When you know how to use Pinterest correctly, you can generate thousands of extra visitors to your website. Pinterest is always seen as a social media channel, and it is, but we should see it more as a visual search engine. And that means you can do a lot to be found well in this search engine, just like with Google, for example. But how do you go about it? The most important thing is to first know how the Pinterest algorithm works, so you can start creating and posting content. Curious? Read on for explanations and tips to get a flying start on Pinterest.
Smart feed
Like many other online channels, Pinterest also works with an algorithm. This algorithm is crucial for your success on Pinterest. But how does it work? There are four important factors that influence your ranking:
Domain Quality
Domain quality is how Pinterest determines the quality of your website. By using the algorithm, Pinterest can detect the popularity of pins coming from your website. The more popular the pins, the more Pinterest sees your website as a source of high-quality content. To improve your website's domain quality, you can apply the following simple steps:
Convert your Pinterest account to a business account. This allows you to delve deeper into analytics, website visits, and the number of responses you receive. Additionally, it's important to claim your website. This shows Pinterest that you own your website, which is important for the reliability of your account. This will also make your logo visible under each pin.
Pin Quality
The quality of your pin is also very important. The quality of your pin is often determined by the popularity and engagement level of your pins. The more people engage with your pin by clicking, saving, zooming in, adding a photo, or commenting, the higher your pin scores on quality.
So get started creating quality pins with the following tips:
– Make titles interesting to make a big impression
– Use popular keywords in your pins
– Use a high-quality image with a high resolution
– Use text overlays: add a title with tips or benefits
– Add your logo to every pin you publish
Fresh Pins
Pinterest is increasingly prioritizing new content, as current pinners respond most to new content. The Pinterest algorithm favors content that is relevant and current, so creating more new pins means you'll gain more exposure among your followers, in users' home feeds, and in search results, maximizing your reach and visitors on Pinterest.
But what exactly is a fresh pin?
New pins are defined by Pinterest as images or videos that Pinterest has not seen before. You can create multiple images that link to the same blog post, page, or product listing. New pins can come from creating new images for links you've previously shared on Pinterest. Note that the change you make must add real value. Simply changing a pin title or description is not enough. Also, changing a small detail in the image, like moving your logo to another corner, won't make Pinterest see your pin as a fresh pin.
Additionally, the advice is to post an average of 10-25 pins per day. You might think: how do you even start with this? Isn't this way too much? It initially sounds almost impossible, but this doesn't just involve pins you post yourself. Also, the pins of others that you pin by clicking the save button count. Try to stick to the 80/20 rule: 80% own pins and 20% repinning others.
Moreover, the trick is not to overthink it. You can easily create different images with one product, for example. Below is an example where the variants in image 1 are not seen as fresh pins, but in image 2 they are. Use Canva.com, for example, and create different pins in no time!
Topic Relevance
Then there's topic relevance. Keywords placed in the content are used to determine what the pin is about and when it appears in searches. Like Google and other search engines, Pinterest determines the relevance of keywords. So it's important to include popular keywords in your pins and ensure they match the topic of your pin.
How to Get Started?
- Conduct keyword research using the search bar in Pinterest itself. When you type a keyword here, other popular keywords will appear.
- Optimize your profile by adding keywords directly after your username and in your bio to show viewers and Pinterest what you do.
- Use popular keywords in your Pinterest boards, board descriptions, and the pins you create.
4 Tips to Beat the Pinterest Algorithm
- Because Pinterest is a search engine, it means people go to Pinterest to search for something, look up an idea, or find a solution. You need to ensure your boards and pins are SEO-optimized. Therefore, it's recommended to add keywords in the following places:
- Pinterest profile name
- Profile description
- Board names
- Board descriptions
- Pins
- Pin descriptions
- Blog content
- Keywords for blog posts.
- Make Your Pin Images Stand Out
To stand out among the many pinners on Pinterest, you want to use eye-catching images for your pins, increasing the likelihood of people clicking on them. Therefore, make sure your images are vertical. Pinterest recommends an image ratio of 2:3.
- Use Fresh Pins
The way to appear first on Pinterest is by creating new content. That means a brand new pin with a new image, description, and link for every blog post or product you sell. Pinterest always wants new and fresh content on their platform, so keep that in mind when trying to beat the algorithm.
- Spend Time on the Platform
Pinterest wants people to be active on their platform so they can see pinners' content, interact on the platform, and see Pinterest ads. You can stay active on Pinterest by scrolling, clicking on interesting pins, following a few pinners or boards that interest you, and uploading new pins. The advice is to post around 10-25 pins per day on average.
Want to know more about the Pinterest algorithm or have any questions after reading this blog? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to help!
