You guys! I had the wonderful opportunity to go to the Pinterest In The Making event and I am still pinching myself that I was even able to go. I learned SO MUCH about the platform, the people behind the magic, and how Pinterest is the only social media platform right now that truly has the creator’s best interests in mind.

Here are some of my key learnings from the event!

Pinterest is not your typical social platform. It is a search engine.

Which means users are using it as they are using Google. Search inquiries could be “ways to organize closet” or “summer cocktail recipes.” From a user standpoint, there isn’t a whole lot you need to worry about, but from a creators standpoint, it’s a unique opportunity to step your content game up and get some eyes on your brand.

Hashtags and Keywords. Say it again: Hashtags and Keywords.

Make sure you’re using hashtags and keywords! You want to add keywords throughout the entire pinning process, starting from the names of your boards to the description of your boards, to your sections, all the way to your pin description. Making them as specific as possible to gain traction on the platform is key.

Many of my brand partnerships have encouraged me to add hashtags to my pins that were specific to our collaboration, and now it’s been confirmed by Pinterest that you can search new content through those specific tags. I’d advise using them on your content, branded or not, to increase your odds of being discovered by your ideal audience. If you’re using Tailwind, you can start with a topic and it will suggest some tags for you! You also want to be sure that you’re repinning content, too. It’s a two-way street!

Switch to a business profile ASAP.

Even if you’re not a blogger, small business owner or typical “creative,” you still may want to change your profile to a business one because you unlock so many new features, especially demographic information on your community and content. If you geek out over certain data points, you’ll love seeing where people are coming from and what content on your boards that received the most engagement. You’ll be able to use the promoted pins features, which you may want to utilize in certain campaigns or during product launches. You’ll also be recognized as a creator in the Pinterest system. Given how great the event was and it was just their first one ever, you’ll never know what’s happening the future.

Your pin game has to be on point.

I knew this one, but I feel like even I have to remind myself to not get so reliant on the help of others. I am a pretty good photographer and can master the self-timer when necessary, but if you’re going to be creating content, make sure that your photos are vibrant and that they have a vertical orientation (suggested aspect ratio is 2:3, so 600×900. Square 600×600 works too) with a bold call to action. If you’re creating seasonal content, you want to try to get it live about 45 days in advance! If you need help, you can search on Pinterest because it’s been covered by a lot of different bloggers.

You can work with brands on Pinterest…through Pinterest.

I had no clue that the Pin Collective program existed, but I’m so glad that I do now. Pin Collective is a great resource for brands, as Pinterest develops a network of bloggers content creators who really understand Pinterest and have a grasp on strong visual content. It’s also a great opportunity for influencers and photographers to work with brands and build their portfolio while getting paid to do what they already enjoy doing! I’m looking forward to exploring the possibility of joining forces with one of my dream brands and you should explore it, too.

Community is important to your growth on the platform. Group boards may not be it, boo!

Pinterest is going to be releasing new communities soon, where you can join online conversations surrounding some of their trending topics. It’s a great way to establish some personal connections with users. Stay tuned for more on that. I also learned that group boards aren’t quite where it’s at anymore unless they are active in repins as well as users. There just might be more power in building relationships with those creators that you know. Let’s say a blogger repinned a handful of pins that a blogger with a smaller following created, they would pay it forward in an impactful way and not even feel it! If you have any friends that are bigger bloggers or influencers in the niche of your target audience, HIT THEM UP! I have a short list of friends that I’m going to reach out to and see if they want to trade “influence.”

I had such a great time at the event and am happy to answer any questions you may have. Leave them in the comments below!

Here are a few snaps from the event!

 

 

 

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Thanks for reading!