Pinterest has come a long way from its mood board days. With over 465 million active users every month, it’s now one of the most powerful visual search engines on the planet. Whether it’s a meticulously planned wedding aesthetic, a fantasy dream home, or even your next go-to hair color, Pinterest is where ideas come to life—and brands thrive.
If you’re a business owner, content creator, or just someone who loves beautiful things, 2024 is your year to shine on this platform. Pinterest is no longer about casually pinning pretty pictures; it’s about creating scroll-stopping, story-driven boards that drive traffic, spark inspiration, and build a loyal following. Ready to turn your pins into power moves? Here’s everything you need to know to pin with purpose—and results.
1 | Your Boards Are Your Brand. Make Them Count.
Your Pinterest boards are like a portfolio—they showcase your aesthetic, values, and expertise. “Curating boards that tell a story is key,” says Jessica Rhodes, a Pinterest strategist. “Think of each board as a mini-magazine that speaks directly to your target audience.”
Pro Tip: Select a cohesive color palette and theme for each board. Whether it’s “Cozy Winter Style” or “Vegan Recipes for Busy Weeknights,” your boards should reflect your brand and captivate your followers at first glance.
2 | Consistency Is Key. Bring It All Together.
Every board needs a main image—often called the cover image—that represents its theme and tone. Your overall profile should feel like a thoughtfully curated gallery. Pinterest rewards consistency, so invest time in designing boards that work together.
Pro Tip: Refresh your board covers regularly to highlight seasonal or trending topics and keep your profile feeling current.
3 | Develop Your Own Style—No Copy-Pasting Allowed.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of repinning everything from your favorite accounts. But originality wins on Pinterest. “If you’re constantly borrowing someone else’s content, you’re not building trust—or a distinct voice,” warns Rhodes. Create and pin original content that reflects your unique perspective.
Pro Tip: Dedicate time to creating original graphics, videos, or pins showcasing your products or expertise. Tools like Canva make it simple to design branded content.
4 | Optimize Your Pins With Links and Edits.
Every image on Pinterest is a potential traffic driver. Ensure that your website’s visuals are optimized for pinning and include direct links back to your content. But beware: linking random images to your website is a quick way to lose credibility. “Pinners value authenticity. Broken or misleading links are a surefire way to hurt your reputation,” explains Rhodes.
Pro Tip: After uploading an image, use the pencil icon to edit the link and description, ensuring it’s always relevant and accurate.
5 | Leverage Keywords to Boost Visibility.
Pinterest is powered by search, and the right keywords can make your pins discoverable. Incorporate relevant keywords in your pin descriptions, titles, and board names. For example, if you’re running a home décor brand, terms like “modern farmhouse décor ideas” or “budget-friendly decorating tips” can help your content stand out.
Pro Tip: Use Pinterest’s Trends Tool to identify what your audience is searching for and tailor your keywords accordingly.
6 | Think Tall: Vertical Images Win Every Time.
Pinterest favors vertical images because they naturally fill more space in users’ feeds. Aim for an aspect ratio of 2:3 or 1000 x 1500 pixels for the best results. Additionally, prioritize clarity and high-resolution imagery. Fuzzy photos won’t cut it.
Pro Tip: Add text overlays to vertical images to highlight the main message or idea—it grabs attention and drives clicks.
7 | Design Your Website With Pinterest in Mind.
Want people to pin your content? Make it easy. Add Pin It buttons to your website and upload visuals that are Pinterest-ready. Include branded graphics, compelling captions, and high-quality photos that Pinners will love. Remember, Pinterest can be a powerful driver of website traffic—if your images stand out.
Pro Tip: Optimize your images for Pinterest by including alt text that incorporates relevant keywords. This improves SEO and makes your images more accessible.
8 | Don’t Forget to Have Fun With It.
Pinterest is about more than analytics and traffic—it’s about inspiration. Let your creativity flow and pin content that resonates with your audience. “When brands enjoy the process, their audience feels that energy,” says Rhodes. “Don’t be afraid to try new styles or themes.”
Pro Tip: Dedicate one board to your personal interests or behind-the-scenes moments. Showing your personality makes your brand more relatable.
Bottom Line: Pinterest can be a great resource, but success requires strategy. By focusing on originality, visual appeal, and optimized content, you can tap into this platform’s massive potential. And who knows? That viral pin could be just a board away.