Simple Pin Podcast Episode Summary: "Most Common Questions Asked About Pinterest Marketing"
Release Date: October 2, 2024
Host: Kate Ahl
In the latest episode of the Simple Pin Podcast, host Kate Ahl delves into the most frequently asked questions about Pinterest marketing, providing actionable insights and expert advice for businesses looking to harness the platform's potential. This comprehensive summary captures the key discussions, strategies, and conclusions presented by Kate, making it a valuable resource for both novice and seasoned Pinterest marketers.
1. Optimal Number of Pins Per Day
Key Insights:
- Consistency is Crucial: Pinterest values regular activity from creators and businesses.
- Content Creation Dependency: The number of pins should align with the amount of new content a business generates.
Notable Quote:
“Pinterest is telling its business users, more content, we love it. The more the better.” — Kate Ahl [04:35]
Recommendations:
- For Active Content Creators: Aim for 1 to 10 pins per day based on content availability.
- For Businesses with Backlogs: Maintaining a consistent pinning schedule is beneficial, though growth may plateau without new content.
- Personal Example: Kate shares that her team pins 5 to 7 times daily, balancing new and refreshed older content.
2. Choosing the Right Scheduling Tool
Key Insights:
- The scheduling tool should complement your workflow and enhance productivity.
Notable Quote:
“Pick a scheduling tool that works best with your productivity and works best with your brain.” — Kate Ahl [07:15]
Popular Tools Mentioned:
- Pinterest Native Scheduler: Free, allows scheduling up to 30 days in advance.
- Tailwind: Preferred for its reliability and long-term use.
- Planoly and Buffer: Alternatives used for client management.
- Canva: Mixed reviews; some appreciate its efficiency despite initial dissatisfaction.
Recommendation:
- Experiment and Adapt: Start with a tool that feels intuitive and scalable with your pinning needs.
3. Use of Hashtags on Pinterest
Key Insights:
- Hashtags Are Discouraged: They can disrupt the keyword-focused search algorithm of Pinterest.
- Keyword Optimization Preferred: Emphasize natural language and relevant keywords in pin titles and descriptions.
Notable Quote:
“Pinterest is a search and discovery platform, which means that the keywords really drive what the algorithm shows to people when they search.” — Kate Ahl [09:03]
Recommendations:
- Avoid Hashtags: Focus on comprehensive keyword integration instead.
- Leverage Tagged Topics: Utilize Pinterest’s tagging features to enhance visibility.
4. Crafting Effective Board Descriptions
Key Insights:
- Natural Language Over Lists: Enhances readability and aligns with Pinterest’s evolving search algorithms.
- Keyword-Rich Descriptions: Support board titles with contextually relevant keywords.
Notable Quote:
“The more you can have something sound natural, the better.” — Kate Ahl [11:25]
Recommendations:
- Balanced Approach: Combine lists with natural language to maintain both structure and fluidity.
- Update Flexibly: Board names and descriptions can be refined over time to better match evolving strategies.
5. Managing Older Pins and URL Changes
Key Insights:
- Permanence of Pins: Once pinned, standard pins remain on the platform indefinitely.
- URL Adjustments Limited: Changing URLs on old pins doesn’t affect existing repins by others.
Notable Quote:
“Once you pin a pin to Pinterest, it is out in the ecosystem... it will be on your board too. But it's okay. Just leave it alone.” — Kate Ahl [13:10]
Recommendations:
- For Product Pins: Utilize connected product catalogs to automatically update information like pricing and inventory.
- For Standard Pins: Accept their lasting presence and focus on future pinning strategies.
6. Marketing Services vs. Products on Pinterest
Key Insights:
- Distinct Approaches Needed: Services and products require tailored marketing strategies to address different user intents.
Notable Quote:
“You absolutely need to market services different than products.” — Kate Ahl [16:45]
Examples Provided:
- Services (e.g., Coaching): Focus on "how" and "why" to engage users seeking participation or assistance.
- Products (e.g., Gym Equipment): Highlight features and benefits to cater to users ready to make a purchase.
Recommendations:
- Understand User Intent: Craft content that aligns with what your target audience is searching for, whether it's guidance or specific products.
7. Naming Boards and Writing Descriptions
Key Insights:
- Utilize Pinterest’s Search Features: Leverage the search bar and Trends tool to inform board naming and descriptions.
- Flexibility in Naming: Board names can be updated as needed to better reflect evolving content strategies.
Recommendations:
- Research Trends: Use trends.pinterest.com to identify popular topics and board names.
- Continuous Optimization: Regularly update board names and descriptions to maintain relevance and improve searchability.
8. Measuring Pin Performance
Key Insights:
- Analytics Are Essential: Utilize Pinterest’s built-in analytics or third-party tools to track pin performance metrics like impressions, saves, and clicks.
Notable Quote:
“The number one way that you can get data about your performance on Pinterest is analytics.” — Kate Ahl [19:40]
Recommendations:
- Business Account Analytics: Monitor through Pinterest’s analytics dashboard for real-time insights.
- Website Analytics Integration: Use platforms like Shopify or Google Analytics (G4) to track traffic originating from Pinterest.
- User Behavior Tools: Implement tools like Microsoft Clarity to observe on-site interactions from Pinterest traffic.
9. Creating Engaging Images for Pins
Key Insights:
- Maintain Brand Consistency: Stick to your visual style to build brand recognition, even if it differs from prevalent Pinterest aesthetics.
- Stand Out Through Uniqueness: Bold and distinctive images can capture attention amidst a sea of similar content.
Notable Quote:
“Get bold with your images. Really remember that they are the billboard advertising of your Pinterest account.” — Kate Ahl [21:55]
Recommendations:
- Brand-Centric Design: Ensure all pins reflect your brand’s identity to foster familiarity and trust.
- A/B Testing: Experiment with different image styles and analyze performance over a period (e.g., three months) to identify what resonates most with your audience.
10. Optimizing Pin Titles for Increased Clicks
Key Insights:
- Dual Focus on Titles and Image Text: Distinct strategies for pin titles and on-image text can enhance engagement and click-through rates.
Notable Quote:
“PIN titles are what you'll see on the kind of the format of when you upload a pin... PIN copy on the image will definitely be something that people read right away.” — Kate Ahl [24:10]
Recommendations:
- Algorithm-Friendly Titles: Use concise, keyword-rich titles to aid Pinterest’s search algorithm.
- Compelling On-Image Text: Incorporate eye-catching, actionable text on images to entice users to click.
11. Pinterest for Local Photographers
Key Insights:
- Location-Based Searches: Pinterest users often search for services in specific locales, making it valuable for local photographers.
Notable Quote:
“People search on Google, they might also get this Pinterest board to or a Pinterest pin to pull up.” — Kate Ahl [26:40]
Recommendations:
- Localized Boards: Create boards that emphasize your location, such as "Portland, Oregon Weddings" or "Portland Photography Locations."
- Diverse Content: Showcase various aspects of your photography style and services to attract a wider local audience.
12. Tagging Products vs. Direct Links
Key Insights:
- Strategic Tagging: Tagging is most effective for your own products rather than affiliate items.
- Redirects for URL Changes: Implement URL redirects to manage changes without affecting existing pins excessively.
Notable Quote:
“Tagging a product really just allows you, I would say first and foremost to tag your own products.” — Kate Ahl [28:25]
Recommendations:
- Prefer Internal Links: Direct pins to comprehensive blog posts or product pages rather than single purchase links to increase engagement.
- Limit Direct-Only Links: These tend to have lower conversion rates, so use them sparingly.
13. Re-Pinning Popular Content
Key Insights:
- Periodic Refreshing: Re-pinning top-performing pins can sustain and potentially boost their visibility over time.
Notable Quote:
“I like to pin mine once a month because I know it's my most popular.” — Kate Ahl [29:50]
Recommendations:
- Monthly Review: Consider re-pinning popular content on a monthly or quarterly basis.
- Image and Copy Variation: Experiment with different visuals and call-to-action texts to keep the content fresh and engaging.
Final Thoughts and Resources
Kate wraps up the episode by reassuring listeners not to feel overwhelmed by the complexities of Pinterest marketing. She highlights Simple Pin Media's offerings, which include step-by-step guides to setting up Pinterest profiles and specialized workshops for image creation. Emphasizing Pinterest's unique role in complementing other platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Google, and email, Kate underscores its enduring value in driving consistent, year-round traffic.
Call to Action:
- For Assistance: Visit simplepinmedia.com/start to begin optimizing your Pinterest presence.
- Engage with Content: Kate encourages listeners to subscribe, leave reviews, and engage with Simple Pin Media’s educational resources available on YouTube.
This episode serves as a robust guide for businesses aiming to refine their Pinterest marketing strategies. By addressing real-world questions and offering practical solutions, Kate Ahl provides listeners with the tools needed to navigate and succeed on Pinterest effectively.