Using Pinterest as a Social Media Power Tool

Regarding social media marketing, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok usually top the list. But there’s one visual powerhouse that often gets overlooked, despite its long-term potential to drive traffic, generate leads, and boost brand visibility: Pinterest. You could be missing out on a goldmine if you're not using Pinterest social media strategies to grow your brand or business.

Pinterest is not just a site for saving pretty pictures or planning weddings. It's a visual search engine with social features, making it a hybrid platform where users actively seek out inspiration, products, and information. For creators, marketers, and business owners, this translates into a massive opportunity to connect with high-intent users who are ready to engage.

Here’s how to start using Pinterest as a social media power tool — and why you should.

Pinterest: More Than Just Pinning

At its core, Pinterest is designed to help users discover ideas. Unlike traditional social media platforms, where the content is fleeting, Pinterest content is evergreen. A well-optimized Pin can generate traffic for months or even years after it's published.

This makes Pinterest social media strategies especially effective for:

• Driving long-term website traffic
  
  

• Growing email lists
  
  

• Boosting product discovery and e-commerce sales
  
  

• Building authority in a specific niche
  
  

With over 460 million active users monthly, Pinterest is a serious contender in the content marketing space.

Understanding Pinterest’s Unique Audience

One of Pinterest’s biggest strengths lies in its audience behavior. While most social media users browse casually, Pinterest users come with intent. They are searching for solutions, planning future purchases, and curating inspiration boards. That means they are more likely to take action—whether it’s clicking a link, signing up for a newsletter, or buying a product.

Some key stats:

• 85% of users say they use Pinterest to plan new projects.
  
  

• 80% of weekly users have discovered a new brand or product on the platform.
  
  

• Pins with actionable ideas get significantly more engagement.
  
  

If you're creating valuable, inspirational, or educational content, Pinterest gives you the ideal space to meet users right at the point of interest.

How to Use Pinterest Social Media for Brand Growth

Now that we’ve covered why Pinterest matters, let’s talk strategy. Here’s how to turn this platform into a core part of your social media marketing plan.

1. Set Up a Business Account

The first step in leveraging Pinterest is to create a Pinterest Business Account. This gives you access to:

• Pinterest Analytics
  
  

• Rich Pins
  
  

• Ad management tools
  
  

• Audience insights
  
  

Once your account is set up, optimize your profile with a keyword-rich bio, a branded profile picture, and a link to your website.

2. Create Boards With Purpose

Boards are the backbone of Pinterest. Instead of creating random collections, organize your boards around topics your target audience cares about.

For example:

• A wellness coach might create boards like “Morning Routines,” “Mindfulness Tips,” or “Healthy Meal Ideas.”
  
  

• An online boutique could have “Boho Style Looks,” “Seasonal Wardrobe Ideas,” and “Pinterest Social Media Tips for Influencers.”
  
  

Use relevant keywords in your board titles and descriptions so your content gets discovered in search.

3. Design High-Quality, Vertical Pins

Pinterest is a visual platform, so your content must stand out. Use tools like Canva to create vertical Pins (1000x1500 pixels is ideal) that are eye-catching and include:

• Strong imagery
  
  

• Clear text overlay
  
  

• Your brand logo or URL
  
  

• A call to action (“Read More,” “Shop Now,” “Try This”)
  
  

Every Pin should link back to a relevant landing page—your blog, product, freebie, or newsletter signup.

4. Use Keywords to Your Advantage

Just like Google, Pinterest runs on keywords. To optimize your Pins for search:

• Add keywords to Pin titles and descriptions.
  
  

• Include keywords in your board descriptions.
  
  

• Use them in your profile bio.
  
  

You can find keywords by using Pinterest’s search bar and checking what phrases auto-populate.

Incorporating these search terms strategically helps your content rank in search results and increases discoverability.

5. Post Consistently and Schedule Ahead

Success on Pinterest is about momentum. Posting consistently keeps your content fresh and signals to the algorithm that you're an active creator.

You can use tools like:

• Tailwind for automated scheduling
  
  

• Pinterest’s native scheduler
  
  

• Later or Planoly (which now supports Pinterest posting)
  
  

Aim to post 5–15 fresh Pins per day, including a mix of your content and repins from others in your niche.

6. Leverage Idea Pins for Engagement

Idea Pins (Pinterest’s version of Stories) are short-form, multi-page Pins that let you share tutorials, tips, or behind-the-scenes content.

They’re not clickable like traditional Pins, but they boost your visibility and help you grow followers, especially when you post regularly.

If your goal is to build brand awareness and community, Idea Pins are a must-have in your Pinterest social media strategy.

7. Analyze and Optimize Your Strategy

Don’t just post and hope for the best. Use Pinterest Analytics to track:

• Top-performing Pins
  
  

• Audience demographics
  
  

• Clicks, saves, and impressions.
  
  

This data helps you refine your content, double down on what’s working, and adjust what’s not. Pinterest is a long game, and optimization is key.

Final Thoughts

Pinterest might not be the first platform that comes to mind when you think of “social media,” but it’s a visual discovery engine with unmatched longevity and intent-based engagement. By taking the time to understand and implement an intentional Pinterest social media strategy, you can grow your brand, boost website traffic, and connect with users who are actively looking for what you offer.

Whether you're a content creator, blogger, e-commerce store, or service provider, Pinterest can be a powerful and scalable part of your digital marketing toolkit. So don’t just Pin—pin with purpose, and let Pinterest do the heavy lifting for your brand’s growth.