What is pinterest marketing?

Pinterest marketing is all about using Pinterest to get people interested in your business. Think of Pinterest as a giant digital bulletin board where people save ideas and inspiration. Businesses use it to share pictures and videos, called "Pins," that link back to their websites, online stores, or blog posts. It's a very visual platform, so strong images and videos are key to getting noticed.

Many people use Pinterest to plan things like home decor projects, recipes, outfits, or even their next vacation. This makes it a powerful tool for businesses to reach people who are actively looking for ideas and solutions. Instead of just scrolling, users on Pinterest are often looking to discover new things and make purchases.

For marketers, Pinterest offers a unique way to connect with potential customers. You can showcase your products in action, share helpful how-to guides, or inspire users with creative ideas. The goal is to get your Pins seen, clicked, and ultimately lead people to your business.

Why it matters

Pinterest marketing matters because it connects you with an audience that is ready to discover and act. Unlike some other social media platforms where people mostly interact with friends, Pinterest users are often in a "planning" or "buying" mindset. They are actively searching for ideas, products, and services.

• Drives website traffic: Every Pin can link directly to your website. This means users who are interested in your content can easily click through to learn more, read a blog post, or shop for a product. It's a strong way to bring new visitors to your site.
• Increases brand visibility: Your Pins can be saved and re-shared by other users, which helps your content reach a wider audience without extra effort from you. This organic sharing acts like a recommendation and builds trust.
• Long-lasting content: Unlike a tweet or a story that disappears quickly, Pins can live on Pinterest for a long time. They can continue to drive traffic weeks, months, or even years after you first published them, making it a good long-term strategy.
• Inspires purchases: Many Pinterest users use the platform to research products before buying. By having a strong presence, you can influence their purchasing decisions and be part of their shopping journey.

Best practices

To succeed with Pinterest marketing, focus on creating high-quality, inspiring content and optimizing it for discovery.

• Create visually appealing pins: Use high-quality images and videos. Pins should be vertical (2:3 aspect ratio, like 1000x1500 pixels) as they stand out more. Make sure your images are clear, bright, and show your product or idea effectively.
• Write compelling descriptions: Each Pin needs a clear, keyword-rich description. Think about what people might search for to find your content. Include relevant keywords naturally to help Pinterest understand what your Pin is about and show it to the right people.
• Use rich pins: Rich Pins automatically pull extra details from your website, like product prices, availability, or recipe ingredients. This makes your Pins more informative and appealing to users.
• Organize with relevant boards: Create well-named boards that categorize your Pins. For example, a bakery might have boards like "Wedding Cake Ideas," "Cookie Recipes," or "Birthday Party Treats." This helps users find exactly what they are looking for.
• Be consistent: Pin regularly to keep your profile active and visible. You don't need to post dozens of Pins every day, but a consistent schedule helps maintain engagement.
• Engage with your audience: Respond to comments and try to save Pins from other users that are relevant to your niche. This shows you are an active part of the Pinterest community.

Key metrics to track

Understanding how your Pins perform helps you refine your strategy and improve results.

• Impressions: This is how many times your Pins were seen by users. A high number means your content is reaching a broad audience.
• Pin clicks: This measures how many times users clicked on your Pin to view it in more detail. It shows initial interest.
• Outbound clicks: This is crucial. It counts how many times users clicked from your Pin to your website. This directly measures traffic driven to your site.
• Saves (or repins): This indicates how many times users saved your Pin to their own boards. It's a strong sign that your content is valuable and resonating with them.
• Followers: While not the only metric, a growing follower count means more people are interested in seeing your future content.
• Top pins and boards: Pinterest analytics can show you which of your Pins and boards are performing best. This helps you understand what content resonates most with your audience so you can create more of it.

Pinterest marketing is a powerful tool for visual businesses looking to drive traffic, increase brand awareness, and inspire purchases. By focusing on high-quality visuals, keyword-rich descriptions, and consistent activity, your business can effectively connect with an audience actively seeking inspiration and solutions. Start by creating a business account, optimizing your profile, and pinning regularly to relevant boards.