Why You Should Sell on Pinterest
Pinterest stands out as one of the most visually engaging platforms, and it’s a goldmine for businesses looking to showcase their products. But why is it so effective? Here are a few compelling reasons:
- Visual Appeal Drives Action: Pinterest users are drawn to stunning visuals, making it the perfect platform for showcasing products that catch the eye.
- High Purchase Intent: Unlike other social platforms, Pinterest users often search with the intent to buy or gather inspiration for purchases.
- Reach a Unique Audience: With over 450 million monthly active users, Pinterest lets you tap into an audience eager for fresh ideas and products.
- Boost Your Website Traffic: Pins linked to your products can drive consistent traffic to your eCommerce store.
- Longer Content Lifespan: Unlike other platforms, where posts disappear quickly, Pinterest pins can resurface for months or even years.
Ready to leverage Pinterest for your business? Let’s walk through the steps to get started.
How to Start Selling on Pinterest: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Set Up a Pinterest Business Account
To sell on Pinterest, you need a business account. Here’s how to create one:
- Go to Pinterest for Business.
- Sign up or convert your personal account into a business account.
- Fill out your profile details, including a professional photo/logo, a compelling bio, and a link to your website.
2. Claim Your Website
Claiming your website helps verify ownership and unlocks analytics for your pins. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > Claim in your Pinterest account.
- Enter your website URL and follow the instructions to add the verification code to your site.
3. Enable Rich Pins
Rich Pins automatically pull important details from your website, like pricing and availability, into your pins. To enable them:
- Add meta tags to your website.
- Validate your Rich Pins using Pinterest’s validation tool.
- Apply for Rich Pins approval.
4. Create Eye-Catching Product Pins
The key to selling on Pinterest is creating high-quality, visually appealing pins. Keep these tips in mind:
- Use vertical images (1000 x 1500 pixels) for the best performance.
- Add clear, readable text overlays to highlight key details.
- Write keyword-rich, engaging descriptions.
5. Optimize Your Boards
Organize your pins into well-thought-out boards that reflect your product categories or audience interests. For example:
- “Stylish Home Office Ideas” for furniture brands.
- “Summer Must-Haves” for fashion retailers.
6. Leverage Pinterest Ads
Promoted Pins are a powerful way to reach a larger audience. Use Pinterest Ads Manager to:
- Target users based on demographics, interests, and keywords.
- Track performance and adjust your campaigns for better results.
7. Track Performance with Analytics
Use Pinterest Analytics to monitor your progress:
- Check which pins get the most impressions, clicks, and saves.
- Analyze your audience’s interests and tailor your content accordingly.
Unlock the Power of Pinterest for Your Business
If you’re searching for a fresh way to promote your business, Pinterest is a fantastic place to start. Its highly visual and discovery-focused nature makes it ideal for connecting with your audience and driving sales.
Here’s how to get started with selling on Pinterest:
1. Get Your Online Store Ready
Before diving into Pinterest, you’ll need a solid eCommerce store. Ensure your store is well-organized with:
- Clear product descriptions and high-quality images
- Secure payment methods
- A user-friendly design
If you’re new to eCommerce, Shopify is an excellent platform to consider. It’s easy to use, offers flexible pricing plans, and has resources to guide beginners through the setup process.
Not confident about building a Shopify store? Here are three options:
- Do It Yourself: Shopify’s intuitive interface and guides make it simple to set up on your own.
- Take an Online Course: Platforms like Shopify Academy or Skillshare offer structured lessons.
- Hire a Shopify Expert: Let a professional handle the technical work so you can focus on your business.
Choose the option that works best for you and get your store up and running.
2. Set Up Your Pinterest Business Account
To start selling on Pinterest, you’ll need a business account (not a personal one). A business account gives you access to tools like analytics, Ads Manager, and the ability to create promoted pins.
Steps to Set Up:
- Visit Pinterest Business.
- Sign up or convert your personal account.
- Optimize your profile with:
- A professional profile picture
- A compelling bio about your business
- Your website link
Bonus Tip:
If you use Shopify, connect your store to your Pinterest account for seamless integration. Apply for Pinterest’s Verified Merchant Program to add credibility with a blue checkmark and unlock advanced features like product pins and a shop tab.
3. Create Eye-Catching Product Pins
Product pins are your key to standing out on Pinterest. Upload your product catalog, including descriptions, prices, and links. If you’re using Shopify, this metadata is added automatically.
Non-Product Pins:
To attract more customers, create engaging content like:
- How-to guides
- Videos
- Blog post previews
Use tools like Canva to design stunning pins. Canva offers customizable templates and a library of free stock images to streamline your workflow.
4. Promote Your Pins
Once your boards and pins are ready, focus on visibility.
Pinterest SEO:
Optimize your pin titles and descriptions with relevant keywords to rank higher in searches.
Promoted Pins:
Boost visibility by running ads targeting specific audiences or placements. This is particularly useful for launching new products.
5. Analyze Your Results
Track your performance using Pinterest Analytics and tools like Google Analytics. Key metrics to monitor:
- Impressions: How often your pins are seen.
- Saves: How many users save your pins to their boards.
- Outbound Clicks: Traffic directed to your website.
Use these insights to refine your strategy and improve your results over time.
Tips for Success on Pinterest
- Stay Consistent: Pin regularly to keep your profile active and relevant.
- Engage with the Community: Repin others’ content, respond to comments, and interact with your followers.
- Use Keywords: Optimize your pin titles and descriptions with relevant keywords to improve discoverability.
- Add a Call to Action: Encourage users to click through to your site or shop directly from Pinterest.
Selling on Pinterest doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following this guide and staying consistent, you’ll be well on your way to growing your business and reaching new customers on this powerful platform.
Have questions or tips to share about selling on Pinterest? Let me know in the comments below!
