When embarking on a Pinterest journey, the question of "What to pin on Pinterest?" arises. With a spectrum of categories and a whopping 2 billion pins, Pinterest's scope can feel overwhelming. Here's a practical guide to help you navigate Pinterest, from understanding categories to pinning strategically.
Before delving into specifics, let's demystify Pinterest's category system. It's akin to an intricate treasure map, with main categories acting as regions and subcategories as the hidden treasures. Understanding this map simplifies pinning and increases discovery potential.
Pinterest's Core Categories
Pinterest divides its content into nine core categories. Familiarizing yourself with these helps in narrowing down where your pins should go. The categories are namely: Home, Style, Travel, Food, Beauty, Popular Pins (a mix of all categories), Women's Interests, Men's Interests, and Pinterest Originals (exclusive content).
Each of these categories houses diverse subcategories. For instance, 'Home' includes subtopics like 'Architecture,' 'Gardening,' and 'Home Decor,' while 'Travel' encompasses 'Destinations,' 'Activities,' and 'Accommodation.'
Home Pins
If your pins focus on anything domestic, 'Home' is your haven. Here, you can inspire with interior design, share DIY home improvement hacks, or even post about the latest home gadgets. Remember, relevant keywords in your pin descriptions increase visibility.
Consider creating boards for different rooms (like 'Kitchen,' 'Bedroom,' 'Living Room'), or by themes (e.g., 'Minimalist Home,' 'Rustic Interior'). This structure aids both your audience's navigation and Pinterest's ability to recommend your pins.
Style Pins
'Style' is your go-to if your pins revolve around fashion, clothing, accessories, and accessories. It's a vast realm, housing subtopics like 'Women's Fashion,' 'Men's Fashion,' 'Jewelry,' and 'Beauty.'
Break down your boards further—create one for 'Casual Wear,' another for 'Formal Attire.' You can also focus on trends, like 'Festival Style' or 'Sustainable Fashion.' Each board can then house relevant pins, making your profile well-organized and attractive.
Strategic pinning isn't just about categories, but also about timing and consistency. Regular pinning helps keep your content visible. Pinterest analytics can clue you into peak engagement times, allowing you to schedule pins for maximum impact.
Maximizing Pin Potential with Keywords and SEO
Up until now, we've discussed categories, but Pinterest's search function also plays a crucial role. By understanding how people search, you can build a library of relevant pins that rank highly in search results.
Approach each pin as an asset for your website—use compelling images, clear descriptions, and relevant keywords. Your pin should evoke curiosity and entice clicks. This strategy bolsters both your Pinterest presence and your traffic.
Mastering Keywords
Keywords are the CTC (Call To Click) of Pinterest. Long-tail keywords (three or more words) often yield better results than single-word keywords. For instance, instead of 'Cake,' use 'Easy Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe.' Use Pinterest's search bar for suggestions—it auto-suggests related searches.
SEO-minded description writing involves balancing keyword frequency with naturalness. Avoid keyword stuffing; use natural language, varied sentence structures, and engaging voice. Also, ensure your keywords appear in your pin's title and description.
Leveraging Boards
Boards are like roadmaps guiding users to your pins. Organize them thoughtfully, using clear, concise names, and keyword-rich descriptions. They improve your profile's visual appeal and search relevance.
Group boards, collaborative boards where multiple users can pin, also drive engagement. They increase your pins' reach, as each group member repins them, exposing your content to their unique audience. Finding and joining group boards relevant to your niche is thus productive.
Pinterest is an ever-evolving platform, constantly refining algorithms to improve user experience. Stay updated with these changes to refine your strategy continually. Lastly, measure your performance using Pinterest Analytics. It offers insights into your audience, board performance, and pin stats, helping you tailor your content to better engage your audience.