How to Use Pinterest for Beginners – 6 EASY Actionable Steps

Ever thought of Pinterest as “just” a place to pin pretty pictures? Think again. Pinterest is the third largest traffic driver, right behind Google and YouTube. That’s right. Not just a social platform—it’s a visual search engine. If you’re a business owner, blogger, or marketer who’s not using Pinterest to drive traffic to your site, you’re leaving serious opportunity on the table.

But how do you get started? And more importantly, how do you do it right? Learn all about how to avoid common Pinterest mistakes. Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Set Up a Pinterest Business Account

First things first—you need a Pinterest Business account. If you already have a personal Pinterest account, don’t worry. You can easily convert it to a business one with just a few clicks. The reason this matters is simple: analytics.

With a business account, you gain access to Pinterest Analytics. This tool is your best friend when it comes to understanding what’s working. You can track everything from how your boards are performing to which pins are driving the most engagement. Without analytics, you’re essentially flying blind.

Step 2: Choose Your Niche

Now that your account is set up, it’s time to zoom in on your Pinterest niche. Remember, Pinterest users aren’t there to be sold to—they’re there to discover, plan, and get inspired. So, think about your customer first.

What are they looking for? How can you attract them without leading with a sales pitch?

Let’s say you run an online store that sells artisanal candles. Instead of just pushing product photos, create pins around things that compliment your candles. Maybe seasonal home decor ideas, tips for creating cozy spaces, or even DIY candle-making guides. The more niche you go, the better your results will be.

Remember, content that provides value will draw people in. The sale comes later.

Step 3: Find the Right Keywords

If you only get one thing right, let it be this: keywords. Pinterest is a search engine, after all. Your pins, boards, and profile need to be optimized with the right keywords to get found.

So how do you find keywords for Pinterest? Simple. Head over to Pinterest and start typing in words related to your niche in the search bar. Like Google, Pinterest will suggest keywords as you type. These are phrases that users are actively searching for. Collect at least 20 relevant keywords and pop them into a spreadsheet. These will guide your content strategy moving forward.

Pro tip: You can also use tools like Pinterest Trends, Google Trends or Tailwind to further research what’s trending within your niche.

Step 4: Optimize Your Pinterest Profile

Your Pinterest profile is like a storefront. You want to make sure it’s optimized to draw people in and keep them engaged. One excellent tip is to use your cover image to feature an offer—maybe a discount code, a free guide, or a lead magnet. The key here is that they can’t click on the image, so make sure you use an easy-to-remember URL. This is prime real estate to capture interest.

Also, don’t forget to infuse your profile description with keywords. Let people know who you are, what you do, and how you can help them. Keep it simple but clear.

Step 5: Create Your Boards

When setting up your boards, think about topics that complement your business but are still related to your niche. Let’s go back to the candle business example. You might create boards like:

• Cozy Home Decor Ideas
• Seasonal Scents for Every Mood
• DIY Craft Projects for Home
• Candle Care and Maintenance Tips

Each board should have a simple, clear description. Remember to weave in some of those juicy keywords you found earlier. This will help Pinterest understand what your boards are about, making it easier for users to find your content. You can also add make your boards stand out by learning how to put symbols and emoji’s in a Pinterest Board Title.

Start with 3-5 boards. You can always add more as your content grows, but quality over quantity is key here.

Step 6: Create Compelling Content

Now comes the fun part—creating your pins! Your pins should be visually engaging, provide value, and link back to your website or blog. Tools like Canva can help you design stunning pins that stand out in the feed. But don’t stop there. Learn how to create a pin on Pinterest:

Here’s a simple formula for a great pin:

1. Create a visually appealing image (think bold colors, clear text).
2. Add a keyword-optimized title.
3. Write a short, engaging description that includes your keywords.
4. Include a call-to-action, like “Click to learn more” or “Find out how.”

Pro tip: Tools like Tailwind, ChatGPT, and Google Gemini can also help streamline your content creation process, saving you time while maximizing reach. If you’re ready to learn more about using ChatGPT, check out my e-book, Create and Sell Digital Products with ChatGPT.

Finally, don’t forget to promote your lead magnet with your pins. Grab your copy of my guide, “Pin It to Win It“, for step-by-step instructions on how to create high-converting pins that actually drive traffic to your site!

Bonus: Call to Action for Pinterest Success

Ready to take your Pinterest strategy to the next level? Sign up for “Pin It to Win It“ and get actionable insights and templates to fast-track your success on Pinterest.