Are you looking for a platform to showcase your creativity, drive traffic to your website, or promote your small business? Pinterest might just be the answer. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of using Pinterest effectively.
What is Pinterest?
Pinterest is a visual discovery and bookmarking platform where users can discover and save ideas for various projects and interests. It’s like a digital bulletin board where you can collect and organise images and links called “Pins” onto different themed boards. You can create a variety of different folders. Allowing you to assign certain pins to certain projects.
It’s a platform for inspiration. Whether you’re planning an event, looking for tattoo designs, aiming to redecorate, or looking for ideas for your business, Pinterest can help. Each person’s account is unique and can be customised to suit their needs. Create boards for different seasons, projects or moments in time and allow the inspiration to come to you.
Getting started
Creating your account: Visit pinterest.com and sign up for an account using your email address or by connecting with your existing social media accounts.
Setting up your profile: Choose a username and upload a profile picture that represents you or your brand. Write a brief bio to tell people about yourself or your business.
Follow accounts: You’ll be required to follow accounts relevant to you. So, have a think about your niche or what you’re looking for. You can follow accounts similar to your work.
Understanding pins and boards
Pins: Pins are images or videos that you save to Pinterest. They can be anything from recipes and DIY projects to fashion inspiration and business tips. You can save Pins from other users or upload your own. You will add Pins to your Boards.
Boards: Boards are where you organise your Pins. Think of them as different categories or themes. For example, you might have boards for “Recipes to try,” “Home decor ideas,” or “Product catalogue.” Boards are houses for your different Pin categories.
How to use Pinterest effectively
Pin creation: Use high-quality images or videos with clear, easy-to-read text overlays. Make sure your Pins are optimised for Pinterest’s vertical format (ideally 2:3 ratio).
Board Organisation: Organise your boards logically and give them descriptive names. This makes it easier for people to find your content when they’re searching for specific topics.
Pin descriptions: When you save a Pin, write a descriptive caption that includes relevant keywords. This helps your Pins appear in search results and can attract more viewers.
Engagement: Engage with other users by liking, commenting on, and repining their content. This not only builds relationships but also increases the visibility of your own Pins.
Following: Follow other users and boards that align with your interests or business niche. This not only provides you with inspiration but also helps you connect with like-minded individuals.
Analytics: Pinterest offers analytics tools to track the performance of your Pins and Boards. Use these insights to understand what content resonates with your audience.
Pinterest for business
If you’re using Pinterest for business purposes, consider creating a business account. This gives you access to additional features like Pinterest Analytics, promoted Pins, and the ability to claim your website. These options aren’t available on a normal Pinterest account.
Pinterest is a powerful platform for sharing ideas, discovering inspiration, and driving traffic to your website or online store. Whether you’re a small business owner, a blogger, or a creative individual, harnessing the potential of Pinterest can help you reach a wider audience,
