Best Practices for Managing a Pinterest Business Account

Hey there! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either thinking about starting a Pinterest Business Account or you already have one and want to make it work harder for your brand. Well, you’re in the right place! I’ve been managing Pinterest accounts for a while now, and let me tell you—it’s a game-changer for driving traffic, building brand awareness, and even boosting sales.

But here’s the thing: Pinterest isn’t just about pinning pretty pictures. It’s a visual search engine, and if you treat it like one, you can unlock its full potential. In this post, I’ll walk you through the best practices I’ve learned for managing a Pinterest Business Account. Whether you’re a small business owner, a marketer, or just someone looking to grow their brand, these tips will help you get the most out of Pinterest.

Let’s dive in!

Why a Pinterest Business Account?

First things first—why should you even bother with a Pinterest Business Account? Well, for starters, it gives you access to tools like Pinterest Analytics, Pinterest Ads, and Rich Pins, which are essential for growing your brand. Plus, it lets you showcase your business in a professional way, making it easier for people to discover and engage with your content.

If you’re still using a personal account, it’s time to make the switch. Trust me, the extra features are worth it.

Setting Up Your Pinterest Business Account

Step 1: Create or Convert Your Account

If you’re starting from scratch, head over to Pinterest and sign up for a Business Account. If you already have a personal account, you can easily convert it to a Business Account. Just go to your settings, and you’ll see the option to switch.

Step 2: Complete Your Profile

Your profile is like your storefront on Pinterest, so make it count! Here’s what you need to do:

• Choose a Business Name: Use your brand name so people can easily find you.
• Write a Compelling Bio: Keep it short and sweet, but make sure to include keywords related to your niche. For example, if you’re a bakery, you might write something like, “Delicious homemade cakes and pastries | Freshly baked every day | Order online now!”
• Add a Profile Picture: Use your logo or a high-quality image that represents your brand.
• Verify Your Website: This is a must if you want to track your website traffic and enable Rich Pins (more on that later).

Optimizing Your Pinterest Profile

Organize Your Boards

Your boards are where your pins live, so you want them to be organized and easy to navigate. Here’s how:

• Create Themed Boards: Think about your niche and create boards around specific topics. For example, if you’re a fashion brand, you might have boards like “Spring Outfits,” “Workwear Inspiration,” and “Accessory Trends.”
• Use Descriptive Names: Make sure your board names are clear and include relevant keywords.
• Arrange Your Boards Strategically: Put your most important boards at the top of your profile.

Focus on Pin Quality

Pinterest is all about visuals, so your pins need to stand out. Here’s what I’ve found works best:

• Use High-Quality Images: Blurry or low-res images are a no-go. Invest in good photography or use design tools like Canva to create eye-catching pins.
• Stick to a Consistent Aesthetic: Your pins should reflect your brand’s style and colors. This helps create a cohesive look that people will recognize.
• Go Vertical: Pinterest loves vertical images! Aim for a 2:3 aspect ratio (e.g., 1000×1500 pixels) to make your pins pop.

Content Strategy and Creation

Know Your Audience

Before you start pinning, take some time to understand your audience. Who are they? What are they interested in? Pinterest Analytics is a great tool for this—it shows you what’s working and what’s not.

Create Engaging Pins

Your pins are the heart of your Pinterest strategy, so make them count. Here’s how:

• Write Compelling Titles: Use clear, action-driven titles that include keywords. For example, instead of “Chocolate Cake,” try “Decadent Chocolate Cake Recipe You’ll Love.”
• Add Detailed Descriptions: Don’t just write a sentence—use your description to tell a story or provide value. Include keywords naturally to improve discoverability.
• Use Hashtags Wisely: While hashtags aren’t as big on Pinterest as they are on Instagram, they can still help your pins get found. Stick to 2-3 relevant hashtags per pin.

Balance Your Content Mix

It’s tempting to only pin your own content, but Pinterest works best when you mix it up. Here’s a good rule of thumb:

• 80% Inspirational Content: This includes pins from other creators that align with your brand.
• 20% Promotional Content: This is where you promote your own products, blog posts, or services.

Pinning Best Practices

Pin Consistently

Pinterest rewards consistency, so aim to pin regularly. I usually pin 10-15 times a day, but you can start with 5-10 if that feels more manageable.

Use Rich Pins

Rich Pins automatically pull information from your website, making your pins more informative and engaging. There are three types:

• Product Pins: Include pricing and availability.
• Recipe Pins: Include ingredients and cooking times.
• Article Pins: Include headlines and descriptions.

To enable Rich Pins, you’ll need to add some metadata to your website. Pinterest has a handy guide to help you through the process.

Collaborate with Group Boards

Group boards are a great way to expand your reach. Look for boards in your niche with a large following and active contributors. Just make sure to follow the board’s rules and pin high-quality content.

Leveraging Pinterest Tools and Features

Pinterest Ads

If you’re looking to boost your reach, Pinterest Ads are worth considering. You can promote your best-performing pins to reach a larger audience. Start with a small budget and test different ad formats, like Promoted Pins or Video Pins.

Pinterest Analytics

Analytics is your best friend when it comes to refining your strategy. Keep an eye on metrics like impressions, saves, and clicks to see what’s working and what’s not.

Pinterest Trends

Want to stay ahead of the curve? Check out Pinterest Trends to see what’s popular in your niche. This can help you create timely and relevant content.

Engaging with the Pinterest Community

Alright, let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked when it comes to Pinterest: community engagement. Sure, Pinterest is a visual search engine, but it’s also a social platform. That means it’s not just about pinning and hoping for the best—it’s about building relationships, connecting with your audience, and creating a sense of community around your brand.

Here’s how I’ve learned to engage with the Pinterest community effectively:

1. Follow and Interact with Other Accounts

One of the easiest ways to start engaging is by following other accounts in your niche. Whether it’s influencers, competitors, or just accounts that inspire you, following others can help you stay in the loop and build connections.

But don’t stop there—interact with their content too! Like and comment on their pins, and don’t be afraid to leave thoughtful comments. For example, if someone posts a recipe you love, leave a comment like, “This looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it this weekend.” It’s a small gesture, but it goes a long way in building relationships.

2. Repin and Share Content

Repinning is one of the best ways to engage with the community. When you repin someone else’s content, you’re not only showing appreciation for their work, but you’re also adding value to your own boards.

Just make sure the content aligns with your brand and is something your audience would enjoy. For example, if you’re a home decor brand, repin beautiful interior design ideas or DIY projects that complement your style.

3. Collaborate with Group Boards

Group boards are a goldmine for community engagement. These are boards where multiple users can contribute pins, and they’re a great way to expand your reach and connect with like-minded creators.

To get started, search for group boards in your niche (you can use Pinterest’s search bar or tools like PinGroupie). Once you find a board you like, follow the rules for joining—some may require you to message the board owner or fill out a form.

When you’re part of a group board, make sure to contribute high-quality pins and engage with other contributors. It’s a win-win: you get exposure, and you build relationships with other pinners.

4. Encourage User Interaction

Want to get your followers more involved? Encourage them to interact with your content! Here are a few ideas:

• Run Contests or Giveaways: For example, you could ask followers to save and comment on a specific pin to enter a giveaway.
• Ask Questions: Use your pin descriptions to ask questions and spark conversations. For example, “What’s your go-to summer recipe? Let me know in the comments!”
• Create Collaborative Boards: Invite your followers to contribute to a board. For example, if you’re a fitness brand, you could create a board called “Your Favorite Workouts” and invite followers to share their favorite routines.

5. Respond to Comments and Messages

If someone takes the time to comment on your pin or send you a message, make sure to respond! Even a simple “Thank you!” or “I’m so glad you liked it!” can make a big difference.

Responding to comments and messages shows that you value your audience and are willing to engage with them. Plus, it helps build trust and loyalty, which can lead to long-term relationships.

6. Share User-Generated Content

Nothing says “community” like showcasing your followers’ content. If someone tags you in a pin or shares something related to your brand, repin it or feature it on your boards.

Not only does this show appreciation for your followers, but it also encourages others to share their own content. Just make sure to ask for permission before reposting anything.

7. Be Authentic and Genuine

At the end of the day, engagement is all about being authentic. Don’t just go through the motions—show genuine interest in the people you’re connecting with. Whether it’s leaving a thoughtful comment, sharing a helpful tip, or simply saying thank you, small acts of kindness can go a long way in building a loyal community.

Engaging with the Pinterest community isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must if you want to grow your brand and build meaningful connections. By following these tips, you’ll not only increase your reach but also create a sense of community around your brand that keeps people coming back for more.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Strategy

Review Your Performance

Set aside time each month to review your Pinterest Analytics. Look for patterns in your top-performing pins and boards, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Stay Updated

Pinterest is always rolling out new features, so make sure you’re staying up-to-date. Follow Pinterest’s blog or join online communities to stay in the loop.

Final Thoughts

Managing a Pinterest Business Account might seem overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly rewarding. The key is to stay consistent, keep experimenting, and always put your audience first.

So, what are you waiting for? Start implementing these best practices today, and watch your Pinterest presence grow! And hey, if you have any questions or want to share your own tips, drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you.

(Maybe you are also interested: How to Sell More with Digital Marketing on Social Networks)

FAQs

1. How often should I pin to my Pinterest Business Account?

Pinterest loves consistency, so pinning regularly is key. I recommend pinning 10-15 times per day to keep your account active and engaging. If that feels overwhelming, start with 5-10 pins daily and work your way up.

The key is to spread your pins throughout the day to reach different audiences. You can use scheduling tools like Tailwind or Pinterest’s built-in scheduler to make this easier. Just remember: quality over quantity! Focus on pinning high-quality, relevant content that resonates with your audience.

2. What’s the best way to optimize my Pinterest profile for SEO?

Optimizing your profile for SEO is crucial if you want to get discovered on Pinterest. Here’s how to do it:

• Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords in your profile name, bio, and board descriptions. For example, if you’re a fitness coach, use phrases like “home workouts,” “healthy recipes,” or “fitness tips.”
• Enable Rich Pins: Rich Pins pull metadata from your website, making your pins more informative and SEO-friendly.
• Write Detailed Pin Descriptions: Don’t skimp on your pin descriptions! Use them to include keywords and provide context for your pins.

Think of Pinterest as a search engine—the more optimized your profile and pins are, the easier it is for people to find you.

3. Should I pin my own content or other people’s content?

Both! A good rule of thumb is to follow the 80/20 rule:

• 80% Inspirational Content: Pin content from other creators that aligns with your brand and resonates with your audience. This helps keep your boards fresh and engaging.
• 20% Promotional Content: Pin your own content, like blog posts, products, or services. This is where you can drive traffic to your website or online store.

The key is to strike a balance. Pinning only your own content can come across as spammy, while pinning only others’ content won’t help you grow your brand.

4. How do I use Pinterest Analytics to improve my strategy?

Pinterest Analytics is a goldmine of information! Here’s how I use it to refine my strategy:

• Track Top-Performing Pins: Look at which pins are getting the most saves, clicks, and impressions. This helps you understand what type of content resonates with your audience.
• Monitor Audience Insights: See who’s engaging with your content—their interests, location, and demographics. Use this information to tailor your content to your audience.
• Analyze Website Traffic: If you’ve verified your website, you can track how much traffic Pinterest is driving to your site. This helps you measure the ROI of your efforts.

I recommend checking your analytics at least once a month to spot trends and adjust your strategy accordingly.

5. Are Pinterest Ads worth it for small businesses?

Absolutely! Pinterest Ads (also called Promoted Pins) can be a game-changer for small businesses. Here’s why:

• Highly Targeted: Pinterest Ads allow you to target specific audiences based on their interests, demographics, and behaviors.
• Cost-Effective: You can start with a small budget and scale up as you see results.
• Long Lifespan: Unlike ads on other platforms, Pinterest Pins have a longer shelf life because users can save and revisit them later.

If you’re new to Pinterest Ads, start by promoting your best-performing organic pins. This way, you already know the content resonates with your audience.