Learn how to leverage Pinterest for business growth with our comprehensive guide. Discover proven strategies for creating engaging pins and driving sales.
Pinterest for Business: How to Turn Pins into Profits
Did you know that 85% of Pinterest users have made a purchase based on Pins they’ve seen from brands? That’s right – Pinterest isn’t just another social media platform; it’s a powerful visual search engine and shopping discovery tool that could transform your business’s digital presence!
I’ve spent 11 years helping businesses maximize their online presence, and I’m excited to share everything you need to know about using Pinterest for business.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your existing Pinterest strategy, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything from setting up your account to creating content that converts.
Let’s dive in!
Getting Started with Pinterest Business Account
Let’s kick things off with the basics! Setting up a Pinterest business account is your first step toward Pinterest marketing success. Unlike personal accounts, a Pinterest business account gives you access to powerful features like rich Pins, analytics, and advertising capabilities.
Here’s how to get your Pinterest business account up and running:
- Head to business.pinterest.com/create and click “Create account”
- Enter your email address and create a password
- Fill in your business details, including your business name and website
- Choose your business type and main business category
- Complete your profile with a professional profile picture and compelling bio
Pro tip: Use your business email address when setting up your account - it helps keep your personal and business Pinterest activities separate!
Optimizing Your Pinterest Business Profile
Once your account is created, it’s time to optimize your profile for maximum visibility. Your Pinterest business profile is like your digital storefront – it needs to be inviting and informative!
Start by crafting a keyword-rich business description that clearly explains what you do and who you serve. Remember, Pinterest is a search engine, so incorporating relevant keywords in your profile helps users find you more easily.
Next, verify your website. This step is crucial because it:
- Builds trust with potential customers
- Gives you access to website analytics
- Enables rich Pins functionality
- Shows your profile picture on Pins from your website
Understanding Pinterest Analytics Dashboard
One of the most valuable features of a Pinterest business account is access to detailed analytics. The Pinterest analytics dashboard provides insights into:
- Your audience demographics and interests
- Which Pins are performing best
- How many people are engaging with your content
- Where your traffic is coming from
- What actions users take after seeing your Pins
These metrics are gold for optimizing your Pinterest marketing strategy! I always recommend checking your analytics at least monthly to track progress and identify what’s working (and what isn’t).
Creating Your Pinterest Content Strategy
Now for the fun part – creating content that resonates with your audience! Your Pinterest content strategy should focus on providing value while maintaining visual consistency with your brand.
Types of Pins to Create
- Standard Pins: Regular image Pins that link to your content or products
- Video Pins: Short videos that capture attention in the feed
- Story Pins: Multi-page Pins perfect for tutorials or step-by-step content
- Rich Pins: Enhanced Pins that automatically sync with your website
Content Calendar Planning
Successful Pinterest marketing requires consistency. I recommend creating a content calendar that includes:
- Daily pinning schedule
- Seasonal content plans
- Product launches or promotions
- Holiday-specific content
- Trending topics in your industry
Aim to pin 3-5 times per day, mixing original content with repins from other relevant accounts.
Pinterest SEO and Keyword Optimization
Here’s something many people miss: Pinterest is as much a search engine as it is a social platform! That means SEO should be at the heart of your Pinterest strategy.
Keyword Research for Pinterest
Start by:
- Using Pinterest’s search bar to find related terms
- Noting Pinterest’s autocomplete suggestions
- Checking what keywords your competitors are using
- Using Pinterest Trends to identify popular search terms
Optimizing Your Pins
For maximum searchability, optimize:
- Pin titles (use clear, keyword-rich descriptions)
- Pin descriptions (150-300 characters)
- Board names and descriptions
- Alt text for images
- URLs and landing pages
Remember to use a mix of broad and specific keywords to capture different search intents.
Pinterest Rich Pins: Your Secret Weapon
Rich Pins are like regular Pins on steroids! They automatically sync information from your website with your Pins, keeping content fresh and engaging. There are three types:
- Product Rich Pins: Display real-time pricing, availability, and product details
- Article Rich Pins: Show headline, author, and story description
- Recipe Rich Pins: Include ingredients, cooking times, and serving sizes
To enable Rich Pins:
- Add meta tags to your website
- Apply for Rich Pins through Pinterest
- Wait for approval (usually within 24 hours)
Pinterest Board Optimization
Think of Pinterest boards as your content categories. Well-organized, optimized boards help users find your content and understand your offerings.
Tips for board optimization:
- Use keyword-rich board names
- Write detailed board descriptions
- Create board covers that match your brand aesthetic
- Organize boards in order of importance
- Use board sections for subcategories
- Archive seasonal or outdated boards
Pinterest Advertising Guide
Ready to amplify your Pinterest presence? Pinterest ads can help you reach new audiences and drive more conversions. Start with:
Types of Pinterest Ads
- Promoted Pins: Regular Pins boosted to reach more people
- Promoted Video Pins: Video content with broader reach
- Promoted Carousels: Multiple images in a single ad
- Shopping Ads: Product Pins with enhanced shopping features
Setting Up Your First Campaign
- Choose your campaign objective
- Define your target audience
- Set your budget and schedule
- Select your ad format
- Create compelling ad content
- Track and optimize performance
Pro tip: Start with a small budget to test what works best for your audience before scaling up!
Time to Pin Your Way to Success!
Pinterest for business is a unique opportunity to reach engaged users who are actively looking for products and inspiration. Hopefully, with this guide and consistently creating valuable content, you’ll be well on your way to Pinterest marketing success.
I know I’m personally using the ideas in this post to overhaul my on Pinterest for business strategy in the hopes of driving more traffic to my websites and offers.
But, we must remember that Pinterest is a long-game platform – don’t expect overnight results. Focus on creating high-quality, searchable content that provides value to your audience, and the results will follow.
Ready to get started? Head over to Pinterest and create your business account today!