Alright, now that we know why Pinterest is a goldmine for attracting your future customers (prior post), let’s lay the groundwork for success. Think of your Pinterest profile as your shopfront – you want it to be inviting, easy to find, and clearly communicate what you offer to those looking to grow their online businesses and make money online. Here’s how we set the stage:
Setting the Stage for Success: Optimizing Your Pinterest Business Profile
Just like setting up shop on a busy street corner, optimizing your Pinterest profile is the first crucial step in attracting the right kind of attention – the attention of those eager to build their online income streams.
A. Making the Switch: Creating or Converting to a Business Account
First off, if you’re serious about using Pinterest to grow your online business and make money online, a Pinterest Business account isn’t optional – it’s your launchpad. Why? Because it unlocks a treasure house of features specifically designed for businesses like yours:
Powerful Analytics: Get the inside scoop on what’s working! See which of your pins are getting the most views, clicks, and saves. This data is pure gold for refining your strategy.
Pinterest Ads: Ready to scale? A business account gives you the ability to run targeted ad campaigns to reach an even wider audience.
Professional Look: It adds a layer of credibility and allows you to showcase your brand more effectively.
Access to Business-Specific Tools: Unlock features like the ability to claim your website (more on that below) and access to future business-focused tools.
Make the move to a Business Account! Here’s how:
Creating a New Business Account: Go to https://www.pinterest.com/business/create/ and follow the simple on-screen instructions. You’ll provide your business name, website (if you have one), and a few details about your focus.
Converting Your Personal Account: If you’ve already been using Pinterest personally, no problem! You can easily convert it to a business account without losing your existing followers or pins. Just go to your profile settings, find the “Account Settings” or “Convert to Business Account” option, and follow the prompts. It’s a quick and painless process.
B. Get Found: Optimizing Your Profile Name and Bio for Searchability
Think of your profile name and bio as your online business card. You want them to clearly communicate who you are and what value you offer to those looking to help in your niche. This is where the magic of keywords comes in. These are the words and phrases your target audience or niche are likely typing into Pinterest’s search bar.
Here’s the lowdown on optimizing these key areas:
Your Profile Name: Keep it clear and concise. If your business name includes relevant keywords, great! If not, consider adding a short, descriptive phrase. For example, instead of just “Sarah’s Pins,” try something like “Sarah Miller | Online Business Tips for Beginners” or “[Your Brand Name] – Helping You Make Money Online.”
Your Bio: Your Opportunity to Shine (and Sell Briefly): This is where you tell people what you’re all about and how you can help them. Use relevant keywords naturally. Think about what problems your audience faces and how your content and offerings provide solutions. Here are some examples to get your wheels turning:
“Helping beginners build profitable online businesses from scratch. Get your free guide to [your lead magnet topic]!”
“Learn the step-by-step strategies to make money online. Follow for actionable tips and resources!”
“[Your Brand Name] – Your go-to source for simple online marketing strategies and income-generating ideas.”
“Unlock your online earning potential! Sharing beginner-friendly tips on [your specific area of focus, e.g., affiliate marketing, blogging].”
Key takeaway: Be clear about what you offer (e.g., tips, strategies, resources) and who it’s for (e.g., beginners, side hustlers). And always include a call to action, even if it’s subtle, encouraging them to follow you or visit your website.
C. Claim Your Territory: Why Claiming Your Website Matters
If you have a website or blog (and you absolutely should if you’re serious about building an online business!), claiming it on Pinterest is a non-negotiable step. Think of it as planting your flag and saying, “This is mine, and I’m here to provide value.”
Here’s why claiming your website is crucial:
Boosts Credibility: It shows Pinterest users that you’re a legitimate business and links your Pinterest presence directly to your online home.
Enables Analytics for Your Website: You’ll get valuable insights into how your pins are performing in terms of driving traffic back to your site.
Potential for Rich Pins: Claiming your website can unlock access to Rich Pins, which display extra information directly on your pins (like article titles and descriptions directly pulled from your website), making them more informative and engaging.
Claiming your website is usually a straightforward process:
Go to your Pinterest business account settings.
Find the “Claim” section.
You’ll typically have a couple of options:
Add an HTML tag to your website: Pinterest will provide a unique code snippet that you’ll need to paste into the <head> section of your website’s HTML. If this sounds intimidating, your website hosting provider or a tech-savvy friend can usually help.
Upload an HTML file: Pinterest will provide a small HTML file that you’ll need to upload to the root directory of your website.
Follow Pinterest’s instructions to verify your claim.
Once your website is claimed, you’re telling Pinterest – and its users – that you’re a verified source of information and building a stronger connection between your Pinterest activity and your online business hub.
By taking these initial steps – setting up or optimizing your business profile and claiming your website – you’re laying a solid foundation for attracting the right audience and setting the stage for Pinterest to become a powerful engine for growing your online business and boosting your income. Now, let’s move on to creating the kind of content that turns those curious pinners into loyal customers!