Why and How Writers Should Use Pinterest

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

This burgeoning network has become a great network for writers to connect with readers and grow their online visibility. These are some basic Pinterest tips for writers to help you capitalize on its value.

Pinterest is an image driven network that allows users to pin images from the web to virtual bulletin boards. It’s more important to consider Pinterest a visual search engine rather than a place where users engage in conversation. This platform has taken off in recent months and is the best platform for click-throughs. Users are no longer primarily women. Men and all large brands have a substantial presence here. 

 

This platform uses virtual bulletin boards to curate interesting online content. These boards are viewed by other users and posts are pinned and repined. The growing stats for Pinterest users are amazing—and not just for writers who are geared up to market and promote a new book. 

 

Pinterest has the highest percentage of click-throughs for any social media network. Pinterest users look at a pin and click through to the website more often than clicking from any other site. This makes Pinterest incredibly valuable to writers and authors. 

This network also has the longest life for a social media post than any other platform. 

There are various stats out there, but this is a good ballpark comparison:

• Twitter—18 minutes 
• Facebook—30 minutes 
• Instagram—19 hours 
• LinkedIn—24 hours 
• YouTube—6 days 
• Pinterest—4 months 

Pinterest is also the ultimate in show-don’t-tell for writers. Here writers aren’t limited to just four branding streams, we can share all the things we love by creating many different boards. 

 

Writers can also show their individuality by creating boards that include their hobbies and enthusiasm for other pursuits, allowing transparency and insight into a writer’s life. Readers are able to explore their favorite writers better by focusing on what sparks our attention. It also gives us different connection points with potential readers. 

 

Go to www.pinterest.com and sign up for a business account. If you already have a personal account, CONVERT it to a business account. (click on settings, then account settings and scroll to the bottom to see where you can convert your account to a business account.) You won’t lose anything in the transition, and with the business account you can track analytics, monthly views, and have access to other valuable resources. 

 

Fill in all the information: 

• Avatar 
• Bio

• Website 

Tips for Pinterest

Make sure you switch your account to a business account. You won’t lose anything in the transition, but you will gain a great deal in analytics and functionality.

 

Optimize your name (description is key, but make it interesting). If you have a ministry and/or a business, but you also are an author, make sure your account is set up under your name. (Mine is Edie Melson).

 

Spend time composing your Pinterest bio. It should be interesting and contain keywords that will be picked up in a generic search. For instance, my bio mentions that I’m a “creative” “photographer” and “author”. All popular searches on Pinterest.

 

As you build your Pinterest world, remember that you are sharing a visual story. This is an image driven network and your popularity will hinge on how well you present the visual aspect of your content.

 

Approach your Pinterest account like you are publishing a magazine. Every board is a “feature” in your magazine. Consider your colors you use and the visual story you want to tell.

 

Take time to organize your boards. 

Consider the order they are in on your homepage. In addition:

• Name each board. Give it a name that someone might type into the search box to find the content of your board.
• Make sure you have designated an image as a cover for every board. 
• Fill in the description and type of board. Add two or three relevant hashtags to the end of each board’s description. Yes, hashtags are a thing on Pinterest too. 

Use the search box strategically to find trending topics and share appropriate pins.

When users click on the search box, they find several groups of searches: 

• Recent 

• Suggested 

• Popular

The popular is the most valuable. These are posts that are trending right now. Try to pin on or two things from this category to keep your visibility up. 

 

Use the free templates in Canva or PicMonkey to make your own pins. Remember though the largest majority of things you pin should be from others. I use a 10 to 1 rule of thumb. 10 pins from others to 1 pin from me. But it’s NOT considered poor form to share multiple pins in a row. For example, if I’m working on a new board for my blog posts, it would be fine for me to pin a lot of my own stuff to populate the board. Use this as a rule of thumb, not an inflexible rule.

 

Spend time weekly pinning things you love. The more you’re on Pinterest, the more your visibility will grow.

 

This is a social media network to enjoy. Take time to follow boards and people you enjoy.

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Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives.Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram.