This FAQ guide addresses key questions to help creators optimize their Pinterest strategy and grow traffic efficiently.
Profiles
- Verification: Doesn’t affect the algorithm but boosts credibility and search visibility.
- Keywords: Use 2-3 in your profile name (e.g., Site Name | Easy Family Recipes) and 5-10 in your description. Find keywords with Pinterest Trends.
- Cover Photo: Recommended for a complete profile; use 800×450 pixels, 16:9 ratio.
- Claim Instagram: Yes, for attribution, analytics (requires a business account), and auto-publishing.
- Profile Picture: Optional, but consider brand identity, consistency, comfort, and photo quality.
- Verified Merchant Program: Enhances visibility for vetted brands and offers exclusive features.
Boards
- Purpose: Organize and share ideas to tell your story, inspire audiences, and boost engagement. Well-curated boards increase saves and SEO traffic (25% of Pinterest’s SEO goes to boards).
- Titles & Descriptions: Use clear titles and keyword-rich descriptions (via Pinterest Trends).
- Subcategories: Yes, for better organization and keyword opportunities.
- Freshness: Add new Pins regularly to maintain relevance and distribution.
Pins
- Hashtags: Not impactful; focus on keywords in titles, descriptions, and related topic tags.
- Font Size: Use 48-point for headlines, 30-point for sub-copy to ensure readability, especially on mobile.
- CTAs: Include clear ones like “Save now” or “Learn more” to drive engagement.
Traffic
- Driving Factors: Check Outbound Clicks in Pinterest Analytics for insights. Pins with text overlays and CTAs (e.g., “9 summer recipes”) get more clicks; keep text under one-third of the image.
- Linking Issues: Mobile users must tap “Visit site” to access links, as direct image taps now show a close-up.
AI Content
- Pinterest labels AI-generated/modified images but can’t catch everything. Report inappropriate content for review. We’re advocating for prioritizing original content over AI posts.
Evergreen & Seasonal Content
- Timing: Plan 2-4 months ahead for holidays using Pinterest Trends.
- Old Pins: Don’t delete underperforming Pins; focus on creating more of what works.
Trending Content
- Pinterest Trends Tool: Use it to find popular keywords, demographics, and top Pins.
- Curation Submission: Submit monthly at Pinterest Creator Trends for a chance to be featured. Avoid heavy branding or text.
Tools & Community
- Uploading: Native or scheduling tools work equally; choose what fits your workflow.
- Engagement: Repin and reply to comments to build community and boost visibility.
- Group Boards: Useful for collaboration but focus on your own boards for traffic and brand control. Archive inactive boards instead of deleting.
Site Optimization
- Plugins: Use Hubbub, Social Warfare, or Tasty to make pinning easier.
- Pin It/Hover Buttons: Add them for seamless pinning, especially on mobile.
Video & Instagram
- Video Frequency: Post at least weekly; repurpose vertical videos from other platforms.
- Instagram Auto-Publishing: Links to Instagram, not your site; manually update links to drive traffic.
