideal audience?
- What types of boards would be relevant to your ideal Pinterest user and how can you ensure that those pinners will see your pins on their feed?
- What type of content can I create that will help my audience the most?
Once you have a good idea of what content you want to post, it’s time to get creative. The more original the ideas for pins are, the better Pinterest will like you.
Pinterest’s algorithm likes to reward Pinterest users who are original and unique — so push yourself to create original content! Try your best not to pin the same thing as other Pinterest users or brands. There is no worse feeling than seeing your hard work copied and ripped off by someone else, so please be that person. It will ultimately hurt you in the long run.
Pinterest is not a short and fast game, but if you are in it for the long haul, you can see incredible success! Pinterest is a pretty awesome place, but you’ll never know what could become popular if you don’t try different styles of content. The best pins will always rise to the top of the algorithm!
How do I know which of my Pinterest pins are doing the best?
Pinterest offers a ton of tools to help Pinterest users pin and optimize their Pinterest pins for Pinterest’s search engine — so take advantage! You can use Pinterest Analytics to monitor how your Pinterest account is performing.
Pinterest Analytics will show you data on Pinterest users who have visited your site and how they found Pinterest. You can also use Pinterest analytics to track which of your Pinterest pins are getting the most re-pins, repins, likes/dislikes, comments, clicks, or follow-throughs!
This information can help you better target the right audience for each pin — which is exactly what Pinterest wants! You should be able to use Pinterest Analytics and Pinterest Insights (which is a part of Pinterest Analytics) to develop the best possible pins for your audience.
A great Pinterest strategy can help you build relationships, grow an online presence — and even earn some extra cash on the side! Just remember that quality matters, so make sure Pinterest users are getting the best from you. Pinterest is a powerful social media platform, and when Pinterest likes your pins — it can be an epic win for everyone!
What is a Pinterest strategist?
Pinterest strategists (also called Pinterest managers) are Pinterest experts who can help you create and manage Pinterest marketing campaigns for your business. Pinterest strategists help their clients understand Pinterest’s tools and how to get the most out of Pinterest for their business. A Pinterest strategist can also provide you with analytics, data, information on best practices so that your business will be successful on Pinterest!
Pinterest strategists also manage their client’s Pinterest accounts with the goal of increasing brand awareness and driving Pinterest traffic back to a business’s website.
Having an effective Pinterest strategist or Pinterest manager helps businesses generate more sales and brand awareness because there’s no more passivity about what should happen on their Pinterest social media platform. Pinterest strategists do most of the work going into creating content that will engage the client’s audience and turn followers into fans!
What does a Pinterest strategist do?
A good Pinterest Strategist will help you clarify your vision for the future of your business. A Pinterest strategist or manager uses research and data analytics in order to paint a clear picture about what direction is best suited towards achieving goals so that it aligns with everything else going on right now too!
âž¡ï¸ Click here for an in-depth look at my Pinterest management services ⬅ï¸
A great Pinterest strategist can also take an average account and turn them into something successful – whether through content planning or scheduling pins based on current trends/search queries from potential clients who have been pinpointed by demographics software like Google Analytics — and save all those busy entrepreneurs hours each week doing this work themselves instead!
Where do I go from here?
It is time for YOU to start crushing Pinterest too! Pinterest is a powerful social media platform, and when Pinterest likes your pins — it can be an epic win for everyone! Your Pinterest strategy will be important to help you build relationships and grow an online presence.
A great Pinterest Strategy will ensure high-quality pin content to serve your audience! If all of this sounds intimidating and you want to partner with someone who has experience creating successful Pinterest strategies, let me know if you are interested in learning about how we can work together to create a killer Pinterest strategy for your business!
âž¡ï¸ Click here for an in-depth look at my Pinterest management services ⬅ï¸
Related Posts:
- What is a Pinterest Manager? How to Grow Your Pinterest Account with a Pinterest Marketing Strategist
- How to Use Pinterest Analytics: What They Mean and How They Help
- How to Create a Pinterest Business Profile: The Ultimate Guide
- Free Pinterest Pin Planning Template
- How to Delete a Pinterest Account or Temporarily Deactivate Your Pinterest Account [2022]
Jean says
This is a great and thorough article on how to use pinterest to have more audience! Thanks for this.
sammytravis says
Thank you so much, Jean. I am glad you learned some tips from it!
Victoria Prasad says
Wow! Just wow! I think you spelled this out perfectly! Thank you for sharing your obvious wealth of information on this topic which can be quite baffling for a beginner. I think a LOT of people will benefit from your article! Great job!
sammytravis says
Thank you so much for all of your kind words, Victoria! Please share the post with anyone whom it may help!
Pat says
Thanks for sharing and all the tips! I’m just getting started on pinterest so this was helpful!!
sammytravis says
I am so happy to hear that, Pat! Good luck getting started!
Rebby says
Thanks for these tips! I’ll definitely be implementing them on my Pinterest!
sammytravis says
Thanks, Rebby. Let me know how the implementation goes!
Lyssa day says
I totally need to refresh my Pinterest strategy and this was insanely helpful. I also saved the article to refer back to later. 🙂
Anna says
Pinterest is one of my favorite social media platforms, but I should also refresh my strategy. Thank you for sharing those tips! 🙂
sammytravis says
It is my favorite too! Thanks, Anna!
jennrecord says
this is the first post I have read that so clearly and succinctly explains the algorithms… thank you! Very helpful advice…
sammytravis says
Thank you so much, Jenn! That is such a wonderful compliment. I am glad this post made an impact!
Nicole @ MillenialMom says
Thank you for all of these helpful tips! I have been trying to improve my performance on Pinterest. I am currently about 30-40K monthly views, but my click through to my website is only about 1-2%. I am not sure if that is typical? I think partly the problem is pinning to too many group boards that aren’t specific enough to my niche. Can this hurt my stats on Pinterest and make me look spammy? I am trying to improve my SEO there and I will be sure to try and create a better schedule. I also just signed up for Tailwind and hoping the community there will help too! Do you like Tailwind or Canva better?
sammytravis says
Hi Nicole! 1-2% is a good click-through rate, especially when you take into account your monthly views which will continue to grow. If you are getting 40k monthly views, with a 1-2% click-through rate, you are generating 400-800 more views on your site than if you weren’t using Pinterest. I would suggest staying within your niche as much as possible to help guide the Pinterest algorithm. I LOVE Tailwind and Canva! I use Canva to create my graphics, but I use Tailwind to schedule my pins. I highly suggest scheduling all of your pins in Tailwind!
Reut shaviro says
Nice post 🙂
Claudia says
I’m thinking of getting back on Pinterest so thank you so much for all these tips. They will definitely help me to get started again!!
sammytravis says
Hi Claudia, getting back on Pinterest is definitely worth the extra work in my opinion!
Christine says
I am in the process of setting up my Pinterest account. Thank you for this information. I will use as a guide. I need all the help I can get!
sammytravis says
Hi Christine, I am happy to help! Here is another post about how to set up your Pinterest business profile. https://dailycreativeco.com/pinterest-business-profile-the-ultimate-guide/
Maureen says
I have been on Pinterest for a few years but don’t really understand it too well. Sometimes I get noticed and other times, you can hear flies buzzing about! I found your post helpful in the sense that I don’t really have a strategy and while reading, I am now questioning exactly what I have been doing all this time?! I have pinned your post so I can refer back to it time and time again. I hope to make an improvement on my blog views!
sammytravis says
Hi Maureen, thank you for such wonderful feedback! I hope you can use this post to create a Pinterest strategy to improve your views!
Headphonesthoughts says
This was a good refresher for me. I have been using Pinterest now for over a year and its great for bringing in traffic to my blog but is good to have strategy. I will admit I haven’t had a strategy in a little bit.
sammytravis says
A strategy refresh is always helpful to give your traffic a boost. Glad to hear you are getting great traffic from Pinterest!
Nicole R. says
Love this! Look forward to applying these tips to grow my Pinterest platform. I love how you have everything laid out where it’s easy to read and find. I can also tell you did your research on this topic. Props! Thanks for sharing!
sammytravis says
Hi Nicole, thank you so much for the sweet comment! I really appreciate it. I hope you find success using these tips!
Kelly says
This is great info. Very clear to understand. Thank you!
sammytravis says
Thank you so much, Kelly!
Hailey | The Restless Adventurer says
These were super helpful tips! I’m just getting into Pinterest for my new blog and I’ll definitely be using this info. Thanks for sharing.
sammytravis says
Thanks for the kind comment, Hailey. I am happy to help!
Maria Grove says
Super great content – I learned a lot ! Thanks.
sammytravis says
Thank you so much, Maria. I am glad you got some information out of it!