The Ultimate Guide to Pinterest for Business: How to Drive Traffic & Sales
Did you know Pinterest isn't just a place for DIY crafts and recipes? It's a powerful search engine disguised as a social media platform—one that can drive significant amounts of traffic to your business on autopilot. Unlike Instagram or Facebook, where posts lose visibility quickly, Pinterest content can stay relevant for months (or even years!). That means steady website traffic, leads, and sales without the constant grind.
If you're tired of spending hours creating content that disappears into the void, this guide will teach you:
How to set up your Pinterest business account the right way
The Pinterest SEO strategy that gets your content seen
How to create viral pins that capture attention
The best pinning schedule to drive long-term traffic
How to turn Pinterest visitors into paying customers
Ready to unlock Pinterest's potential? Let's dive in.
Why Pinterest is a Game-Changer for Businesses
Many people mistakenly treat Pinterest like another social media app. Big mistake.
Pinterest is a visual search engine, meaning users come to Pinterest looking for ideas, products, and solutions. Unlike Instagram or TikTok, where people scroll mindlessly, Pinterest users are already in the mindset to take action—making them way more likely to click, save, or buy.
Pinterest by the Numbers:
553 million monthly active users as of Q4 2024 (pymnts.com)
80% of weekly Pinners have discovered a new brand or product on Pinterest (socialpilot.co)
97% of top Pinterest searches are unbranded, meaning small businesses can compete with big brands (metricool.com)
Translation? If your business isn't on Pinterest, you're missing out.
Setting Up Your Pinterest Business Account (The Right Way!)
Before you start pinning, you need to set up your account for success.
Step 1: Create or Convert to a Business Account
New Users: Go to business.pinterest.com and follow the setup prompts.
Existing Users: If you already have a personal Pinterest account, convert it to a business profile in your settings.
Step 2: Claim Your Website
This step unlocks Pinterest Analytics and gives your content more credibility.
You'll receive a verification code to add to your website (easy if you use WordPress or Shopify).
Step 3: Optimize Your Profile for Maximum Visibility
Use keywords in your name & bio (Example: “Bethany | Pinterest Marketing & Content Expert”)
Add a call-to-action (Example: “Helping brands grow with Pinterest. Grab my free guide below!”)
Upload a professional or branded profile photo
Step 4: Set Up SEO-Optimized Pinterest Boards
Create 10-15 niche-specific boards with keyword-rich titles (Example: “Pinterest Marketing Tips” vs. “My Cool Pins”).
Write SEO-friendly board descriptions.
Pin relevant content to each board (both yours + high-quality third-party content).
Now, your profile is Pinterest-ready. Let’s get your content found!
Pinterest SEO: How to Get Found & Go Viral
Forget hashtags—Pinterest is all about keywords. If you’re not using them, your content won’t get discovered.
Where to Find the Right Keywords:
Use the Pinterest Search Bar: Start typing a word, and Pinterest will auto-fill popular searches.
Pinterest Trends: Explore Pinterest Trends to see what's trending.
Check Competitors: See what keywords top-performing accounts use in their pins & profiles.
Where to Place Your Keywords:
Profile name & bio
Board titles & descriptions
Pin titles & descriptions
Pin alt text (Pinterest reads this—use it wisely!)
SEO takes time, but once it kicks in, your content can rank for months or even years!
Creating Pins That Capture Attention
Pinterest is a visual-first platform, so your pins need to stand out.
Best Pinterest Pin Types:
Standard Pins (static images)
Video Pins (great for tutorials & engagement)
Idea Pins (multi-page, story-style)
Carousel Pins (multiple images in one post)
Best Practices for Pin Design:
Use bright, high-contrast colors.
Ensure text is large & readable (most users are on mobile!).
Stick to a 2:3 ratio (1000x1500 px is ideal).
Include a call-to-action (“Click to read,” “Save for later!”).
Conclusion & Next Steps
🎉 Congrats, you're officially Pinterest-savvy!
Next Steps:
1️⃣ Set up your Pinterest business account
2️⃣ Start creating & scheduling keyword-rich pins
3️⃣ Monitor analytics & adjust your strategy accordingly
Want to keep things simple? Download my free Pinterest Strategy Guide here!