How to Make Your Blog Pinterest-Ready: 4 Simple Ways to Drive More Traffic and Saves

Have you ever noticed how some blogs really take off on Pinterest while others seem to go unnoticed? Well, there is a key to it that goes beyond just crafting pretty pins. It is all about having a website that is ready for Pinterest!

Think about it - your blog and Pinterest are like partners in crime. Pinterest can bring loads of traffic to your site, but how well your website is set up, its design, and how it performs can make all the difference in keeping those visitors engaged. You want them to not just visit, but also save your content and come back for more.

So, if you are aiming to boost your blog's performance on Pinterest (and even beyond!), it is essential to wear two hats: the creative one and the strategic one. 

Let’s break down four crucial steps that can transform your blog into a magnet for Pinterest traffic. By focusing on these areas, not only will you attract more visitors, but you will also enhance their experience and improve your SEO at the same time.

1. Create a “Pin It” Hover Button

One of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your shares on Pinterest is by adding a “Pin It” button that pops up when someone hovers over your images. 

Think about how we usually scroll online. We go through content and only stop when something really grabs our attention. That little hover button serves as a friendly nudge, like saying, “Hey, you can totally save this!”

When someone hovers over an image they love - whether it is a cool recipe, a trendy outfit, a stylish decor idea, or an inspiring quote - a small Pinterest icon shows up. With just one click, they can easily save your content to their board.

This does two great things for you:

1. It naturally increases the number of pins you get. Readers can share what they love without the hassle of copying URLs or opening Pinterest in another tab.

2. It helps you reach a wider audience. Every time someone saves your content, it spreads through Pinterest's network, exposing your brand to new fans!

If you are looking to add those hover buttons to your images, you can use plugins like Grow by Mediavine, Tasty Pins, or even Pinterest’s own widget builder. 

Also, do not forget to add a custom pin description with relevant keywords and the right link for each image. This way, every pin shared will drive traffic back to your site, not just to an image file!

2. Optimize Your Page Load Speed

Pinterest is all about visuals, but even the best images will not have much impact if your website loads slowly. A sluggish site can frustrate visitors and tell Google (and Pinterest) that your content is not up to speed.

When your website loads quickly, it can really make a difference in a few areas:

1. User Experience: People tend to stick around longer and engage more when sites load quickly.

2. SEO Ranking: Google prefers pages that load swiftly.

3. Pinterest Performance: Pins that link to fast-loading pages often see better results over time.

If your blog takes longer than three seconds to load, you might be missing out on potential readers and pins.

So, how can you speed things up? Here are some tips:

• Compress Images: Use tools like TinyPNG or ShortPixel to reduce your image file sizes without losing quality.

• Lazy Loading: This technique only loads images when users scroll to them, which helps your site load faster initially.

• Choose a Reliable Hosting Provider: Your hosting service plays a big role in your site’s performance.

• Cut Down on Plugins and Scripts: Too many extras can bog your site down.

Also, check out Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix. These tools can help you pinpoint what is slowing your site and suggest practical fixes.

3. Make Your Blog Mobile-Friendly

Pinterest is primarily a mobile platform, with over 80% of users accessing it through their smartphones or tablets. This highlights the importance of having a website that offers a smooth experience on all devices. If your site is not mobile-friendly, you could lose a significant chunk of your audience.

Having a blog that is optimized for mobile means that visitors can navigate, read, and pin your content easily, without having to deal with awkward zooming or strange layouts. There are a few key areas to focus on to enhance the mobile experience.

First up is responsive design. Your website should adapt automatically to fit any screen size, making it easy for users to enjoy your content no matter what device they are using. Next, consider the readability of your text and buttons. It is crucial that users can tap on links or “Pin It” buttons without any hassle.

Another important aspect is image orientation. Pinterest really prefers vertical images, especially those in a 2:3 ratio, so showcasing these prominently on mobile can make a big difference in how users pin your content. Lastly, keep your design clean and simple. Avoid cluttered sidebars or huge pop-ups that can overwhelm smaller screens.

Make sure you take a moment to test your site on your mobile device. Check if it is easy to scroll, see if images load quickly, and ensure that the “Pin It” buttons are both visible and functional. Sometimes, small adjustments can have a significant impact. 

When your site is easy to navigate on mobile, your audience will be more inclined to pin your content, click your links, and come back for more.

4. Write Compelling Blog Titles That Get Clicked (and Pinned)

Your pin design might grab some attention, but it is really your blog title that gets people to click. A strong title can be the difference between someone just scrolling by and actually saving your pin, which drives consistent traffic to your blog.

Remember, Pinterest is more of a visual search engine than just a social media platform. That means your titles should include relevant keywords while still sounding engaging and relatable. 

Take this example: 

• “Tips for Home Office Design” - not working title

• “10 Inspiring Home Office Design Ideas That Actually Boost Productivity” - working title

The second title works better because it:

• Uses numbers, which show clear value

• Adds an emotional touch with the word “inspiring”

• Addresses a common issue by promising to “boost productivity”

When you are crafting titles for Pinterest, try to focus on the benefits rather than just the topics. Make sure users know what they will gain by clicking on your content. Use keywords in a natural way, too. Think about what phrases people actually search for, like “easy dinner ideas” or “boho living room decor.”

Keep your titles under 60 characters. Shorter, catchier titles tend to perform better in searches and on mobile. 

You can use tools like Pinterest Trends or PinClicks to see what is trending in your niche and what people are actively searching for.

Creating a compelling title not only boosts your click-through rates from Pinterest but also helps improve your blog's ranking on both Google and Pinterest searches.

Bringing It All Together

Success on Pinterest is not just about luck. It is about having a solid strategy, starting from your website. By adding a “Pin It” hover button, optimizing your page speed, making sure your site is mobile-friendly, and crafting enticing titles, you set up a strong foundation that helps all your pins perform better.

These improvements build on each other over time - your content becomes easier to save, loads faster, and appeals more to readers and search engines alike. Pinterest really appreciates high-quality, user-friendly content, and when your blog delivers that, you will likely see an uptick in impressions, clicks, and saves organically.

Pinterest-Friendly Blog Achieved Easily 

If you are using Pinterest as a part of your marketing plan, it is a good idea to design your blog with Pinterest in mind right from the beginning. Consider it as creating an easy connection between your images and your writing. As you have seen, you can accomplish this with four straightforward steps that do not require fancy coding or a big budget. 

So, go ahead and add that hover button, boost your site's speed, check how it looks on mobile, and make sure your titles are engaging. Your audience and Pinterest stats will definitely appreciate the effort!

And, if you need help, you can always reach out, and together we can make your business flourish!

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