The Basics of Pinterest: A Guide to Getting Started

The Basics of Pinterest: A Guide to Getting Started

If you’re new to Pinterest or just need a refresher on the basics, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll walk through the essential features of Pinterest, from your home feed to creating and organizing boards. Let’s dive in!

black ipad on brown wooden table

Your Pinterest Home Feed

When you log into Pinterest, your home feed is the first thing you’ll see. This feed is personalized based on your past pinning activity and may include suggested pins, videos, and promoted content. Here’s what you need to know about your home feed:

  • Personalization: Pinterest suggests pins based on your interests and past activities, so you’ll see a variety of content that aligns with your preferences.
  • Interactivity: You can save pins to your boards, explore the links, and engage with the content by following the pinners or leaving comments.
  • Auto-Play Videos: Videos will auto-play in your feed, giving you a glimpse of the content without having to click on it.

flat screen monitor

Creating and Organizing Boards

One of the key features of Pinterest is the ability to create and organize boards to save and categorize your favorite pins. Here’s how it works:

  • Creating Boards: You can create boards for different topics or interests, such as travel, art, business, and more.
  • Saving Pins: When you find a pin that catches your eye, you can save it to one of your existing boards or create a new board to organize similar content.
  • Search Functionality: Pinterest also offers a search bar where you can discover new content by entering specific keywords or topics of interest.

black LED monitor

The Importance of Keywords

Keywords play a crucial role in making your content discoverable on Pinterest. Here’s how you can optimize your pins with relevant keywords:

  • Pin Title and Description: Incorporate keywords in the pin title and description to improve search visibility.
  • Meta Description: The meta description from the linked site can also impact the discoverability of your pins, so ensure it aligns with your keyword strategy.
  • Board Descriptions: Include keywords in your board descriptions to enhance the visibility of your curated content.

Final Thoughts

Pinterest is a powerful platform for discovering, organizing, and sharing visual content across a wide range of interests. By understanding the basics of Pinterest, including home feed personalization, board creation, keyword optimization, and travel planning, you can make the most of this dynamic platform.

Whether you’re a seasoned pinner or just getting started, Pinterest offers endless possibilities for exploration and inspiration. Happy pinning!

Hire Katie Hart as a Pinterest manager

Pinterest Mistakes to Avoid for Coaches and Course Creators

Pinterest Mistakes to Avoid for Coaches and Course Creators

Welcome to yet another adventure in the world of digital marketing! Today, let’s chat about an often misunderstood—but incredibly powerful—platform: Pinterest. If you’re a coach or course creator, you might be scratching your head, wondering why your pins aren’t taking off like a SpaceX rocket. Well, my friend, strap in because we’re about to embark on a journey to avoid the black holes of Pinterest marketing.

brown wooden house under white clouds

1. The Ghost Town of Content

Imagine walking into a party, and it’s just crickets… awkward, right? That’s what it’s like when you don’t have enough content to promote on Pinterest. It’s not enough to have a shiny product or service—you need to have a buffet of free content to entice your audience. Think of it as the appetizers before the main course; it’s what gets people to stick around and eventually invest in what you’re serving up.

So, what’s the magic formula? Blogs, my fellow marketers, blogs! They’re like the bread and butter of Pinterest. But hey, if you’re more of a podcaster or a YouTuber, don’t fret. Just repurpose those show notes and videos into blog posts. Remember, Pinterest has a voracious appetite for fresh URLs and new content. The more you feed it, the more it helps your account thrive.

people riding on carousel during night time

2. The Carousel of Sameness

Now, let’s talk about that one trick pony—repeating the same URL like it’s the only tune you know. If you’ve got a main service page or a flagship course, it’s tempting to pin it to oblivion. But here’s the kicker: Pinterest has a nose for spam, and it doesn’t appreciate the smell of repetition. If you’re just looping the same image and link, you’ll be about as popular as a skunk at a lawn party.

However, if you’re a Picasso of pin designs, creating new and exciting images for the same ol’ URL, you might slide under the radar. But why play it risky? Diversify your content portfolio with a blog or other resources. It’s like investing in stocks; you don’t put all your eggs in one basket unless you want to end up with an omelet on your face.

woman in white long sleeve shirt holding black smartphone

3. The Me, Myself, and I Syndrome

Let’s face it, we all love a bit of limelight, but Pinterest is not the stage for your solo act. Taking an Instagram approach—flaunting your beachside lifestyle and boasting about your riches—won’t cut it. Pinterest folks are on a treasure hunt for solutions, not to swipe right on your personal life.

The golden rule? Lead with value. Whether it’s through educational content or captivating stories, make sure you’re the guide in their quest, not the distracting billboard. Offer solutions, sprinkle in new and useful nuggets of information, and watch as Pinterest users flock to you like seagulls to a chip.

In conclusion, my fellow digital explorers, Pinterest marketing is a voyage of discovery. Avoid the barren lands of insufficient content, navigate away from the spammy seas of repetition, and don’t get lost in the vanity valley. Focus on enriching the Pinterest ecosystem with your valuable insights, and you’ll be the Amerigo Vespucci of content.

So, go forth and pin with purpose! And remember, in the vast universe of marketing, a little humor and a lot of value go a long way. Happy pinning!

Hire Katie Hart as a Pinterest manager

The Email List Growth Conundrum: Common Mistakes

The Email List Growth Conundrum: Common Mistakes

Hello, dear readers and digital trailblazers! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of email marketing and the frequent faux pas that can make or break your list-building success. So strap in and let’s unravel these mysteries with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of sage advice.

1. The “Sign Up Because I Said So” Approach

One of the most hilariously optimistic mistakes I see fledgling entrepreneurs make is the assumption that people will leap at the chance to sign up for their email list out of the goodness of their hearts. It’s the digital equivalent of setting up a lemonade stand in the desert and waiting for parched customers without even a sign. They say, “Join my newsletter,” but offer no juicy carrot to entice the signup. No sneak peeks, no exclusive content, nothing! It’s like throwing a party and forgetting to mention there’s going to be cake. Folks, unless you’re a secret celebrity, the promise of “daily musings” won’t have people flocking to your list.

2. The Lonely Lead Magnet

Now, let’s talk about the entrepreneurs who avoid mistake number one. They craft a lead magnet, a shiny quiz, or a tantalizing incentive. But then they just… leave it there. It’s like baking a beautiful cake and not inviting anyone to taste it. They don’t drive any traffic to their masterpiece, so it’s impossible to tell if it’s a hit or a miss. Building an email list without a traffic strategy is like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it. Remember, even the most irresistible lead magnet needs eyeballs to become a list-building blockbuster.

3. The Solo Flight Syndrome

Ignoring the power of collaboration is like trying to play a symphony alone – it’s possible, but why make it so hard? Teaming up for freebie swaps, bundles, or summits can turbocharge your list growth. Sure, there will be freebie hunters, but many participants are savvy and genuinely interested in what you have to offer. While these new subscribers may not be as targeted as the ones who stumble upon your site via Google, they did show up for the party, which means they’re at least a little bit into your vibe. Collaboration isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a shortcut to scaling your subscriber base with kindred spirits.

4. The Fear of Paid Play

Last but not least, let’s talk about paid advertising, the big scary monster under the bed for many entrepreneurs. While it’s true that paid ads are a more advanced game, they can catapult your list growth to new heights if you’ve got your ducks in a row. The key is to either start small or bring in a hired gun (like yours truly, the Pinterest ad whisperer). If your list is converting subscribers into customers at a healthy rate, you can use that data to make informed decisions about ad spend. Remember, the aim isn’t to throw money into the wind but to invest it where it can work its magic for your list.

In conclusion, growing an email list is a bit like gardening. You need the right seeds (lead magnets), you have to water them (drive traffic), sometimes it’s good to cross-pollinate (collaborate), and every now and then, you might want to use some fertilizer (paid ads). Avoid these common mistakes, and watch your email garden bloom!

Till next time, keep testing, keep tweaking, and keep growing. Your email list will thank you!

Hire me to build your quiz!

Pinterest Growth Toolbox: Software to Keep You Pinning

Pinterest Growth Toolbox: Software to Keep You Pinning

Hey there, social media aficionados! Are you ready to turbocharge your Pinterest presence? Well, buckle up because today we’re diving into a treasure trove of Pinterest growth tools designed to make your account thrive. And I’m not just talking about Pinterest’s in-built features. Nope, we’re venturing beyond the Pinterest realm to explore some fantastic third-party tools in three exciting categories: design, keyword-rich descriptions, and scheduling. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get pinning!

Design

Design: The Visual Powerhouse

First up, design – the secret sauce that can make or break your Pinterest game. Now, the heavyweight champion of design tools is, drumroll please… Canva! Whether you’re crafting still pins or diving into the world of video pins, Canva is your go-to design studio. It’s versatile, user-friendly, and basically the Swiss Army knife for Pinterest creators.

But let’s talk about the workflow. You’ve got to upload your images to Canva, design your masterpiece, then download those pins, before finally uploading them to your chosen scheduling platform. Phew! That’s a lot of uploading and downloading, right? And while Canva does offer a scheduler, it’s kind of like that one exercise bike in the gym nobody uses. It’s there, but the other machines just offer a better workout for your content.

Now, if Canva’s not your cup of tea, or you just love to have options, there are plenty of other design contenders in the ring. We have the likes of Stencil for still images, PicMonkey, VistaCreate, and for the design black belts out there, the almighty Adobe Photoshop. Variety is the spice of life, and when it comes to pin design, it’s no different.

a wooden block that says seo on it

Keyword Rich Descriptions: The SEO Juggernaut

Moving on to the secret language of Pinterest – keywords. If you want your pins to whisper sweet nothings into the algorithm’s ear, you need to get cozy with keyword-rich descriptions. I’ve got a little gem for you: Pin Inspector. This nifty tool is like having a direct line to Pinterest’s very own brain, helping you generate a killer keyword list for your clients or personal account.

But wait, there’s more! Ever thought about enlisting an AI sidekick? Enter ChatGPT, your friendly AI assistant that can whip up pin descriptions faster than you can say “Pinterest perfection.” Just feed it your keywords and content, and voilà – you’ve got descriptions that will make your pins pop. Speaking of voilà, there’s also, well, Voilà, another tool that can digest your blog posts and turn them into irresistible descriptions. It’s like having your very own content chef!

Scheduling: The Time-Traveling Wizard

Last but not least, let’s talk about scheduling – the magical art of being everywhere at once without breaking a sweat. The grandmaster of scheduling is none other than Tailwind. It’s been around the block, knows all the tricks, and is still one of the best tools for getting your pins out there when it counts. Plus, Tailwind Create is like having a little elf that whips up images using their fancy templates – super handy if you’re not in the mood to tango with Canva.

If you’re after something a bit more streamlined, cast your eyes on Pin Generator. It might not have all the bells and whistles of Canva, but it’s a quick draw when it comes to churning out templated designs and has some decent scheduling chops to boot. With both Tailwind and Pin Generator, you just set your times, fill your queue with pins, and let them work their magic. And while Canva might let you schedule a tango or two, and Pinterest itself offers a one-month advance booking, these standalone schedulers will let you plan your pinning strategy like a pro.

So there you have it, my fellow pinners! These are the Pinterest growth tools I wield every day to help my clients – and my own account – conquer the Pinterest universe. Remember, with the right tools in your arsenal, you’re not just pinning; you’re crafting a visual symphony. Now go out there and create some Pinterest magic!

Pinterest Automation: A Balancing Act Between Speed and Creativity

Pinterest Automation: A Balancing Act Between Speed and Creativity

Hey there, pinners and aspiring content marketing moguls! If you’re like me, you’re always on the hunt for ways to streamline your online presence and give yourself that extra edge. And when it comes to Pinterest – that visual wonderland of inspiration and aspiration – we all want to know: can we automate our way to pinning success? Let’s dive into a world where bots meet boards and discover how to strike the perfect balance.

person using laptop

The Automation Temptation

Okay, let’s cut to the chase. Can you automate aspects of your Pinterest management? Absolutely! In this digital age, there’s a tool or a bot for almost everything. Want to schedule your pins? There’s an app for that. Dream of recycling your content while you sleep? There’s a tool for that, too. The allure of automation is strong – who wouldn’t want to save time and sidestep the tedious bits?

But hold your horses. Before you go on an automation-adding spree, there’s a little secret you should know. Pinterest, that finicky friend, has a soft spot for the new and the novel. Fresh pins, fresh designs, fresh descriptions, fresh URLs – these are the ingredients for Pinterest’s algorithmic affection. So if you’re just regurgitating the same old content, you might end up in Pinterest purgatory, and trust me, there’s not as much traffic there!

The Freshness Factor

Now, I’m not saying automation is the villain in our story. It’s more like that friend who means well but sometimes doesn’t know their own strength. Many automation tools will gladly repeat your pins, descriptions, and URLs until the cows come home. But here’s the kicker: while you’re getting your content out there, which is great, you might also be shooting yourself in the foot.

Let’s get real – Pinterest is like that cool, artsy friend who only wants to see your latest creations, not last season’s reruns. So if you’re automating to the point where you’re just churning out carbon copies, you might find your account getting the cold shoulder from the algorithm. And that’s a surefire way to watch your digital dreams deflate faster than a poorly made soufflé.

The Human Touch

So what’s a savvy pinner to do? You’ve got a life to live and can’t be chained to your computer crafting the perfect pin. Here’s where a pinch of wisdom comes in: sometimes, it pays to pass the pin. Hiring a Pinterest manager might just be the secret sauce your strategy needs.

Imagine a world where someone else is creating those eye-catching pins, conjuring up irresistible descriptions, and making sure your content is as fresh as a daisy. It’s like having a personal chef for your Pinterest account – someone to keep the algorithm swooning over your latest and greatest, while you focus on the big picture. Sure, it’s an investment, but consider it a down payment on your digital domination.

At the end of the day, automation in moderation is the name of the game. Use those tools wisely, sprinkle in some human creativity, and you’ll have a Pinterest presence that’s not just active, but actually attracts attention. And isn’t that what we’re all pinning for?

So there you have it, folks. Automation on Pinterest is a bit like adding chili to your chocolate – it can be brilliant when done right, but overdo it, and you’ll be left with a burnt-out taste. Keep it fresh, keep it creative, and when in doubt, let a human take the wheel. Happy pinning!

Hire Katie Hart as a Pinterest manager