Many businesses are still wondering how to use Pinterest.
Are you one of them?
Are you wondering how to use images to express your message? Are you worried your business won't resonate on Pinterest?
These are concerns I hear over & over again.
My response: don't worry!!
It's not hard to use Pinterest for your business. You just need to position your content properly.
That means creating super compelling images! How do you do that?
Below I list seven easy tips to help you create captivating Pinterest images that will drive clicks.
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7 Ways to Create Perfect Pinterest Images (that Drive Clicks!)
1. Optimize Your Pin for Search
Pinterest users are primed & ready to buy what your small business is selling. So you need to be creating images that move them through the buying process.
Not only is there a higher trust factor on Pinterest, but also higher conversion rates.
87% of Pinterest users say they trust Pinterest over any other network, while 47% say they’ve acted on an offer through Pinterest.
So, what are your waiting for? Let’s get your product or service out there!
A captivating Pinterest image will not only attract attention to your pins -- but it will also encourage interaction & inspire growth!
Here are a few tips:
a. Use Your Keywords in the Image File Name
If you're uploading images directly to Pinterest, make sure to name your image file based on keywords.
For example, if your content & image topic is:
- How to Create Captivating Pinterest Images
Then your image file name should be:
- “create-captivating-pinterest-images.jpg”
Hint: this is basic SEO & should be followed every time you create & upload an image.
b. Fill Out the Description
Have your ever clicked repin only to find there was a period in the description -- and nothing else?!
That’s because Pinterest requires you add something to the description -- and many are too lazy to add anything more than a period.
Don’t make this mistake.
Take the time to complete your description. Give details about the content they’ll find on the other side of that image.
For example, which of these would make you more likely to click it?
This:
Or this:
2. Choose Your Words Wisely
Just like on any social network, content moves at a lightening pace in the Pinterest feed.
If you want to get seen, you need to stand out.
So make your images easy to scan, click & repin.
Follow these tips:
a. Speak Your Followers Language
Do you know who you’re targeting?
Do you know the language they use to talk about their favorite topics?
If you speak their language, using their diction & vocabulary, then you're much more likely to connect with them and get their attention.
Also, have you taken the time to see how your target market is using Pinterest?
Do your homework! Get inside the head of your followers and try to speak their language -- but don't use a bunch of mindless industry jargon.
No one wants to be talked to or through. Keep your language professional, but conversational.
b. Make Your Text Easy to Read
Pinterest users will notice the image & test before they read your the description.
Make sure you create an image with text that’s easy to read & understand.
It can be tempting to experiment with fancy fonts, but I would caution you on the use of many handwritten or calligraphy fonts. Many can be difficult to read.
The same goes for typeface. Regular, Bold, & Italic all have their place, but need to be used in the right setting.
They can either present a beautiful & stunning design or a muddled mess.
Take a look at byRegina for a perfect example of a balanced & branded design.
c. Create Value
There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. You have valuable content sitting at your fingertips.
Pull a quote from an evergreen blog article or create a series of images that highlight specific points from an email to your list.
Always think value proposition & solution when creating your pin images.
What value does your content provide & what solution are you offering to your Pinterest followers?
If you can determine how you help & who you help -- and then sprinkle in clarifying answers to their most frequent questions -- you'll have a winning text based Pinterest image strategy!
3. Get Branded
Think of your Pinterest account as a branded channel. And stay on brand!
Determine what colors, fonts, graphic style & typefaces you will use in your marketing. Then translate that across all of your images.
Your brand is far more than a marketing message. It’s the customer experience & journey. It’s your mission & core values that you communicate consistently.
This should be felt in every one of your images -- and across your Pinterest boards.
Custom board covers like these from Joycott are a unique way to create an appealing & consistent Pinterest channel for your company.
4. Include a Call to Action
If you want people to take the next step with you, then tell them!
Don’t assume your Pinterest followers know what action to take. Include a call to action -- and make sure it’s crystal clear.
Would you like your Pinterest followers to repin or click-through to your product? Put that in the description or add it as a banner across your image.
Too often businesses leave this key piece out, shying away from the opportunity to direct a potential client or buyer. Don’t fall into that trap.
This pin from DIY Ready is enticing for 2 reasons:
- it asks a question (identifies a need)
- then it gives you the solution
One more important note: whatever you decide to include as a call to action, avoid using too many words.
Wordy descriptions can discourage or muddy the main message in your image.
5. Integrate Pinterest Into Your Social Strategy
Pinterest is a wonderful social network as a standalone -- but it's a real powerhouse when cross-pollinated to other channels.
Creating an integrated social media strategy leverages the power of each social network, increasing awareness & brand loyalty.
Pinterest Cross-pollination Example
Your company has an established Facebook page with a significant following & engagement.
So take advantage of that built-in audience!
1. Tell your Facebook fans you're on Pinterest!
Create graphics & posts telling them what type of content you’re pinning & how they can connect with you on Pinterest.
2. Add a Pinterest tab app to your fan page!
You can use apps like Shortstack or Tabsite for this. The tab apps will let your fans experience your Pinterest profile from the comfort of your Facebook page.
They can view your boards & repin your content without leaving Facebook.
3. Create posts that cross-promote your content on Pinterest!
It's time to encourage your fans to start pinning!
Remember: some users have shied away from pinning brand content due to copyright.
So make sure your fans know that you want them to actively share!
Here's an example from Post Planner's Facebook announcement about the launch of our Pinterest channel.
6. Humanize Your Company
Pinterest has the ability to put a face to your company & humanize your brand persona.
Nothing will ever replace face-to-face communication, but Pinterest is an excellent way to extend that relationship.
Your followers want to get to know you -- so let them!
Share your unique insight, what inspires you, and how you solve problems for your potential clients.
There’s only one you. Make it shine!
How can you do this?
- Give a special preview or exclusive details around a new product or service
- Share your story & the evolution of your company
- Create pins with behind-the-scenes images of your team
- Post images to a specific community boar highlighting local events
- Provide a sneak peek into your daily process
- Get your customers involved -- let them share what they love about your business with you on Facebook & then pin it to a special board on Pinterest
- Highlight special features about your company or product
7. Use the Right Tools
Creating a captivating Pinterest image might come easy for some, but most find it a challenge.
In fact, you’ve probably wondered how to design an image that grabs the attention of your followers -- and do it in a short amount of time?
I have good news for you! There are an abundance of tools to help you create that perfect Pinterest image.
One of my favorites is Canva.
Whether you’re sharing your latest blog post, pinning info about your product or building thought leadership through quotes -- Canva can help you streamline the process.
Canva is a slick online & mobile design tool that makes image creation effortless. Want to create a series of pins for the launch of your new app? Or maybe a pin for your board called “Unique Pinterest Board Names?”
You can easily do that with Canva!
With Canva, you can pump up the WOW factor on any of your Pinterest pins.
Don’t fancy yourself a designer? Not proficient with tools like Photoshop? Don’t worry! Canva is user friendly & doesn’t involve a steep learning curve.
Don’t believe me?
Just take a look at the example below & see what Canva created for one of Post Planner's articles. It was pinned several months ago, but still brings in traffic every week.
Try it yourself!
Now It's Your Turn!
Remember: There IS a market on Pinterest for your business! You just need to position your content the right way
Creating compelling images using these 7 tips will help.
What about you? How are your creating Pinterest images that help you stand out in a noisy news feed?
I’d love to hear your success stories in the comments below!
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