I have not hidden the fact that Pinterest is my new love. In fact, I think it is my most worthwhile internet addiction hobby yet. I have found fantastic ideas for kids activities, livened up my weekly meal plan and created giftsthat cost less than wrapping paper and a card.
As with any new site, there are tips and tricks I am learning to get the most out of my time spent there. Here are just a few:
1. Be selective. Pinterest is about finding things you love, saving them for another day when you want to read/try/buy/make them and sharing what you love with your friends. You can pin anything, but pinning everything will start to clog up your followers’ Pinterest pages and they may unfollow you. For me, quality over quantity is definitely important when pinning. If you find an awesome recipe that you want to share, 100 people may repin it. If you find 100 pictures of unicorns that you want to share, you will be lucky if one person pins one of your pictures, no matter how many colors of the rainbow are in that unicorn mane.
2. Follow first, unfollow later. This may not work for everyone but it has worked well for me. When I was getting to know Pinterest I followed everyone who followed me. By doing so, I had a large pool of pins to look at when I visited Pinterest. This helped me jump start my “repinning” and get an idea of how I wanted to categorize my boards and the types of things I wanted to pin. Once I was comfortable with the site I began unfollowing boards that were not relevant to my interests.
3. Describe your pins so they can be easily found. When you name something you have pinned, give it a name that will show up when someone searches for it. For example, if you pin a fantastic recipe for chocolate cupcakes, you need to include the words “chocolate” and “cupcake” in your title. Naming the picture “yum” will not help anyone else find your pin when searching.
4. When creating your own pin, include the least amount of text possible. In general, your goal should be to send people to a site for the information that is linked to that image. Including an entire recipe, blog post or magazine article just takes up space on your followers’ Pinterest pages. Also, it does not lead anyone to the site that should get credit for the original idea.
**Remember this when pinning your own information. You want to give the reader a reason to visit your site. If you give them all of the information they need on Pinterest, they have no reason to visit you for more.**
5. If you pin something from a website make sure you are pinning from the specific page associated with that image. This is especially important with blog posts. You must click on the specific blog post you want the image to link to before pinning the image. Otherwise, the image may just link someone back to the home page for the blog and the post you meant to pin will be buried.
6. Clean up. If you click on an image you have pinned only to find a broken, expired, or false link, please for the love of pinning, delete your pin so that the image does not continue to circulate. There is nothing worse than a picture of the Worlds Best Two Ingredient Cookies that You Can Make While Standing On Your Head With Your Eyes Closed with no link for the recipe.
Hope all of these tips make sense, if you have any questions feel free leave them in the comments or email me and, of course…
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I'm Jessica, 30-something mom to five, four in my arms and one in my heart.
Great tips! I have only recently discovered Pinterest, but these are spot on and I will be deleting some broken links, even though I am totally bummed they are broken!
Stacey recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Fun at the Park
Isn\’t that the worst? I hate when I am ready to go try an idea and click on it only to find the link goes no where.
Great tips, girl! You so get an A+ in pinning!
Galit Breen recently posted..Kahlua Cake #Recipe
Twitter: galitbreen
Could not agree more!! I am always “fixing” the descriptions of things. I try to check that the picture actually goes with what it says before I pin it- but if I am checking on my phone I just sometimes repin only to later find the link is no good- drives me crazy. This gave me inspiration to go clean my boards
Twitter: Emmymom2
I am always fixing things too, I think it is part of my love of editing
.
I love these so much! Thanks for the tips. I need to clean up my pinterest.
Sarah recently posted..BCX Apparel Review
Twitter: naptimemomtog
You are kind of my Pinterest guru. I am guilty of over-pinning, but I’m working on being selective and picking things I actually want. Though I get all “ooooh, that’s PRETTY!” distracted on there
Twitter: angelaamman
I have to confess I didn\’t repin any of your gymnast pics
.
They were for a post
I forgive you.
Twitter: angelaamman
Great info on pinterest…thanks!
Ann recently posted..Potica – A Guest Post with Chef Dennis
Twitter: AnnHolly
Great tips! I need to clean up the descriptions on some of the stuff I repin from others. Thanks for the reminder!
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Playing Ball
Twitter: MamaWantsThis
Excellent and spot on tips! I have actually been slowly going through my boards, re-organizing and cleaning up. I have found some broken links already
Stephanie recently posted..Beef Stew and Sour Cream Biscuits: I Love Fall Food
Twitter: supermomboots
Yes, Yes, YES to #6. Unless I’m in a hurry and thus forget, 99.8% of the time I click on the pin to make sure it leads to an actual link. I actually went to make a recipe once, only to find that the pin just sent me to a photo on flickr, with no attached recipe. Ugh.
And I agree it’s addictive, but I justify it through the fact that I have actually done crafts on there with the girls, and set up play dates centered around those crafts, that I never would have thought of or done on my own.
Amy recently posted..Creeping Along
Me too, the benefit is definitely worth the time is sucks up.
Love these tips and thank you for you help in getting me started right! xo
tracy recently posted..The Importance of One Way Backlinks
Twitter: sellabitmum
Awesome tips, Jessica! I couldn’t agree more about being selective in your pinning. And you make a good point about using descriptive words in descriptions – I probably need to clean up a few of mine.
Kristin @ What She Said recently posted..The Hayride
Twitter: SaidKristin
The first time I got on Pininterest I spent 3 hours pinning! This is so outta character for me but I was OBSESSED! I agree there are many ppl who seem to pin every SINGLE THING they see. It is beyond annoying. I see no point in pinning something I am already familiar with.
Robbie recently posted..Outta My League
Twitter: momma23monkeys
These are great tips! I have to be better when describing pins so I can find them later.
JDaniel4′s Mom recently posted..Read.Explore.Learn.- Moonlight: The Halloween Cat
Broken/false links and over describing are 2 of my pet peeves when it comes to Pinterest!
I have found so many things on there that I have or plan on doing. I’ve also started adding my own stuff. Which reminds me, I need to add a pin for today’s post.
Evonne recently posted..Steak and Potato Soup
Twitter: _MamaJules_
Thank you for these tips – I have my Pin acct but it’s just too overwhelming right now
ahhh the internet!
Brandy @ Momwich recently posted..Sub-Par at my Best – it’s Sorta Fall Anyway.
This has become, by far, my favorite app thus far. I love the tips and am glad to have found a new person to follow!
Miss Marina Star recently posted..Touching Base
Twitter: MissMarinaStar
I already follow you and your cute self!
MommaKiss recently posted..WTF Wednesday
Twitter: mommakiss
I know I’m not very creative with the names of my pins, but at least they describe what they are, so these tips of yours confirms that I was doing the right thing!
Rach (DonutsMama) recently posted..Life’s Lessons: Better
These are great tips!! I know some people think Pinterest is a waste of time, but I think it only becomes that if you pin everything that you think looks kinda cute. I try to only pin things that I will actually try, or that I take inspiration from but am likely to forget about. Otherwise, if I like something, I’ll just “like” it! I think I can honestly say my life has improved in certain ways because of pinterest
Naomi A. recently posted..The Flavor of the Story
Twitter: worksofanselm
This new site keeps following me around everywhere lately it seems. I will have to join the masses on Pinterest
It does actually sound very helpful and this is something I’d need to print and keep handy so as not to offend any pinners. Thanks for sharing!
Charlotte recently posted..la vie en rose
Twitter: MyPixieBlog
Oh you have to join, let me know if you need an invite and I can send you one.
But…but…I love unicorns…
julie gardner recently posted..Today call me feathered
Okay fine, you can have one but only one and no furry kittens.
Excellent tips Jessica!!!
I am just learning about creating my own pins and this is great advice.
Leighann recently posted..Organizing Your Child’s Art – Tips from a Multitasking Mumma!
I find myself more addicting to pinning lately. I do love it, even when though I am not crafty or cooking…however, I do love the quotes and pics for my writing.
you are the queen of pinning…so I have printed this and pinned (HA) it up in my cubicle…so I remember what the GIRL WHO KNOWS HOW TO PIN told me about doing it “right”
thank you!!!
Kir recently posted..WOE: Kimmy: There’s Been An Accident
Twitter: thekircorner
I took a sneek peek at pinterest and fell in love right away,
but I just don’t have time for another addiction (next to twitter).
As soon as I find the time I’ll be back to read these great tips again.
Mirjam recently posted..A beautiful find
Twitter: applesndroses
The one about the missing link or broken link? HUGE pet peeve! I’ve gone to make something for dinner I found on Pinterest and there is no link. Makes me crazy! I’m totally pinning this
Amanda Austin recently posted..Celebrity Round-up: Slumming it
Twitter: amandaaustin
Drives me nuts, I had a pink cupcake recipe pinned that my daughter was so excited to make and there was no link. I had to search the internet for it.
Great tips! You know I’m already an addict.
Tonya recently posted..I Never
Twitter: letters4lucas
These are great tips. I like to have one board for those things I may or may not keep – then I go back & edit it from time to time. Some people really do love cats and unicorns (not me!!), but they could just do a board full of that – and anyone who wants to un-follow can. I wish Pinterest would have a pop-up that alerts you that you’ve already pinned something. I’m sure I have tons of duplicates.
gina recently posted..wondrous
Having a separate board for the things you may or may not keep is a great idea. Totally agree on wishing for a pop-up that will tell you what you have already pinned.
This is a great list of tips. I think the one about being sparse in describing your own pins is really important.
Courtney @ The Mommy Matters recently posted..Four Years Apart | Feature Friday
Twitter: CourtneyKirklnd
Great tips, being selective is very important and to pin only the things you really like. I normally check out the original site before I repin. Even though I like unicorns too, and furry kittens for that matter. But just one.
Mommy’s Paradise recently posted..Some people dance, but others just run and count and some grow plants
Twitter: mommysparadise
Ok so now I feel like i know even less about pinning… I spent a couple hours last night pinning things to my board – does that mean that everyone that follows me got an alert that I pinned something? Or does it just mean that my pin’ned item will show up in their feed?? Also, DUH, never considered pinning my own site for traffic. Slapping forehead!
Jamie recently posted..weekend wisdom, 14
Twitter: chosenchaos
Yes, everything you pin shows up in their feed if they look at Pinterest under \”following.\” Does that make sense? And yes, any time you do an informational post (crafts, recipes, how to\’s) create an image that seems pin-able and pin it. Great for traffic. The Little Henhouse has some great tutorials on it.
Girl you have the most organized Pinterest account I have ever seen (and I have seen A. LOT. of Pinterest boards). I recently started a new one to connect to the blog because my personal Pinterest account was just out of control and embarrassing. LOL. It’d be like letting all my blog readers look into my “Monica closet.” So now I’m busy pretending to be organized with a fresh new account. Thanks for the tips!!
Alyssa @NearNormalcy recently posted..Humiliation and volunteerism. Also Girl Scouts don’t eat cookies.
Twitter: nearnormalcy
Hi Jessica,
To be honest, this is the first time I’ve heard of Pinterest and pinning. It reminds me of Evernote clipper and clipping which I love.
I took a quick look and I can see there are a lot of cool stuff in there. I’m definitely interested and when I can find the extra time, I’ll go back and explore.
In the meantime, I’ll keep these excellent tips. Thanks for sharing. Have a nice day!
Theresa Torres recently posted..Business Travel Tips: Travel Perks for You and Your Company
Twitter: CreditDonkey
Thanks for explaining this. I didn’t understand what Pinterest was about until you layed it out there!
Twitter: twregina
I know, I know…I need to get on Pinterest! I’m so lazy…
Practical Parenting recently posted..Perfect Imperfection
Twitter: katiefhurley
You are not there yet? GO!!!
I am going to use these tips because I think I’m going to dive into Pinterest. I can’t avoid it any longer.
Elena recently posted..Fearless? No, not at all.
Twitter: NaynaDub
Awesome tips, Jessica. Pinning now!
Leigh Ann recently posted..How Proper Keyword Density can help get your blog ranked for Keywords you want
Twitter: latorres
This is perfect. I get so annoyed when I click on something and there is no link attached. I usually end up trying to trace it back to the original pinner or just deleting it.
Jayme (RandomBlogette) recently posted..Free To Be Friends!
I have been on the fence of looking at Pinterest for so long. I haven’t wanted to look or join because I was afraid of being sucked in, but this post is pushing me over the edge. I may have to do it now. I’m going to say thank you now though because I’m sure I will love it.
Mom On A Line recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Scariest Costume Ever!
Twitter: MomOnALine
Just heard about PINTEREST a couple days ago, when my niece and daughter went through a whole bunch of discarded clothes that heaped up in our garage. They turned them into amazing things. I’m interested.
Sela Toki recently posted..Where’s my anti-aging cream people?
Thanks SO much for posting these tips! My pet peeve are “broken” pins, then it takes forever to find where it originated from.
And it’s the worst when it’s for a recipe. Hate when I’m ready to make it and there is no link to the full recipe. Thanks for stopping by!
All good! The only things is sometimes I pin original photos but I don’t have a web site or blog or anything that they need to lead back to just a good photo of say a pretty wrapped package, a table scape or something similar.
I have some questions. I found Pinterst a couple of months ago and I have since wanted to reorganize my boards, but don’t know how. Is there a way to move a pin from one board to another without repinning it? Also how do I delete a pin? Can you write another article explaining how to clean up our boards and get them better organized?
found
Great tips. One more I’d like to add, now that Etsy has a “pin it” button on each of it’s pages, delete the price so it doesn’t show up as a banner across the pin.
No one wants Pinterest to turn into a “BUY” it from me site!
That is so true, I’m not that familiar with etsy so didn’t realize you could delete the price but Pinterest is all about visuals and the price makes it look less appealing.
I am soooo in love with Pinterest. I feel like I’ve learned more in the last few weeks than I have in the last few years.
Susan (5 Minutes for Mom) recently posted..Yahoo! Shine – Fitness Review and Zumba Giveaway
Isn’t it great? Even though it is one more social media tool that I can’t step away from there is SO much useful information there that it is well worth the time.
Sensible tips. Especially about fixing broken links.
But Pinterest isn’t proscriptive about its purpose – it can be for whatever you want it to be for. So if you don’t care about attracting or pleasing followers and just want a parade of your own favourite images to refer back to, that’s fine too. Pin whatever YOU like, for whatever reason. This ensures the very variety that makes it such a fabulous source.
modflowers recently posted..vintage mod floral fabric pillow cover
Totally agree and I think that is why I love it most. Pinterest can be whatever YOU want it to be.
Jessica, your tips have been very helpful to me, but I still have questions. For instance, is it possible to re-name a board? My followers might appreciate a little more clarity there. Can you suggest somewhere else that I might go online for additional instructions? Life isn’t easy when you’re 70 years old and a computer dumb-dumb!
I did re-pin your tips for using Pinterest so hopefully it is helping others now. Thanks,
Shelby Miller
I am guilty of over-pinning, but I’m working on being selective and picking things I actually want. Can you suggest somewhere else that I might go online for additional instructions?
Jeannine Leblanc recently posted..Many Mops
We have quite a few tutorials up at http://PinSavvySocial.com in the sidebar.
Amen! Especially numbers 3, 5, & 6. Nothing frustrates me more than clicking on pin and being taken to a “dangerous” or dead link. BTW, now following you on Twitter and Pinterest! Keep’em coming!
Twitter: gottatweet
I pin things for myself and add/edit comments that make sense to me. I figure that people can un-follow me if they don’t like my pins. Does that sound selfish? I guess I just don’t feel the need to fix everyone elses pins or to save the world either!
For the love of pinning and spreading the joy,
Steph
I love pinterest!
brojni nie podołali już torować ukochany Sammy drzewcami, dowódca rzucił niezrozumiałą
gwoli gawiedzi instrukcję, ocierając wydzielina gruczołu potowego z czoła i rozmazując zresztą na policzkach koński gnój.
Błysnęły nastaw.
Thanks mike. I mean I’m a college student here in China to visit my relatives for any month and indeed….I was sad that FB doesn’t work right
here, but GET OVER IT. It’s just a networking website; and if you can’t
network offline, you are in for some serious trouble
in reality. Individuals, it really is CHINA… get your
asses outside and do something, simply because frankly,
everyone else is.
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