Picture Search! Pinterest Visual Search
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m telling you about Pinterest visual search. It’s one of my favorites!
Lots of people think Pinterest is social media. But lots of people use it to SEARCH. With pictures AND words! That makes it one of the most useful free ways to bring visitors to a little business.
People come with a plan
People come to Pinterest with a plan. They want wedding ideas. A dinner recipe. A new way to organize their home. A present for a friend.
And because they’re looking for something, they’re often happy to find products and services! A pin that answers what they want can lead them straight to your website, shop or listing. That’s really different from social media, where people mostly scroll for fun.
How it works
People can search two ways:
- Typing words in the search bar, like on Google.
- Searching with pictures! Like choosing part of a pin, or using a photo to find similar things. Pinterest calls its camera search Pinterest Lens.
Pinterest looks at your pin’s title, description, board and picture. And pins that get saved and clicked get shown more!
Pins keep working!
Here’s the best part. A social media post usually disappears from feeds in a day or two. But a good pin can keep showing up in searches for MONTHS, bringing visitors!
The work you do today keeps helping you long after. That’s free traffic at its best!
How to start
- Open a free business account. It gives you numbers to see what works. And you can connect your website!
- Make boards with clear names. Boards are collections of pins. Name them with words people search for. Like “Small Kitchen Ideas,” not “My Favorites.”
- Make tall, clear pins. Tall pins work best, often 1000 by 1500 pixels. Use a clear picture, and maybe a few words on top saying what people will find. Free tools like Canva make it easy!
- Write searchable titles and descriptions. Use the words people really type. Say what the pin shows and what people get when they click. Skip long hashtag lists, and write normal, clear sentences.
- Link every pin to the right page. A pin about a present idea should go to THAT present. Not your home page!
- Pin regularly. A few new pins every day or week, for months, beats lots at once and then nothing.
Who’s Pinterest good for?
Lots of the ten ways to earn!
- Bloggers and affiliate marketers bring readers to articles.
- Digital product sellers show templates and printables.
- Print-on-demand and online shops show products in real-life settings.
- Even people who do services can pin helpful tips that link to their service page!
The trick is always answering what people are searching for.
Perfect for hiding
Pinterest is one of the BEST ways to bring visitors without your face. Pins are about ideas, products and places, not people!
And everything here is free. You can learn it all yourself, no agency needed.
What’s next?
The next article is about way number two: going viral on social media. The whole lesson is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help set up your Pinterest? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
Is Pinterest social media or a search engine?
Both, kind of! But lots of people use it to search.
What is Pinterest visual search?
Searching with pictures as well as words, like with Pinterest Lens.
How long does a pin bring visitors?
Often for months! Way longer than a social media post.
Are there step-by-step lessons for starting each of the ten ways cheaply?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
Do I need to show my face on Pinterest?
Nope! It’s about ideas and products.
How should I describe my pins?
With the words people type when they search.
Is Pinterest free for businesses?
Yes! There are paid ads too, but lots of businesses grow with free pins.
How can I start for free or almost free?
Lynnaider shows you how to start each of the ten ways for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
