How to Design Pinterest Pins That Convert. Pinterest is more than just a platform for finding recipes, home décor ideas, or planning your dream wedding. It’s a powerful marketing tool that can drive traffic, grow your brand, and boost sales. But let’s face it—not all pins are created equal. Some catch your eye and beg to be clicked, while others just…exist. If you’re wondering how to create pins that don’t just look pretty but actually convert, you’re in the right place!
Let’s dive into the essentials of designing Pinterest pins that work hard for your business.
1. Understand Your Audience (and What They Want)
Before you even open your favorite design tool, ask yourself: who am I designing this for? Think about your ideal Pinterest user. Are they busy moms looking for quick dinner ideas? Entrepreneurs seeking marketing tips? Home décor enthusiasts hunting for inspiration?
Understanding your audience helps you choose visuals, colors, and text that resonate with them. For instance, if your target audience loves minimalism, a cluttered pin will probably miss the mark. Tailor your design to their preferences and watch your engagement soar.
2. Nail the Basics of Pin Design
Pinterest is a visual platform, so your pin’s design is everything. Here are the non-negotiables:
Vertical Format
Pinterest favors vertical pins with a 2:3 aspect ratio (think 1000×1500 pixels). This format looks great on mobile devices, where most users scroll.
High-Quality Visuals
Blurry images are a big no-no. Use sharp, vibrant photos or illustrations that align with your brand.
Text Overlays That Pop
Add a headline or callout text to give context. For example, instead of just showing a photo of cookies, include text like, “The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe” to hook users.
Brand Consistency
Stick to your brand’s colors, fonts, and overall aesthetic. Adding a small logo or website URL to your pin is a great way to build brand recognition.
3. Use Colors and Fonts That Speak Volumes
Colors and fonts might seem like small details, but they can make or break your pin. Let’s break it down:
Color Psychology
Colors evoke emotions. Want to convey calmness? Use blues and greens. Need to spark excitement? Go for reds and yellows. Make sure your color palette aligns with your message and audience.
Font Pairing
Stick to two fonts: one for headlines and another for any supporting text. Avoid overly decorative fonts that are hard to read. The goal is clarity, not confusion!
Pro tip: Ensure there’s enough contrast between your text and background. Dark text on a light background (or vice versa) works best.
How to Design Pinterest Pins that Convert
4. Add a Clear Call to Action (CTA)
Want people to do more than just admire your pin? Tell them what to do next! A strong CTA can guide users to click, save, or visit your website. Examples include:
- “Click for the Full Guide”
- “Shop the Look”
- “Get the Recipe”
Make your CTA visually distinct, but keep it integrated into your design so it doesn’t feel out of place.
5. Optimize for Pinterest SEO
Pinterest is a search engine—not just a social media platform. To make your pins discoverable, you need to optimize them for SEO:
- Keywords: Use relevant keywords in your pin’s title and description. For example, if you’re sharing a pin about summer outfits, include terms like “summer fashion trends” or “casual summer style.”
- Hashtags: Add 3-5 relevant hashtags to boost discoverability.
- Descriptions: Write a compelling description that includes keywords naturally. For example, “Discover 10 easy summer outfits perfect for beach days and casual outings.”
6. Test and Learn
No one gets it perfect on the first try—and that’s okay! Use Pinterest Analytics to see which pins perform well and which ones fall flat. Experiment with different designs, headlines, or CTAs to see what clicks (literally) with your audience.
A/B testing is your friend. Create two versions of the same pin with slight variations and see which one performs better. Maybe it’s the color, the text placement, or even the image itself. Learning from your audience’s behavior is key to improving your strategy.
7. Avoid Common Mistakes
Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Overcrowded Designs: Less is more. Too much text or too many elements can overwhelm viewers.
- Ignoring Branding: If your pins don’t look cohesive, your audience might not connect them to your brand.
- Low-Quality Images: Always use sharp, eye-catching visuals. Pinterest is all about aesthetics!
Conclusion
Designing Pinterest pins that convert doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on understanding your audience, nailing the basics of design, and optimizing for SEO. And don’t forget to test, analyze, and refine your approach.
Now it’s your turn! Open your favorite design tool, follow these tips, and start creating pins that drive results. Trust me—your future self (and your business) will thank you.