How to create Pinterest image pins that encourage clicks
Let’s cut to the chase: on Pinterest the competition for attention is fierce. With millions of Pins vying for the spotlight, your image pin design plays a pivotal role in a. stopping someone from scrolling and b. encouraging them to click on your content to find out more.
So, how do you create Pinterest image pins that stand out and entice users to click? In this blog I’m going to cover image pin design basics that will up your visual content game and encourage those precious clicks.
1. Striking visuals: The initial hook
Eye catching imagery: Start with a visually compelling image that stops users mid-scroll. Whether it's a high quality photograph or a custom graphic, make sure it aligns with your brand and instantly communicates your vibe and your message. For this you could use your own photography, a free image site such as Unsplash or use the photo libraries within Canva where you can also create amazing graphics by using their templates or creating your own design.
Keep things simple: People are scrolling and scanning on Pinterest. They just need one element of your pin to jump out at them to stop the scroll. This could be an image, word or colour. If your pins are too cluttered they won’t be able to do this and will keep on swiping past your content.
Text essentials: A headline, subheading or short intro (if needed), a CTA and your website URL. There isn’t any need to add anything else. Only add your brand logo if essential – remember 97% of searches are unbranded on Pinterest.
Brand consistency: Maintain a consistent aesthetic in your pin designs. Use your brand colour palette, fonts and style to reinforce your brand identity and make your Pins easily recognisable.
For more info about the different types of Pinterest Pin check out my blog: A Gide to Different Pin Types and How to Use Them
2. Compelling headlines: Make them click worthy
Be clear and concise: Craft headlines that are clear, concise and directly related to the content of your Pin. Users should immediately understand what they'll gain by clicking on it.
Use keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords in your headlines to improve the discoverability of your Pins through Pinterest's search function.
Don’t use hard to read fonts: Avoid cursive fonts or really small lettering. Remember you want your words to jump out at users to stop the scoll. Use a clear brand font which will make your headline easy to read, even on smaller screens.
3. Subheadings: Provide a snapshot
Keep it short: Use as few words possible in your subheading. Literally all you need to do here is add a little more detail to reinforce your headline.
Use keywords: As above to boost your searchability on the platform
4. Call to Action (CTA): Guiding user engagement
Clear CTA: Include a clear call to action in your Pins, prompting users to take the desired next step. Whether it's to learn more, read now, shop here or explore, use your CTA to guide your audience's engagement.
Button design: Experiment with button style designs or overlays to visually emphasize your call to action.
5. Strategic Branding: Reinforce Your Identity
Website URL: Make sure this is legible but don’t make it the focus of your pin design.
Logo placement: Add your logo strategically to your Pins if you need to. Ensure it’s visible but doesn't overpower the main content.
6. Vertical layout: Optimal for Pinterest
Aspect ratio: Pinterest recommends a vertical aspect ratio (2:3 or 1000 x 1500 pixels) for Pins. This format takes up more space in the feed, increasing the visibility of your content. There are templates in Canva already set up for this size.
Long pins for storytelling: Consider using longer pins (or Giraffe Pins as they’re affectionately known) for step by step tutorials, infographics or storytelling. This encourages users to scroll through your pin and stay longer on your content. Again, Canva has templates in longer dimensions for you to experiment with.
6. Mobile optimisation: Design for all devices
Mobile friendly layout: Given the mobile first nature of Pinterest users, ensure your Pins are easy to view and engage with on smaller screens.
Text legibility: Choose fonts and text sizes that remain legible on mobile devices. Test your Pins on various screen sizes to ensure a great user experience.
7. Enhance the reach of your video
Don’t scrimp on the next essential steps: Before you hit publish add a keyword rich title and description to your pin. Add your web link, shopping tags if appropriate and topics which are pre-set by Pinterest. You can search for and add up to 10 topics which will help your video content be indexed correctly and boost your searchability.
Mastering the art of pin design on Pinterest is a fun process. It requires a blend of creativity, strategy, and an understanding of your audience which I’m sure you have. By incorporating striking visuals, compelling headlines and strategic elements such as CTAs, you can create Pinterest pins that not only capture attention but also drive clicks and convert into sales.
Use your platform insights to keep an eye on how your pins are performing and understand what’s resonating with your audience. Got more clicks on a certain type of pin design? Do more of that. Got tumbleweed on something else? Leave it behind and focus on what you know works.
Happy pin designing!
I hope you enjoyed reading this. If you have questions about Pinterest marketing let me know in the comments or drop me an email here.
