Simple Pin Podcast Summary: Troubleshooting Part #1: Pinterest Images

Podcast Information:

• Title: Simple Pin Podcast: Simple ways to boost your business using Pinterest
• Host: Kate Ahl
• Episode: Troubleshooting Part #1: Pinterest Images
• Release Date: May 28, 2025

Introduction

In the premiere episode of the three-part troubleshooting series, Kate Ahl delves into the pivotal role of images in Pinterest marketing. Titled "Troubleshooting Part #1: Pinterest Images," this episode sets the foundation for understanding and optimizing the visual elements that drive engagement and success on the platform.

The Importance of Pinterest Images

Kate opens the discussion by emphasizing the significance of images on Pinterest, noting that "Pinterest images are the flagship way that users interact with your content" (00:00). She explains that Pinterest operates primarily through a visual interface where images serve as the primary means of communication, replacing text-heavy content found on other social media platforms like Instagram.

Key Points:

• First Impressions Matter: On Pinterest, users predominantly engage with images first, making the quality and relevance of these visuals crucial.
• Evergreen Content: Pinterest allows images (pins) to continue driving traffic long after their initial posting, with "over 60% of saves coming from pins older than one year" (04:30).

Insights from the Tailwind Study

Kate references a comprehensive study conducted by Tailwind, analyzing over 1.2 million pins from 17,000 business accounts. The findings highlight the longevity and effectiveness of image pins compared to other formats.

Notable Findings:

• Longevity of Pins: Pins have an average lifespan of 13 months, allowing sustained traffic and engagement.
• Content Types: Image pins dominate engagement metrics, comprising nearly 90% of the most viral pins, while video pins account for only 8%, and collages for 2% (05:45).

Common Problems with Pinterest Images

Kate identifies and elaborates on four major issues that often hinder the effectiveness of Pinterest images:

1. Terrible Font Choices (07:15)

   • Quote: "If you put really small text or you put really script text and I'm looking at the phone or without my glasses, then I can't read it" (12:20).
   • Issue: Overly decorative or small fonts reduce readability, especially on mobile devices.
   • Solution: Use clear, legible fonts that align with your brand and ensure text is easy to read on all screen sizes.

2. Lack of Text on Beautiful Images (14:50)

   • Challenge: While aesthetically pleasing images attract attention, they often lack the necessary context to prompt user engagement.
   • Example: A beautiful bowl of mac and cheese needs additional text to convey unique selling points like "gluten-free" or "5 ingredients."
   • Recommendation: Incorporate descriptive text to provide context and entice users to click, especially in niches like food, DIY, and crafts.

3. Incorrect Image Dimensions (20:10)

   • Guideline: Maintain a 2:3 ratio with dimensions of 1000x1500 pixels.
   • Problem: Deviating from these dimensions can result in images being cut off, obscuring important details and branding.
   • Advice: Adhere strictly to Pinterest’s recommended dimensions to ensure full visibility of your pins.

4. Inconsistent Branding (25:30)

   • Insight from Tailwind Study: Consistent branding generally leads to higher engagement, though seasonal content can sometimes benefit from varied color schemes.
   • Kate’s Experiment: She is testing softer colors like pink and green to see if they enhance engagement, alongside maintaining core branding elements (27:00).
   • Takeaway: Balance consistent branding with flexibility to adapt to seasonal themes or specific campaign needs.

Auditing Your Pinterest Images

Kate outlines a systematic approach to auditing Pinterest images to identify what works and what doesn’t:

1. Analyze Performance Metrics (30:15)

   • Focus on saves and outbound clicks, as they indicate content value and user interest.
   • Quote: "Pinterest has said the number one metric that they are interested in using is saves" (32:00).

2. Identify Common Themes (35:40)

   • Examine high-performing pins for recurring elements like faces, text usage, or specific color schemes.
   • Use tools like secret boards on Pinterest to collate and review pins comprehensively.

3. Set Up Regular Audits (40:50)

   • Conduct audits every three to six months to stay updated with trends and shifts in audience preferences.

Troubleshooting Tips

Kate provides actionable strategies to enhance Pinterest image performance:

1. Utilize Canva Templates (45:00)

   • Recommendation: Leverage professionally designed Canva templates tailored for Pinterest by agencies like Simple Pin Media to ensure high-quality visuals without starting from scratch.

2. Define Your Pinner Persona (48:30)

   • Pinner Persona Project: Understand who your engaged audience is by analyzing your Pinterest data to tailor your image design effectively.
   • Example: Discovering that your actual audience might differ in age or interests from your assumptions can lead to more targeted and effective pin designs.

3. Seek Constructive Feedback (52:15)

   • Share your new designs with trusted friends or community members to gather honest feedback.
   • Personal Anecdote: Kate shares her experience of selecting a dress for a photoshoot, illustrating the importance of external perspectives in maintaining brand consistency (55:00).

4. Implement and Evaluate (60:00)

   • Create multiple versions of your images, incorporate feedback, and monitor performance over subsequent months to refine your approach.

Conclusion

Kate wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to dedicate time to auditing and improving their Pinterest images. She emphasizes the importance of leveraging available resources, such as Canva templates and the Pinner Persona project, to streamline the process and enhance marketing effectiveness.

Final Advice:

• Set Aside Time: Allocate at least one hour to conduct a deep dive into your Pinterest images.
• Leverage Resources: Use templates and persona tools to assist in creating effective pins.
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly audit and tweak your image strategy to foster sustained growth and engagement.

Next Episode: Listeners are teased with a preview of the next episode, which will focus on troubleshooting keywords, promising continued insights into optimizing Pinterest for business success.

Notable Quotes:

• "Pinterest has confirmed that the lifespan of a pin is an average of 13 months." (04:30)
• "Nearly nine in 10 of the most viral pins in their study were image pins." (05:45)
• "Pinterest images are the flagship way that users interact with your content." (00:00)
• "If you put really small text or you put really script text... then I can't read it." (12:20)
• "Pinterest has said the number one metric that they are interested in using is saves." (32:00)

By following Kate Ahl’s comprehensive guidance in this episode, business owners and marketers can significantly enhance their Pinterest image strategies, leading to increased engagement, saves, and ultimately, business growth.