I’m sure you know by now that Pinterest should be an integral part of your traffic and branding strategy.
Why? Because if you’ve got things to share with a female audience (or not female), almost every woman with a computer or smart phone is regularly on Pinterest and searching for stuff that YOU have to share.
The problem is: there is A LOT of stuff on Pinterest, so how do you stand out?
Piggy-backing off of Erika’s INCREDIBLY FABULOUS post on Pinterest this week, today I want to share with you a few guidelines you can use to help your brand images stand out on Pinterest and get the traffic you want.
First of all, why is Pinterest so important?
EVERYONE is on Pinterest. Also, Pinterest is an incredible traffic-generator! In fact, I get SEVEN times the traffic from Pinterest than from my next social media referral source, Twitter. I am on Twitter A LOT, but I still get way more traffic from Pinterest.
First Things First, You Need Followers on Pinterest
I was going to go into some bullet points on how to do this, but after Erika’s post came out, I just can’t do this section any justice. If you’re serious about gaining followers on Pinterest, you gotta go read How to Get Pinterest Followers + Repins: The Ultimate Guide, because folks, it really is THE ULTIMATE GUIDE.
Then, Make Sure Every Post on Your Blog has at Least One Image that is Pinnable
Each post should have a featured image that includes that post’s title. Here are my 10 tips on how to create some good-looking, attention-grabbing images that people won’t be able to help but repin.
1. Use Super Eye-Catching Photography or Graphics
Your images should stand out in the sea of images on the Pinterest wall. Use high quality images with great color. Photographs should be crisp, clear and simple. Simple images make better backgrounds for the text you’ll be throwing on top. Use filters sparingly to make a boring image more eye catching, but be sure to use the same filters throughout your images. Remember, consistency is the key here.
Lastly, be sure to use images you are allowed to use. Don’t get caught with a viral pin that’s illegal to use!
2. Be Consistent in Your Image Styles
I’ll be the first to tell you I’ve been guilty of this thus far which is the first thing I’m working on when and IF I ever launch my rebrand (but that’s a whole ‘nother story!) Anyway, I digress! It’s important to be consistent in your use of photography styles. Try to keep a consistent color scheme throughout your images as well.
Be Consistent in Your Image Styles for Pinnable blog images like these from Elle & Co. Design.
3. Use Optimal Pinterest Image-sizing
Tall is better than wide. Taller images stand out more in the Pinterest feed, take a look and you’ll see what I mean. As of right now, the optimal size for an image is 735 x 1102 pixels. Luckily Canva has a template that’s size for this so you can quickly create images on the fly.
Optimal image sizes for Pinterest comparison. Top left: from ChloeSocial.com; Right: from Hubspot; Bottom left: from Pinterest
4. Use Catchy Headlines
Aside from a gorgeous image, a well-worded headline is what will draw people to repin and/or click your image in Pinterest. So craft your headlines carefully. The beautiful Razwana has an awesome quick read on optimizing your headlines!
Here’s another secret weapon for headlines.
Use catchy headlines like Dre does from The Branded Solopreneur.
5. Typography Rules Apply to Your Headlines
Remember my typography rules for your blog’s design? Use these rules when selecting fonts for your post title images. In fact, it’s best to use a font palette that’s consistent with your branding.
A few quick tips:
- Limit the fonts to 2, maaaaaaaaybe 3 if you know what you’re doing.
- Use contrast (wide vs condensed, sans serif vs script, uppercase vs lowercase, etc.)
- Create hierarchy by using larger font sizes to highlight important keywords, or differentiate between the title and subtitle.
Use a consistent font palette throughout your post title images like Kayla Hollatz does here.
6. Make It Easy to Read
Be sure that the headline also stands out against the background. Use larger font sizes to really help it stand out and make sure that it’s easy to read when shown in the Pinterest feed at a smaller size. If you’re using a photo, try to place your headline in the white space in a contrasting color:
Place blog post titles in the white space of an image when possible, as seen here on DYOB and byRegina.com
If there is no white space in the image, try using a solid or opaque overlay behind the headline to help it stand out:
Use a solid or opaque overlay behind your headlines like Emma Davies, Allyssa Barnes and Gina Alyse do here.
7. Don’t Forget to Include Your Logo or Blog Name
Sometimes people don’t pin or repin an image from it’s original source. Lame, but true. To help people find where your image came from, include your logo or blog URL near the bottom of the image.
Include your logo or blog name in your Pinterest images as demonstrated by Erika Madden of Olyvia.co and Julie Harris Design.
8. Install a Custom Pin It button
This is huge. People want to quickly pin images from your site so they can bookmark it for later. Make it super easy for them to do this by isntalling a Pin It button, so they can do this in one click. Further your branding and delight your readers by creating a custom Pin It button!
Install a cute custom Pin It button like and A Southern Girl Up North and Miss Mandee.
9. Use Alt-Tags in Your Images
If you thought that last tip was huge, this one’s the kicker: If there’s anything you take from this post, DO NOT FORGET THIS IMPORTANT STEP!
What you place in the alt-tag of your image is what will appear in the Pin description when someone pins your image from your website. Don’t let someone else write this description for you! Craft a really good description of your post using keywords and hashtags so that it’ll be easily found in Pinterest’s search results. And don’t forget to include your URL at the end too. It’s extra insurance that people will find your post at the right place.
10. Create a Summary Graphic from the Post that’s Shareable Like this One
Did you know that the average person can only recall 20% of what they read, but 80% of what they see & do?* Infographics are a great way to share information because they’re fun and engaging. And get this! Businesses that publish infographics grow their traffic an average of 12% more than those that don’t.**
Try creating an infographic that highlights the points in your post, kind of like what I did here below. Now don’t you just WANT to pin that right now? Go ahead do it! 😉
So there you have it: 10 ways to create awesome images for Pinterest that will drag people over to your blog. Tell me, what kinds of success have you had with your own images on Pinterest? Did I miss any tips? I’d love to hear from you below.
And don’t forget to share this on your social channels if you found it helpful. Use a handy button below…
*Lester, P. M. (2006). Syntactic Theory of Visual Communication. – See more at: http://neomam.com/interactive/13reasons/#sthash.L0hVkm6x.dpuf
**Hubspot – http://offers.hubspot.com/how-to-create-infographics-in-powerpoint
I too am guilty of not having a consistent design in my Pins. I’m still in the “trying to find my style” phase.
But I’m also kind of undecided about having all my pins be matchy matchy. I understand the value of branding – I definitely know when I see a pin whose it is if they have a set style, but I also wonder if you can reach out to a larger variety of people by having a variety of styles of pins.
The things that go on in my mind…
Great tips!
I have struggled with this too Kristie. Part of me enjoys having a new design to work on with each new post, a chance to play around with different fonts, colors and graphics. But I also see the value in having at least a consistent theme throughout the images even if they don’t look exactly the same. Plus it would save me time too.
I am thinking of creating a few different templates along the same theme for different categories or types of posts to keep things different. Someone who does this well (it just dawned on me that i should have included her stuff here) is https://www.facebook.com/FemaleEntrepreneurAssociation I think she does a good job of using different styles for quotes, post images, etc. but they all still have a central theme and consistency in the logo to them.
I also like how Blog Clarity has been doing her pins lately. Totally different images, but sticks with consistent colors and fonts: https://www.pinterest.com/MelACulbertson/blog-clarity-posts/
One day maybe I’ll find my pin style…
Yeah I like those too. I think that as long as you can create SOME kind of consistency that people can take a look at it and know that it’s one of yours, then you’ve found the right combo.
Hi Marianne, I would like to speak to you I just launched a candle business online called The Wicked Good Candle Company and I was told about buyable pins and I’ve posted those on my page but I don’t really know what I’m doing because I’m not computer savvy at all. I would like to know if I could speak to you about that or if you provide services so I can get my Pinterest account where it needs to be is well with followers thank you so much.
Sincerely, Melanie
Hi Melanie! I actually haven’t used Promoted Pins yet, so I am unable to help you out with that. However, I know that Melyssa Griffin talks about it in her very popular Pinfinite Growth course if you’re interested in upping your Pinterest game! Here’s the link to check it out if you’re interested: http://courses.thenectarcollective.com/courses/pinfinite-growth Melissa Culbert also has a Pinterest program but I’m not sure if she talks about Promoted Pins, but I’m sure you could ask: http://shop.blogclarity.com/product/pinning-perfect/
Love this! Between you and Erika this week, I’m getting my Pinterest game-face on! The one thing I’ve always struggled with as a DIY and craft blogger is consistent branding on my Pinterest images. It’s a craft, so how in the heck do I add my own branding without taking away from the finished image? It’s definitely not consistent for me in that regard, but I know I need to work on it.
Awesome info Marianne, and I’ll definitely be…wait for it…PINNING! 😉
Hey Kirsten, thanks for the comment/question. I think that by starting with your branding colors and fonts, you can get a pretty consistent look and feel between the different images. And who says adding things to an image is taking away from it? 🙂 I think the photo is just the starting point. You get to create what you want with it!
But that said, how about just adding height to the image and adding a solid color block either above or below the photo and putting your title and text there? Then you wouldn’t be covering up the image at all.
And love your pun! haha 😉
Kirsten, do you follow Damn Delicious at all? I think she does a great job at branding her food posts, even though each is a different finished image: https://www.pinterest.com/damndelicious/damn-delicious/
Ooh good call Kristie!
Hi Marianne! Thank you for this post, it was extremely helpful! I haven’t gotten a Pintrest account, but I think I will, after looking around on some of the older posts on this blog about Pintrest as well as some on a few other blogs.
Also, I was wondering if you could take a look at my website? I just redesigned the whole thing, and I would be ever so grateful if you did! Thanks so much, and I think that what you’re doing on this blog is lovely! (Pun intended. :D)
Hi Ashlynn, thanks for visiting. On first glance I think your blog is beautiful! But what is missing is something that right away tells me what it’s about. You could do this by adding a tagline near your blog name/logo. You’ll also want to seriously consider writing more in the About page that explains how your site can help me and why you can help me with that issue. A photo always helps people get to know who you are, trust you, and know that you’re a real person.
Hope that helps and thanks for the pun, I love it!
Okay, thanks so, so, so much for the feedback! I understand how busy you are, and I really appreciate you taking time to answer my comment. 🙂
Of course Ashlynn, I’m always happy to answer questions. Glad I could help 🙂
And I finally got a Pinterest. It’s really addicting, and though I just started a few minutes ago, I’ve already pinned 46 items. 😀
Haha Ashlynn yes it certainly is addicting! You’ll enjoy it though and then the addiction does finally wane a little 😉
You know number 4’s my fave 🙂
The info-graphic you created is gorgeous. With the sheer number of websites now offering royalty-free photos, it’s pretty easy to get high-quality, eye-catching images to use.
I’ve just started using images on my site and use a mixture of free-to-use ones and my own.
Although with pintrest, I’ve only used it for personal use for now – lots of inspirational stuff out there !
Thanks Raz, of course you would love #4! 🙂 And you’re absolutely right about the availability of fabulous free images these days! There’s just no reason not to have a great photo background!
Start using Pinterest girl! With your catchy headlines you’ll bring traffic back for sure!
You and Erika are CRUSHING IT this week with the most epic Pinterest awesome sauce I’ve seen!
I don’t think people understand the power of branding their images and all the awareness it can bring for your brand when done right. There’s familiarity that is fostered when you maintain a consistent look in your images {especially on Pinterest} as it builds trust. If someone can instantly recognize who a pin belongs to they’re much more likely to repin it – they don’t have to wonder if the pin links to spam or if the article is crap. They already know, like and trust the creator.
As far as making things a little different, you NAILED it in your response to Kristie. Create 2-5 templates that you can switch back and forth from. OR, create a template and use it for 5 or so posts and then change it up a bit for the next 5 and so on and so forth. They don’need to be identical, but they do need to be consistent from a branding stand point. I.e. colors, fonts, overall style, etc
EPIC infographic, girl! Can’t thank you enough for the shout out. There’s a big ass high five with your name on it coming your way… 😉
Hahaha Dre you make me laugh girlfriend!
I love your advice of using the same template for 5 or so posts, then switching it up a bit every 5 or so. That’s great because then you can keep being creative without being too far off from your branding.
Thanks for the high five! Right back atcha!
Oh gosh Marianne, I love how you showcased these examples! Such excellent tips + inspiration here. The Pin It is so important for helping getting people to Pin your images, too. I didn’t realize that for a long time, but I def saw an increase in Pins from my site after setting it up.
Thank you so much for giving me a shout out, too!!
Thanks Erika, that means a lot coming from you! Your post was such an inspiration and this was a topic I had wanted to cover for a while now, I figured it was great timing to get it out 🙂 Your post was so freaking epic girl, you rocked it!!
Marianne, This is a great post, brilliant actually. First, great tips and I so need to work on my Pinterest when I come up to breathe! LOL! Plus, this is a “who’s who” post, love it, I frequent most of these blogs regularly, and found a few that I need to check out, so thanks. I pinned Erika’s post and I am pinning yours, just brilliant I say!
Thank you Nikki, I’m so glad to hear you say that. You’re right, this ended up being a “who’s who” post w/o me realizing it, haha. So nice to hear you’ve found some new blogs to follow too. I love all these ladies!
Great post Marianne! I definitely need to do better with the consistency of how my images look. I see so many cute pins and want to try out a similar look. I think that once I figure out where I am going with my blog design I can come up with a more uniform design for my pins! Thanks for the post!
That’s great Toyin! Try starting a pinterest board where you pin your favorite images for ideas. it could even be a private board.
These are really helpful tips Marianne. Love the idea of a summary graphic as well as the title one! The great thing I’ve found with having a consistent title graphic ‘style’ (which will probably change again next month – I’m soooo flaky!) is I save myself loads of time by having a template set up so I only need to change the text and background each time. I love (and have pinned) your infographic too x
Thanks so much for pinning it Laura! And yes, that’s why I really need to get a template figured out, to save time! But I know what you mean about being flakey on it. I like to experiment and change it up too. Ahhh…. the perils of being a designer, haha!
HI Marianne:
This is such a helpful post! I never knew the photo sizing suggestion! One thing I don’t understand is that often my pins look fuzzy. Thanks!!
Amy
Hey Amy, thanks for saying so! Hmmm not sure about the fuzzy images. Perhaps the actual image’s size is smaller than the size it displays in Pinterest. Can you send me a link to one as an example?
All great tips, but definitely important to keep everything consistent to remain well-branded. =]
Yes I totally agree Kate, workin on that! 😉
I had no idea the exact sizing that was optimal for Pinterest. Thank you!! I am a huge Pinterest-lover. Such a great article. I’m going to “pin” this bad boy right now! 😉
You’re so awesome to stop by and say that Deidre! And yeah, it’s such a weird size right?
Thank so much for pinning!
Really helpful post Marianne! I definitely don’t think I’ve got my pin style down yet. I only very recently started using images of optimal size, but I really need to try and be more consistent.
Do you think simple images with no text can work well? I post a lot of my photography on my blog, and I’m not sure if I should be pinning the pictures as they are, or with headline overlays…
Thank you for the alt-tag tip, it never occurred to me to use that.
Maria I am only just starting to find my Pin style and my blog is almost 2 years old! haha.
I don’t think you need to overlay text on all your photos, although you may want to place a small watermark with your URL or logo in a corner somewhere so people know where it came from. I would just make sure that at least one image in each post does have your post title on it so that people can pin it for later. I use Pinterest as a bookmarking service for myself, so I like to be able to post certain articles for later and having the title on them makes it easier to find.
THANK YOU! My big take away was the Summary Graphic. I really like this idea and if solidifies the important points. I’m going to give it a try and will add a hovering pin it button over it… yes?
Take Care,
Teecy
Hi Teecy, thank you! I love that you loved the graphic. It was my first attempt at an “infographic” 😉
And yes! Definitely add a pin it button!
Can’t believe I’d never heard of the Free Headline Analyzer… Love it! Thanks for sharing Marianne, I’m gonna go on Twitter right now and share the tool with others!
Thanks Cristina, I’m so glad you found it useful, I thought it was a really impressive tool when I discovered it too!
My favourite Pinterest tool is www [dot] PinPinterest [dot] com. It has given me about 55k followers for my Pinterest and floods my blog with unique visitors everyday 🙂
It is free to use, runs on the cloud, optimised for use on mobile devices, easy to setup, has Pin Scheduling feature and Speed Control…
The best thing I like about PinPinterest is that it has Intelligent Content Detection algorithms, which pin only images relevant to my business to my boards 🙂
I can fully rely on PinPinterest for my Pinterest marketing 🙂