The ultimate guide to Pinterest for influencers

April 29, 2022

4 minute read

Influencer Marketing Best Practices Pinterest

Pinterest is a one-stop shop for inspiration, new products 

 

Unlike other social media platforms, Pinterest’s intent is the discovery of new content and providing inspiration for its users. Pinterest is used in the decision-making phase when it comes to buying a product. So why wouldn’t an influencer or creator want to tap into this social media channel?

Did you know 77% of active Pinterest users have discovered new products or brands on Pinterest, according to Findstack

Pinterest users are loyal and LTK recommends if you’ve built a following on Pinterest, then it should absolutely be used to promote a Creator’s LTK Shop, an influencer’s personal digital storefront. More than 85% of Pinterest users use the mobile app, meaning that when an LTK Creator promotes their LTK Shop on Pinterest a user who has the LTK App can click through their Pin directly to the Creator’s Shop. (At LTK, we always work harder for our Creators.)

Now let’s dive into Pinterest.

 

How Pinterest works

People use Pinterest when they want something new, but don’t have a specific idea in mind. It’s like a visual search engine, guiding people to ideas that are just right for them. People don’t always have the words to describe what they’re looking for—but they’ll know it when they see it. As they browse Pinterest content (called “Pins”), they fine-tune their tastes and find the perfect idea.

 

The importance of Pinterest Business Accounts

LTK Creators should choose to have a business account. Business accounts help brands, creators and merchants get more out of Pinterest. Creators will get access to analytics, ads and exclusive content formats. Business accounts are free, and it’s quick to sign up or switch over to one.

Switch your personal account to a business account on your phone.

  1. Open the Pinterest app on your device and log into your Pinterest account
  2. Tap your profile picture at the bottom-right corner
  3. Tap the ‘...’ in the top-right corner
  4. Tap ‘Settings’
  5. Select ‘Account management’
  6. Tap ‘Convert’ to personal account
  7. Tap ‘Convert’ to personal

Create a new business account*

  1. From the top-right of your screen, click ‘Sign up’
  2. Click ‘Create a business account
  3. Enter your email, create a password and enter your age
  4. Click ‘Create account’
  5. Fill out the fields to build your profile, then click ‘Next’
  6. Fill out the fields to describe your business, then click ‘Next’
  7. Select if you want to run ads, then click ‘Next’
  8. Select where you'd like to start or click the ‘X’ icon to go to your new Pinterest business account

*Please note that at this time, you can only create a new business account from your desktop device. 

 

Idea Pins

idea pin @daniaustin

An evolution of Story Pins

  • Pinterest Idea Pins are multi-page video Pins. As long as you have a Pinterest business account, you can use Idea Pins to create inspiring content and build more engaged communities directly on Pinterest.
  • Idea Pins don’t have a way to include a live link. That’s intentional on Pinterest’s part. The goal of Idea Pins is to keep Pinners on Pinterest.
  • As far as comments, Idea Pins get more of them. In fact, Pinterest says they see 9x the average comment rate on Idea Pins compared to standard Pins.

Use this handy guide before publishing an Idea Pin.

  • Here are a few ways they differ from Stories on FB and IG:
    • Idea Pins last. They don’t disappear in 24 hours.
    • Idea Pins can be Saved by Pinners for their future inspiration.
    • Idea Pins focus on inspiring rather than connecting, live chatting, etc.
  • What are some of the advantages of Idea Pins? 
    • Idea Pins get more exposure on Pinterest.
    • Pinners who follow you will see your Idea Pins at the top of their home feeds.
    • They’ll also surface in search and on the Today Tab.
    • Idea Pins are a great way to grow your Pinterest followers, since Pinterest prompts viewers to follow the Pin creator at the end.
      • Idea Pin inspiration:
        • Workwear
        • Summer essentials
        • Beauty routine
        • Try-on haul
        • Everyday outfits
        • Best jeans
        • Home tour
        • Travel outfits
        • Nail trends

 

Regular pins

pin @daniaustin

The best Pins are visually compelling, tell a good story, and make people want to learn more 

  • Pick a vertical image. Use high-quality imagery that will stand out. A 2x3 ratio (ex: 1000 x 1500 px) is recommended. 
  • Put the product you’re showcasing front and center. Avoid using abstract images.
  • Put your logo or handle name on every pin you make, but avoid the lower-right corner since that is covered in Pinterest product icons. 
  • Add text overlay for added effectiveness. Keep it short and sweet since most users will be reading the text on mobile. 
  • Optimize your pin copy with clear titles and descriptions. Be sure to include any keywords that you think might be popular in search. You can use 100 characters in your title and 500 in the description.
  • Always be sure to attach your LTK Shop link! Your Pin’s creative tells people what to expect when they click, so make sure it matches your destination site’s topic and imagery. And LTK Creators can easily share their LTK Shop on Pinterest. 

 

Video Pins

video pin @daniaustin

Start strong and make your pin actionable.

  • Video pins should lead with a clear hook to grab the viewer’s attention right away.
  • Make sure your videos clearly and succinctly communicate your ideas. For organic content, videos between 15 and 60 seconds work best. 
  • Some Pinners watch video with sound off, so don’t rely on audio or dialogue. Use text overlay or captions to help tell your story.
  • Select a cover image when you upload your video so people can understand what your video is about with just one glance.
  • Optimize pin copy. Clear titles and descriptions help your video get discovered in search. 

 

Pinterest by the numbers

Not only do people watch close to 1B videos each day on the platform, but shopper engagement grew by 20% in 2021! 

  • 431M monthly active users on Pinterest
  • 14th largest global social platform 
  • 86% of Pinterest users also use Instagram
  • 60% female users, but the gender gap is getting smaller

Pinterest resources:

Pinterest Social Playbook

Pinterest SEO Basics

Why It’s Especially Smart to Utilize Pinterest

More reasons why LTK Creators should be pinning content regularly

Pinterest Trends: Learn more about trending topics, products and content 

Pinterest Predicts: Plan for the future with Pinterest’s annual predictions portal

 

LTK: Built by a Creator for Creators

At LTK, a global influencer marketing hub, we power Creator Commerce™ for more than 165,000 top-tier Creators, 5,000 Brands across 100 countries, and more than 8 million monthly in-app Shoppers. 

 

The benefits of leveraging your own LTK Shop

  1. Post all shoppable content to your LTK Shop where it’s available to search and shop. 
  2. LTK converts followers to shoppers 3.5x more than social channels, so your time is well spent when optimizing your LTK Shop, and there is no need to re-post content over and over to capture scrolling followers. Shoppers on LTK are there to buy!
  3. LTK is uniquely positioned to ride the inevitable rise and fall of social media platforms, leaving the control with you, regardless of evolving social algorithms.

By pioneering a proprietary ecosystem of innovative technology, strategic growth consulting, global brand partnerships, and expansive shopper distribution, we’ve done more than just monetize influencer marketing. We created the industry and are now defining the next decade. So what are you waiting for? 

It’s time for YOU to join our network of entrepreneurs. 

 

APPLY NOW

 

Topics: Influencer Marketing Best Practices Pinterest