Pinterest - a relatively overlooked platform - can seem like a mystery for many internet marketers. But with 537 million monthly active users[1], Pinterest shouldn’t be forgotten as a traffic-driving force.

Indeed, it’s not just a social media platform but a search engine that can generate significant referral traffic with the right strategies.

So, if you're keen on expanding your audience reach and increasing your website traffic, Pinterest could be your next best ally.

Let’s look into some Pinterest marketing tips for beginners to help you make the most of this platform's power.

Understanding Pinterest: Not Just Another Social Network

Before we delve into tips and tricks, it's crucial to understand what makes Pinterest unique.

Unlike Facebook or Instagram, Pinterest is a visual discovery engine where users are actively searching for inspiration, products, and ideas. It’s akin to Google in that users often arrive with purchasing intent.

This makes it an excellent platform not only for brand awareness but also for driving traffic back to your website.

Optimizing Your Pinterest Profile

Think of your Pinterest profile as your storefront. It's where users will decide at a glance whether they want to engage with your content or keep scrolling.

1. Profile Picture and Bio: Use a high-quality, easily recognizable profile picture—preferably your logo or a professional photo of yourself if you’re the brand. Your bio should clearly articulate who you are, what you do, and include keywords related to your niche.

2. Claim Your Website: By claiming your website on Pinterest, you can access analytics for the Pins you post from your site. This also helps build credibility among Pinterest users, as claimed websites add your logo to any of your Pins.

Creating Click-Worthy Pins

A visually appealing, engaging Pin is the cornerstone of a successful Pinterest strategy. Since Pinterest is all about visuals, investing time in creating high-quality Pins is crucial.

1. Vertical Images: Utilize images in the 2:3 aspect ratio. Vertical images perform best since they take up more space in users’ feeds, making them more eye-catching.

2. Use Text Overlays: Adding text overlays can make your message clearer and encourage users to engage with your content. Think of your text overlay like a headline—it should be concise but compelling enough to make the user want to click.

3. Pin Descriptions: A good Pin description is a blend of a captivating storytelling element and keyword-focused SEO. Describe what users can expect if they click through, and use keywords naturally to help your Pin surface in search results.

SEO for Pinterest

Just like Google, Pinterest relies heavily on keywords to surface relevant content. Thus, understanding and applying Pinterest SEO is key to increasing your visibility on the platform.

1. Keywords: Research and identify keywords that your target audience is likely searching for. Use these words naturally across your profile, board titles, descriptions, and Pin descriptions.

2. Rich Pins: Enabling Rich Pins means that your website metadata will automatically sync with your Pins. This can include price, product availability, and a direct link to your site, which can improve user experience and search ranking.

Curating Compelling Boards

Boards are how you organize your content on Pinterest. A strategically curated board can help convey your brand’s story and attract users interested in your niche.

1. Board Organization: Organize your boards in a way that tells a coherent brand story. Use keywords in your board titles and descriptions for better discoverability.

2. Group Boards: Consider collaborating on group boards with other users in your niche. This not only extends the reach of your pins to a broader audience but also taps into pre-existing communities on Pinterest.

Engage & Participate

Success on Pinterest isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it process. Continuous engagement with users and participation in the community will improve your visibility and trustworthiness.

1. Repinning and Commenting: Regularly repin content from others that fit your aesthetic and niche. Not only does it keep your profile active, but it also helps you network and build relationships with other pinners.

2. Follow and Engage with Influencers: Identify and engage with influencers in your niche. Their audiences are likely interested in similar content as yours, providing a pathway for potential traffic to your site.

Utilizing Pinterest Analytics

Data-driven decision-making is the backbone of effective marketing, and Pinterest provides robust analytics to help you refine your strategy.

1. Track Metrics: Keep an eye on metrics such as impressions, saves, and clicks to understand what type of content resonates best with your audience.

2. Iterate and Optimize: Use insights from your analytics to iterate and optimize your content. Test different keywords, designs, and posting times to find what works best.

Promoted Pins: Paid Advertising

Much like other social platforms, Pinterest offers advertising options that can give you a boost in visibility. Promoted Pins look like regular pins, but they will reach a more extensive audience than organic Pins alone.

1. Set Clear Goals: Whether your goal is to increase traffic or conversions, understanding your primary objective will help you structure an effective advertising campaign.

2. Target Audience: Use Pinterest's targeting options effectively. You can target based on demographics, interests, and even retarget users who have already interacted with your content on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Pinterest is a powerful tool in the arsenal of digital marketers for driving website traffic. By understanding how Pinterest works, optimizing your profile, creating engaging content, and leveraging analytics, you can tap into this platform’s immense potential.

For the internet marketers standing at the edge, ready to dive in, these Pinterest marketing tips for beginners should serve as a life jacket guiding you safely to the shores of success.

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Notes

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