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Pinterest is a fantastic platform for driving traffic, but unlike many social networks, having thousands of followers isn’t the be-all and end-all. While having followers helps, Pinterest works differently from platforms like Instagram or Twitter. Here’s why, and how to grow your Pinterest presence effectively.

Pinterest is a Search Engine, Not a Social Network

The most important thing to understand is that Pinterest isn’t a traditional social network. It’s a visual search engine. People come to Pinterest to search for ideas, inspiration, or solutions to their problems – much like how they’d use Google. This means your content can reach users without them having to follow you first, which makes Pinterest much more forgiving for smaller accounts.

Instead of chasing followers, your priority should be creating high-quality pins relevant to what people are searching for. Focus on optimising your pins with strong keywords and descriptions to improve their visibility in search results. Essentially, Pinterest rewards useful content, not just how many people follow you.

How to Grow Your Pinterest Following

Although followers aren’t the most critical element, having a good base can still help give your account credibility and increase the chances of your pins being seen. Here are a few tips to attract more followers:

Optimise Your Profile

Start by making sure your profile is clear and inviting. Choose a professional-looking profile picture and write a bio that tells people what you offer. Use keywords relevant to your niche here, as your bio is searchable.

Consistent Pinning

Consistency is key on Pinterest. You want to keep pinning fresh content regularly to show Pinterest that your account is active. Aim to pin new content daily.

Create High-Quality Pins

Your pins should be visually appealing and useful. Bright, clear images tend to perform best. Add text overlays if it helps explain the pin’s value, and ensure your pins are linked to helpful, relevant content – whether it’s a blog post, product page, or a freebie.

Join Group Boards

Group boards are a great way to get your pins seen by a wider audience, as they allow you to tap into another board’s followers. Look for group boards within your niche, and ask to join. Just make sure the boards are active, relevant and not too spammy.

Use Keywords in Pin Descriptions

Pinterest relies heavily on keywords to surface your pins in search results. When you’re writing descriptions, make sure to include keywords that people would use when searching for the type of content you’re sharing. Don’t stuff your description with keywords, though – make it flow naturally and give users a reason to click.

Follow Others

One of the simplest ways to gain followers is by following others, especially those in your niche. When you follow someone, they often get notified and may check out your profile, potentially following you back if your content interests them. To find people in your niche:

  • Search for keywords related to your niche, such as “vintage postcards” or “home organisation tips.”
  • Look at the profiles of people who create content similar to yours, and follow them.
  • Explore boards on topics you’re interested in and follow the creators of those boards.

Engage with Other People’s Content

Engaging with others’ content is a great way to get noticed. This can be done by:

  • Liking and commenting on pins: Thoughtful comments can spark interest, leading people to check out your profile.
  • Repinning other users’ pins: Sharing other people’s content helps you connect with the original creators and shows Pinterest that you’re active in the community.

Add a Follow Button to Your Website

If you have a blog or website, make it easy for your visitors to follow you on Pinterest. You can do this by adding a Pinterest Follow button to your site. This way, people who enjoy your content can follow you directly from your website, boosting your Pinterest follower count.

Promote Your Pinterest on Social Media

Don’t forget to let your followers on other platforms know about your Pinterest account! Share your best pins or boards on your social media channels like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and invite your existing audience to follow you on Pinterest for more useful content.

Engage in Pinterest Communities

Pinterest has a feature called Pinterest Community where you can join discussions around specific topics. It’s a good opportunity to connect with people who have similar interests, gain followers, and increase your engagement.

Scheduling Tools: How Tailwind Can Help

One of the challenges with Pinterest is staying consistent, especially if you don’t want to spend hours each day pinning. This is where scheduling tools like Tailwind come in handy.

Tailwind is a Pinterest-approved scheduling tool that allows you to plan and schedule your pins in advance. You can set up a pinning schedule and Tailwind will automatically post your content at the best times to maximise engagement. This makes it much easier to maintain a steady flow of fresh content without being glued to Pinterest all day.

Tailwind also offers some useful features like the ability to join Tailwind Tribes, which are communities of pinners who help share each other’s content. It’s another great way to get your pins seen by a larger audience, and it can help grow your followers.

Don’t Stress Too Much About Followers

At the end of the day, while having followers can help build credibility, they aren’t the most important factor for success on Pinterest. Focus more on creating content that your ideal audience is searching for, optimising your pins with the right keywords, and being consistent. Pinterest is about discovery and search, so the more useful and relevant your content is, the more people it will reach.

Followers may come naturally as a result of your efforts, but the true magic happens when your content gets discovered by people who are actively searching for it – regardless of whether they follow you or not.

Grow your Pinterest presence effectively by focusing on high-quality, optimised content. Followers help, but Pinterest works like a search engine, not a typical social network.

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