Why You Should Pin Your Social Media Posts to Pinterest
Pinterest has become a game-changer in the digital marketing world, and yet, many businesses and creators underestimate its potential. Unlike Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, Pinterest isn’t just a social media platform—it’s a visual search engine. It’s where people actively look for ideas, solutions, and inspiration, often with the intent to take action. For marketers, creators, and businesses, this means one thing: opportunity.
If you’ve been creating content for platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, repurposing and pinning those posts to Pinterest can extend your reach, drive traffic, and generate engagement in ways no other platform can match. In this article, we’ll break down why you should pin your social media posts to Pinterest, how to do it effectively, and answer common questions about Pinterest’s unique capabilities.
Table of Contents
What Makes Pinterest Different from Other Platforms?
Pinterest is not like other social media platforms. It functions as a visual discovery tool where users actively search for ideas, rather than passively scrolling through a feed. Here’s how Pinterest stands out:
- Search-Oriented: Pinterest operates more like Google than Instagram. People use keywords to find specific content, making it an ideal platform for SEO-focused marketing.
- Evergreen Content: While Instagram and Facebook posts have a lifespan of a day or two, Pinterest content remains discoverable for months or even years.
- Actionable Intent: Pinterest users are often in planning mode, looking for actionable ideas, whether it’s a DIY project, a product to buy, or a recipe to try.
- Direct Links: Every pin can include a direct link, making Pinterest an excellent tool for driving referral traffic to websites, blogs, or product pages.
Why You Should Pin Your Social Media Posts to Pinterest
While Instagram has not provided a detailed explanation for this change, several factors could be driving the decision:
1. Extended Content Lifespan
On platforms like Instagram or Twitter, posts lose visibility quickly. Within hours or days, your content is buried under new updates. In contrast, a single Pinterest pin can continue to drive traffic and engagement for months or even years, thanks to its searchability and shareability.
2. Drive High-Quality Website Traffic
Pinterest is one of the few platforms where users expect to click through to external websites. By pinning your social media posts and linking them to your website, blog, or eCommerce store, you can drive consistent referral traffic. Whether it’s a product promotion or a blog post, Pinterest directs users to the source.
3. Reach a Broader Audience
Pinterest doesn’t rely on followers to determine your reach. Instead, it uses keywords and algorithms to make your content discoverable by anyone searching for related topics. This expands your audience beyond your existing social media followers.
4. Boost Your SEO
Pinterest pins often rank highly on Google search results. When you optimize your pins with keywords, they don’t just appear on Pinterest—they can also show up on Google. This dual visibility gives your content more opportunities to be discovered.
5. Maximize Content ROI
Creating high-quality content for Instagram or Facebook takes time and effort. Repurposing that content for Pinterest allows you to extend its value, ensuring it continues to generate returns long after the initial post.
6. Build Brand Authority
Pinning valuable and consistent content helps establish your brand as an authority in your niche. Whether you’re a travel blogger sharing itineraries or a business promoting products, Pinterest can position you as a trusted resource.
What Types of Social Media Posts Work Well on Pinterest?
Not all social media posts translate perfectly to Pinterest, but many can be repurposed effectively. Here’s what works best:
1. Blog Promotions
If you’ve shared blog posts on Instagram or Facebook, repurpose them into Pinterest pins. For example, a post about “10 Quick Dinner Recipes” can turn into a pin with an enticing image and a link to the full article.
2. Tutorials and How-To Content
Step-by-step guides or tutorials are highly shareable on Pinterest. If you’ve created Instagram carousel posts or TikToks explaining something, transform them into long-form Pinterest pins with actionable insights.
3. Product Highlights
Promoting products? Pinterest is perfect for showcasing your offerings with beautiful visuals. Include links to product pages and highlight key features in the pin description.
4. Infographics
Pinterest users love infographics that present information visually. Turn educational posts or data-driven content into attractive graphics to capture attention.
5. Inspirational Content
Posts featuring motivational quotes or uplifting messages often perform well on Pinterest. Use eye-catching designs and relevant keywords to maximize their reach.
6. Seasonal or Trending Topics
Pinterest users plan ahead, making seasonal content like holiday guides, back-to-school ideas, or summer travel tips extremely popular.
7. Short Videos
Videos are gaining traction on Pinterest. Repurpose your Instagram Reels, TikToks, or YouTube Shorts into Pinterest Video Pins to reach a new audience.
How to Pin Social Media Posts to Pinterest Effectively
1. Create Vertical Graphics
Pinterest prioritizes vertical images with a 2:3 aspect ratio, as they take up more space in the feed and are visually appealing. Use tools like Canva to create Pinterest-friendly designs.
2. Add Text Overlays
Text overlays make your pins more descriptive and engaging. For example, if your pin links to a blog about “Top 5 Skin Care Tips,” include that text on the pin image to attract clicks.
3. Optimize for Keywords
Pinterest operates like a search engine, so include relevant keywords in your pin titles, descriptions, and board names. For example, instead of “My New Blog Post,” use “How to Save Money on Your Next Vacation.”
4. Use Rich Pins
Rich Pins sync metadata from your website to your Pinterest pins, providing additional details like pricing or ingredients. They’re especially useful for products, recipes, and blog posts.
5. Include a Call to Action (CTA)
Encourage users to click on your pin with a clear CTA, such as “Learn More,” “Shop Now,” or “Get the Full Recipe.”
6. Pin Consistently
Posting regularly helps you stay visible. Aim for 10–15 pins per day, including a mix of your content and repins from other creators.
7. Monitor Analytics
Use Pinterest Analytics to track impressions, clicks, and saves. This data will help you understand what resonates with your audience and refine your strategy.
The Business Benefits of Pinterest
Pinterest offers unique advantages for businesses, especially those in eCommerce, lifestyle, or education. Here’s why it’s worth investing in:
- Direct Sales: Pinterest users often browse with intent to purchase, making it a powerful platform for driving product sales.
- Lead Generation: By sharing high-value content, you can capture leads for newsletters, free guides, or exclusive promotions.
- Long-Term Visibility: Pins remain discoverable far longer than posts on Instagram or Facebook, providing consistent exposure for your brand.
- Lower Ad Costs: Pinterest Ads are often more cost-effective than Instagram or Facebook ads, offering a higher ROI for small businesses.
FAQs About Pinning Social Media Posts to Pinterest
While Pinterest is particularly effective for niches like lifestyle, travel, food, and DIY, any business can succeed with the right strategy. Even B2B companies can use Pinterest to share infographics, case studies, or blog posts.
Yes, you can pin the same content to different boards, but spread out the timing. Use unique descriptions for each pin to target different keywords and avoid appearing spammy.
Hashtags aren’t as critical on Pinterest as they are on Instagram or Twitter. Instead, focus on using relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions.
Use tools like Canva to create Pinterest-friendly vertical graphics from your Instagram posts. Add text overlays and include links to your website or social media pages.
Pinterest Ads are highly effective, especially for promoting products or blog posts. They allow you to target users based on keywords, interests, and demographics.
Pinterest vs. Instagram: Which Is Better for Your Goals?
While Instagram excels at building relationships and driving immediate engagement, Pinterest is better for long-term content discovery and traffic generation. Here’s a quick comparison:
Feature | ||
---|---|---|
Content Lifespan | Months to years | 24–48 hours |
Traffic Generation | High (direct links) | Low (limited linking options) |
Audience Reach | Search-based, unlimited | Follower-based, limited |
Primary Use | Discovery and action | Social engagement |
Final Thoughts
Pinning your social media posts to Pinterest is more than just a way to reuse content—it’s an opportunity to expand your reach, drive meaningful traffic, and establish your brand as an authority. By leveraging Pinterest’s unique features, you can transform your social media strategy into a powerful, evergreen marketing machine.
Start pinning today and unlock Pinterest’s potential as a visual search engine and discovery tool. Whether you’re a blogger, entrepreneur, or small business owner, Pinterest offers unmatched opportunities for visibility and growth.