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As a blogger, I’m always looking for ways to increase traffic to my website.
And one of the platforms that have consistently driven traffic to my blog is Pinterest.
In fact, I get about half of my blog traffic from Pinterest alone.
When I first started my blog, I didn’t realize the power of Pinterest.
I thought it was just another social media platform where people shared pictures of recipes and home décor.
But once I started using it to promote my blog content, I quickly saw the potential for driving traffic.
Pinterest is not just a social media platform. It’s also a search engine where users can discover new content and ideas.
And because Pinterest has a long lifespan for content, it means that my blog posts can continue to drive traffic to my website for months and even years after I first publish them.
In this blog post, I’ll share with you ten Pinterest strategies that have helped me to skyrocket my blog traffic.
These strategies will help you to:
- optimize your Pinterest profile
- create high-quality pins
- pin consistently
- leverage Pinterest SEO
- promote your pins to increase visibility
By the end of this post, you’ll have a solid Pinterest marketing strategy that will help you to drive more traffic to your blog.
Optimize Your Profile and Boards
In order to optimize your Pinterest profile for search engines, you should start by incorporating keywords throughout your profile and boards.
This is something that has worked wonders for me in driving traffic to my blog.
One way to do this is by using keywords in your profile description.
Be sure to use relevant keywords that describe your blog and the topics you cover.
This will help Pinterest to understand what your profile is about and rank it higher in search results.
Another way to optimize your profile is by creating boards that are keyword-rich.
When creating a new board, make sure to include a descriptive title and add relevant keywords to the board description.
This will help users and Pinterest’s algorithm to understand the content of the board and increase its visibility in search results.
The main tool I use to find Pinterest keywords is Pin Inspector.
To showcase your blog content, create boards that are specifically dedicated to your blog topics.
For example, if your blog is about travel, create boards that cover different travel destinations or travel tips.
This will help users to find your content easily and also encourage them to follow your profile.
You can see the boards on my Pinterest account here.
All of my boards are titled after keywords that Pinterest users are actually searching Pinterest for.
By optimizing your Pinterest profile and boards, you’ll increase the chances of your content being discovered by users who are searching for topics related to your blog.
It’s a simple yet effective way to drive traffic to your blog and get your content in front of a wider audience.
Create High Quality Pins
Now that you’ve optimized your Pinterest profile, it’s time to focus on creating high-quality pins that will grab the attention of Pinterest users and entice them to click through to your blog.
When it comes to creating pins, there are a few best practices that you should keep in mind.
Visually Appealing Pins
Firstly, make sure your pins are visually appealing.
Use high-quality images that are relevant to your content.
It’s also important to use clear, easy-to-read fonts so that users can easily understand the content of your pin.
I have a pretty good click through rate on my pins, so I am confident that these examples will help you when styling your own pins.
One tool that I highly recommend for creating pins is Canva.
It’s a user-friendly graphic design platform that has a variety of templates and design elements to help you create beautiful pins quickly and easily.
I literally do EVERYTHING in Canva, and I really can’t speak highly enough about it.
You can see my review of it here at Canva – An Honest Review.
You can customize your pins with your own images, fonts, and colors to match your brand.
Another important aspect of creating high-quality pins is adding text overlays.
Text Overlays
Text overlays are a great way to provide context and information about your content in a visually appealing way.
Make sure to include the title of your blog post and any relevant keywords in the text overlay to make it more searchable on Pinterest.
You can see an example of this by scrolling up to view the Pin I created for this blog post.
By creating visually appealing pins with clear text overlays, you’ll increase the chances of users clicking through to your blog and reading your content.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different designs and layouts to find what works best for your brand and your audience.
Pin Consistently
Pinning consistently is important for a few reasons.
Pinterest Favors Fresh Content
Pinterest’s algorithm favors accounts that are active and consistently pinning fresh content.
By pinning regularly, you’re showing Pinterest that your account is active and engaged, which can help boost your visibility in the platform’s search results.
Top of Feed
Pinning consistently helps to keep your content on top of the feed for your followers.
When you’re consistently sharing new content, your followers are more likely to see and engage with your pins.
This can help to build trust and establish your authority in your niche.
Gain New Followers
Pinning consistently helps to increase the chances of your pins being seen by new users.
Pinterest’s Smart Feed algorithm takes into account the recency of pins, so the more often you’re pinning, the more likely it is that your content will show up in the feeds of users who haven’t seen your content before.
New eyeballs equals new followers.
As someone who has been using Pinterest to drive traffic to my blog, I can tell you that pinning consistently is key to success.
However, manually pinning every day can be time-consuming and overwhelming.
That’s why I rely on a tool called Tailwind to schedule all of my pins.
Tailwind is a third-party scheduling tool that allows me to schedule pins in advance, saving me a ton of time and work.
It’s incredibly easy to use and has been an invaluable tool for me in growing my blog traffic.
The ideal pinning frequency can vary depending on your audience and niche, but generally, it’s recommended to pin between 5-10 times per day.
This might seem like a lot, but with Tailwind, it’s easy to schedule pins in batches and spread them out throughout the day.
In addition to Tailwind, Pinterest also has a native scheduler that you can use to schedule your pins.
However, I prefer Tailwind because it has more advanced features and analytics that help me optimize my pinning strategy.
You can see my exact pinning strategy here at 5 Steps To A Highly Successful Pinterest Marketing Strategy
It’s also important to pin content from other sources in addition to your own blog.
This not only helps to diversify your content and keep your audience engaged, but it also helps to establish you as an authority in your niche by sharing valuable content from other sources.
By pinning consistently and using tools like Tailwind, you’ll be able to reach a wider audience and drive more traffic to your blog.
So if you haven’t tried scheduling your pins yet, I highly recommend giving it a try!
Utilize Group Boards
Group boards were once seen as a surefire way to increase your reach and drive traffic to your blog.
However, in recent years, Pinterest has made changes to its algorithm that have made group boards less effective than they once were.
That being said, group boards are still a tool in the arsenal that can be used when developing your Pinterest strategy.
One way to utilize group boards is to find and join relevant group boards in your niche.
You can use a tool like PinGroupie to find active group boards in your niche.
When you find a group board that you’re interested in joining, be sure to read the board’s rules and guidelines carefully before requesting an invite.
You’ll want to make sure that the board is relevant to your niche and that the other members are active and engaged.
Once you’ve joined a group board, it’s important to participate in a way that’s beneficial to the group.
This means following the board’s rules and guidelines, and making sure to share high-quality, relevant content that will be valuable to the other members.
You should also make an effort to engage with other members’ content by liking, commenting, and repinning their pins.
If you can’t find a group board that’s a good fit for your niche, consider creating your own group board and inviting collaborators.
This can be a great way to build relationships with other bloggers and increase your reach on Pinterest.
When creating your own group board, be sure to set clear rules and guidelines for participation and make an effort to actively manage the board to ensure that it stays relevant and engaging for all members.
While group boards may not be as effective as they once were, they are still a useful tool for building relationships and increasing your reach on Pinterest.
By following best practices for participating in group boards and creating your own board when necessary, you can make the most of this strategy and drive more traffic to your blog.
Leverage Pinterest SEO
Pinterest is a search engine, which means that optimizing your content for SEO is crucial if you want to be found by users searching for content in your niche.
Here are some tips for leveraging Pinterest SEO to drive more traffic to your blog:
Research keywords for Pinterest
I briefly talks about the importance of optimizing your boards and pins above, but I am going to mention it here again because it is one of the most important aspects of getting your pins seen.
One of the first steps in optimizing your content for Pinterest SEO is researching keywords that your target audience is searching for.
You can use tools like Pinterest’s own search bar, Google’s Keyword Planner, or even Pinterest analytics to get an idea of what keywords are popular in your niche.
The main tool I use to find Pinterest keywords is Pin Inspector.
Optimize your pins for SEO
Once you have a list of relevant keywords, it’s important to incorporate them into your pins in a natural way.
This includes optimizing your
- pin titles
- descriptions
- your board descriptions
Make sure to use your keywords in a way that makes sense and provides value to your audience, rather than just stuffing them in for the sake of SEO.
Use Pinterest’s Guided Search Feature
Pinterest’s guided search feature is a powerful tool for discovering new keywords and optimizing your content for search.
When you start typing a search term into the Pinterest search bar, Pinterest will suggest related keywords and phrases that users are searching for.
By incorporating these suggestions into your pins and boards, you can increase your chances of being discovered by users searching for content in your niche.
By leveraging Pinterest SEO, you can increase your visibility on the platform and drive more traffic to your blog.
By researching keywords, optimizing your pins and boards, and using Pinterest’s guided search feature, you’ll be able to make the most of this powerful strategy and reach more users on Pinterest.
Promote Your Pins
Promoting your pins is an important part of any Pinterest marketing strategy.
Here are some tips for getting your content in front of a wider audience:
Use Pinterest Ads
Pinterest Ads are a powerful tool for promoting your content to a targeted audience.
You can create promoted pins that appear in users’ home feeds, search results, or category feeds, and target them based on factors like keywords, interests, and demographics.
Pinterest Ads can be a great way to reach new users and drive more traffic to your blog.
Promote Your Pins on Social Media
Sharing your pins on social media can be a great way to get them in front of your existing audience and drive more engagement.
You can share your pins on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or even create dedicated Pinterest boards to showcase your content.
Make sure to use eye-catching visuals and include a call-to-action to encourage users to click through to your blog.
For every pin I create for posts on this blog, I also post that pin on the Indie Author Central Facebook business page.
When I schedule my pins on Tailwind, I can automatically schedule them on Facebook or Instagram too.
I haven’t explored Instagram yet, but maybe in the future, I will start promoting there as well.
I use the same description and pin graphic for Facebook as I do on Pinterest.
You can see how I repurpose my Pinterest content for my Facebook page here.
Use Pinterest’s “Pin It” Button on Your Blog
Adding a “Pin It” button to your blog makes it easy for users to share your content on Pinterest.
You can use Pinterest’s own “Pin It” button, or use a plugin like Shareaholic or Sumo to add social sharing buttons to your blog.
This can help increase the visibility of your content on Pinterest and drive more traffic to your blog.
By promoting your pins on Pinterest and social media, and using Pinterest’s “Pin It” button on your blog, you can increase the visibility of your content and drive more traffic to your blog.
Whether you’re using Pinterest Ads to reach a new audience or sharing your pins on social media to engage your existing followers, promoting your content is an important part of any successful Pinterest marketing strategy.
Use Rich Pins
Rich pins provide more context about the content being shared on Pinterest by displaying additional information directly on the pin.
There are four types of rich pins: app, product, recipe, and article.
Each type of rich pin has its own set of metadata, or structured data, that must be added to the webpage where the content lives.
When a user saves a rich pin to one of their boards, the metadata is extracted and displayed on the pin, providing more information and context about the content.
For example, a product rich pin may display the current price, availability, and a link to purchase the product, while an article rich pin may display the article’s headline, author, and a brief description.
By providing more information and context, rich pins can help attract more engagement and traffic to your website.
Monitor Your Analytics
Monitoring your analytics is a crucial part of any successful Pinterest marketing strategy.
Here are some tips for using your analytics to improve your performance:
Accessing Pinterest Analytics
To access your Pinterest analytics, go to your Pinterest profile and click on the Analytics tab.
Here, you can see a range of metrics like impressions, saves, clicks, and engagement rate, as well as data on your audience demographics and top-performing pins.
Importance of Monitoring Your Analytics
By regularly monitoring your analytics, you can get a better understanding of what content is resonating with your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly.
You can also use your analytics to track your progress over time and set goals for future growth.
Using Your Analytics to Improve Your Strategy
Here are some ways to use your analytics to improve your Pinterest marketing strategy:
- Identify your top-performing pins and create more content that’s similar in style or topic.
- Analyze your audience demographics to better understand who is engaging with your content and tailor your content accordingly.
- Use the data on your most popular boards to optimize your organization and prioritize the content that’s resonating with your audience.
- Set goals for future growth based on your analytics, and track your progress over time to ensure you’re meeting your targets.
By regularly monitoring your analytics and using the data to inform your strategy, you can improve your performance on Pinterest and drive more traffic to your blog.
Engage With Your Audience
Engaging with your audience on Pinterest is a great way to build a community around your brand and establish yourself as an authority in your niche.
Here are some best practices for engaging with your audience on Pinterest:
Best Practices for Engaging With Your Audience
- Respond to comments on your pins and boards: This shows that you’re actively engaged with your audience and helps build trust and loyalty.
- Follow and engage with other users in your niche: This can help you build relationships with other content creators and expand your reach on the platform.
- Use Pinterest’s search function to find users who are interested in your niche: Engage with these users by commenting on their pins and boards or repinning their content to your own boards.
- Host contests and giveaways: This is a fun and engaging way to build your following and generate buzz around your brand.
Using Pinterest’s Messaging Feature
Pinterest’s messaging feature allows you to send direct messages to other users on the platform.
This is a great way to engage with your audience on a more personal level, answer questions, and provide customer support.
Using Comments to Build Community
Comments are a great way to start conversations and build a community around your brand.
Encourage users to leave comments on your pins and boards by asking questions, soliciting feedback, or offering tips and advice.
Be sure to respond to comments promptly and engage with users to keep the conversation going.
Don’t Give Up
It’s important to remember that building a successful presence on Pinterest takes time and effort.
It can be discouraging if your traffic and engagement aren’t growing as quickly as you hoped, but don’t give up.
Keep pinning regularly, and focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience.
Remember, there is no magic formula for success on Pinterest, and what works for one person may not work for another.
It’s a process of trial and error, and sometimes you’ll need to adjust your strategy and try new things to see what works best for you.
To stay committed and motivated, set realistic goals for yourself and track your progress over time.
Celebrate small wins along the way, such as reaching a certain number of followers or receiving positive feedback on your content.
Finally, don’t be afraid to seek out advice and guidance from others who have found success on Pinterest.
Joining communities or groups where you can learn from others and get feedback on your strategy can be invaluable.
Remember, with patience and perseverance, you can achieve success on Pinterest.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Pinterest can be an incredibly powerful tool for driving traffic to your blog when used strategically.
Here’s a recap of some of the strategies we talked about in this blog post:
- Conduct keyword research to help craft your Pinterest strategy
- Optimize your profile and boards for SEO
- Create visually appealing, high-quality pins with text overlays
- Pin consistently using a scheduler like Tailwind
- Utilize group boards to expand your reach
- Leverage Pinterest SEO to increase your visibility on the platform
- Promote your pins through Pinterest Ads and social media
- Monitor your analytics to track your progress and refine your strategy
- Engage with your audience to build a community around your brand
- Stay committed to your Pinterest strategy for long-term success.
Remember, Pinterest is just one piece of your overall content marketing strategy, but it can be a valuable one if used correctly.
By implementing these strategies and consistently working to refine and improve your approach, you can drive significant traffic to your blog and grow your audience.
FAQ’s
What time is best to post on Pinterest?
The best time to post on Pinterest depends on your target audience and time zone.
Generally, the best times to post are during off-work hours such as evenings and weekends.
However, it’s important to experiment with different posting times and track your analytics to determine what works best for your specific audience.
Can you post too much on Pinterest?
Yes, you can post too much on Pinterest.
Over-posting can overwhelm your followers and decrease engagement.
It’s recommended to space out your pins and focus on quality over quantity.
Experiment with different posting frequencies and monitor your analytics to find the sweet spot for your audience.
What posts work best on Pinterest?
The best posts on Pinterest are visually appealing and provide value to the audience.
This can include high-quality images, helpful tips or tutorials, infographics, and inspirational quotes.
Posts that are related to popular trends and seasonal events can also perform well on Pinterest.
Ultimately, the content should align with your brand and resonate with your target audience.
What should you avoid on Pinterest?
On Pinterest, it’s important to avoid low-quality or blurry images, overly-promotional content, and irrelevant pins.
Spamming or over-posting can also hurt your account’s credibility and decrease engagement.
Additionally, it’s important to follow Pinterest’s community guidelines and avoid any content that violates their terms of service.
How many pins should I make per blog post?
There is no set number of pins you should create per blog post.
However, it’s recommended to create multiple pins for each blog post with different designs and keywords to increase visibility and engagement.
Aim for at least 2-3 pins per blog post, but you can experiment with more or fewer pins to see what works best for your audience.
Should I add hashtags to Pinterest posts?
Yes, adding relevant hashtags to your Pinterest posts can increase visibility and discoverability.
Pinterest allows hashtags, so choose keywords that accurately describe your content and niche.
However, avoid using overly generic or spammy hashtags, as this can harm your account’s credibility.
What is the most popular content on Pinterest?
Some of the most popular content on Pinterest includes recipes, home decor and DIY projects, fashion and style inspiration, travel destinations, and inspirational quotes.
However, the most popular content can vary depending on the audience and niche, so it’s important to research and analyze your specific audience’s interests and behavior on the platform.
Who is the Pinterest target audience?
Pinterest’s target audience is primarily women, with 71% of the platform’s user base identifying as female.
The majority of Pinterest users are between the ages of 25-54 and have a college education.
However, the platform’s audience is diverse and spans across various interests and niches, so it’s important to research and analyze your specific target audience on the platform.
How much do Pinterest influencers make?
The amount that Pinterest influencers make varies widely and depends on factors such as their follower count, engagement rate, and niche.
According to a survey by Influence.co, the average rate for a sponsored Pinterest post is $67.50, but some influencers can earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars per post.
Ultimately, the earnings of a Pinterest influencer depend on their specific circumstances and negotiating power.
Does Pinterest pay you for monthly views?
No, Pinterest does not normally pay users for monthly views.
However, by using Pinterest strategically, businesses and content creators can drive traffic to their website, increase sales, and grow their audience.