How to Use Pinterest As a Photographer

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I used to think Pinterest was just a platform for foodies and DIY enthusiasts. I was absolutely wrong. After gathering information, I figured out that Pinterest is a powerful visual search engine. So, together with the FixThePhoto tea, we decided to display our presets there. In general, our sales jumped by about 35-40% in a few short months.
With more than 400 million monthly active users, Pinterest has a substantial global reach. The United States dominates the platform, making up approximately 20% of its total user base with 89.9 million users.

After three months, I noticed that my sales skyrocketed. I used Pinterest data to gauge the progress and saw that people were pinning and clicking on my content more frequently. Besides, many of them became visitors to my store.

Pinterest for professional photographers can be not only a platform for demonstrating creative photo projects and bts, but also a place to advertise services and find potential clients. Still, to get the most out of this platform, it is paramount to develop proper tactics.

Remember that many users treat Pinterest as a search engine, so you should develop and promote your page with the help of search-centered methods.

How to Get Started

pinterest for photographers presets

In this article, you can find some interesting and helpful insights into Pinterest marketing for photographers I’ve already tested on our products and can share the results. The main thing is to be consistent with your strategy. Keep reading to learn how I promoted my presets and what results I’ve achieved.

Every business needs a strong online presence. If Pinterest is part of your marketing plan, a business account is a must. It's a free tool, using which you can have more detailed information about your audience and content. With this data, it is possible to fine-tune your pins and maximize your reach on the platform.

1. Add a Profile Photo and Bio

First impressions matter, especially on Pinterest. Your profile picture and bio are your chance to introduce yourself to the world. It is important to use a high-quality image. Besides, you should write a compelling and concise bio that clearly states your name, your expertise, and what sets you apart.

pinterest cover photo for photographers

Improving your Pinterest profile picture is easier than you think. There are plenty of editing apps like Fix The Photo Body Editor & Tune that use AI and manual adjustments to help you create a high-quality image from a shot snapped with your smartphone.

Feel free to include links to your website, photography portfolio, digital offerings, classes, or your latest mini-session or event booking options. I’ve prepared a few pointers to help you pick the right profile pic and write a bio that truly represents your photography business on Pinterest:

  • Select a professional-grade photo that reflects your work.
  • Your bio should be brief and informative.
  • State your name, your occupation, and what you offer to potential clients. Add 1-2 key terms that best describe your skills. Specify your city or region.

2. Create Thematic Boards

pinterest for photographers boards

For instance, you can make boards each devoted to a particular photography style - wedding, portrait, landscape, etc. I created vertical pins with source images and their versions edited with the help of my presets. Thus, I was able to demonstrate the potential of my products without saying a single word.

Using signs to mark your photography location on a board is a clever way to improve your search engine rankings. As a traveling photographer, you can indicate lots of locations from all your adventures.

I grouped my pins into such categories as “Photography Tips”, “Photo Editing”, and “Before and After Transformations”. I wanted to make it easier for my followers to find what they need.

Use descriptive words to optimize your board titles and descriptions. Thus, your potential clients can easier find your work when they're searching for a photographer. For example, if you specialize in wedding photography, you may create a board titled “Elegant and Timeless Wedding Photography”.

Research photography hashtags related to your photography style. For general photography, some of the top-performing hashtags are #photographyislifee, #agameoftones, #ig_exquisite, #superhubs.

Add visually appealing photos to your boards. Thus, you can present your images and reach a wider audience. Remember to add relevant keywords to your image titles and descriptions to boost visibility.

To benefit from Pinterest, you need to use keywords strategically. Make sure to incorporate relevant keywords into:

  • Your pins' titles
  • Descriptions
  • Image names
pinterest for photographers lightroom presets

I wanted people to easily find my photo presets on Pinterest, so I used keywords like “photo presets,” “Lightroom presets,” and “editing tools” in my pin descriptions. It is very important to share content regularly. I repined both my own content and carefully selected pins from other creators. Besides, I linked each pin directly to my online shop. Thus, people can buy my product straight away.

Making a Pinterest pin is rather easy. Go to the “Create” tab and choose “Create Pin”. You can then customize your pin to your liking. When you're finished, be sure to attach a link to the page you want to direct people to. It can be a blog article, a product page, or any other page on your website.

3. Search for the Proper Keywords

pinterest for photographers keywords

When my colleagues ask me how to use Pinterest for photographers to become noticed, I always emphasize the importance of keyword research. It is the basis of any successful search engine optimization strategy, and Pinterest is no exception. When I was promoting my presets, I used three key strategies to maximize my keyword usage. By implementing these tactics, you can increase your pin's visibility and attract more organic traffic.

Search in Google. Use Google's autocomplete suggestion feature to get a quick glimpse into what popular are looking for. For more detailed information, explore the “People also ask” section in search results. It's a great way to learn long-tail keywords.

Frankly speaking, Google's “People also ask” section can be very informative. You can use these detailed search queries to create compelling pin descriptions and titles. In the long run, it means better-optimized boards for specific searches and a more relevant audience.

Spy on your competitors is also an efficient strategy. Check out the top 3 results for your chosen keyword and see which keywords they're using. Next, you can include these keywords in your pin descriptions to increase your visibility in search results.

Use dedicated keyword tools. Currently, such tools are available in both free and paid versions. With their help, you can identify high-performing keywords. The most popular platforms are Moz and Semrush. They both offer free trials, so you can explore their features without spending money.

Personally, I like using both Google and Pinterest's search tools together. Thus, I can manage to identify popular search terms on Pinterest and tailor my content to meet the specific needs of my audience.

Take advantage of Pinterest search. One of the most underrated methods for finding relevant keywords is by using Pinterest's search bar. By learning autocomplete suggestions, you can better discern what people are looking for on the platform. Next, add these keywords to your pins and your content may appear higher in Pinterest search results.

Stick to a diverse keyword strategy. Use high-volume, mid-tail, and long-tail keywords to attract a broader audience. This way, you can have a deeper understanding of your audience's search behavior.

Tip: Include keywords in your title and your Pin description to improve your online presence.

Using Pinterest to Drive Traffic to Your Website

Make your pins search-friendly: Incorporate targeted keywords into your pin titles, descriptions, and boards to increase their visibility. Write engaging, keyword-packed captions and add relevant hashtags. Thus, you have the higher chances that your pins will stand out in search results.

Make pins that demand a second look: When ruminating on how to promote a business for photographer on Pinterest, remember that your pins must be visually appealing. Use high-resolution photos of products or services. Also, experiment with creative graphics or collages to present several photos in a single pin.

adobe lightroom

Want to Create or Use Presets?

If you want to enhance your photos efficiently, use Lightroom. The program is suitable for editing several images in one go and improving them with the help of presets.

Experiment with text overlays. This is an interesting method to make your pins more intriguing to potential customers. Try various pin styles until you find a few that really catch attention. Once you have a winning formula, use it as a starting point for future pins.

Launch Pinterest ads for pin promotion. One of the powerful methods of photography marketing on Pinterest is the usage of paid advertising. By going this way, you can reach out to more people and boost your website traffic. It is important to create eye-catching ads that are sure to interest your audience. Thanks to Pinterest's advanced targeting options, you can be sure your pins are seen by the right people at the right time.

A foolproof strategy known as retargeting is to display targeted ads to people who have previously interacted with your pins or website.

Make your pins more effective by including persuasive calls to action. CTAs should be clear, concise, and encourage visitors to take the next step. You can use such phrases as “Discover More,” “Get Your Free Guide,” or “Buy Now” to guide your audience. It's best to focus on one action per pin for maximum impact.

For instance, adding a simple overlay text like 'Limited Time Offer' can create a sense of urgency. When I advertised my presets, I wrote "Transform Your Photos with These Presets" to motivate people to purchase my products.

Opt for a vertical format. It is recommended to use pins with an aspect ratio of 2:3 or 1:2.1. According to the statistics, such pins take up more screen space and are more likely to be noticed. Complement them with high-resolution images and graphics, and you’ll end up with truly eye-catching pins.

Come up with proper descriptions. Use relevant keywords to help people find your pins when they search on Pinterest. Describe your pins clearly and concisely, explaining how they benefit your audience and connect to your brand.

Add a clickable link to your website in the pin description. So, users won’t need to use Google to find your site but can visit it immediately. If you're creating Idea Pins, you can use affiliate or product links to drive sales.

Measuring & Analyzing the Results on Pinterest

Impressions: This metric measures how many people were able to see your Pins. It's a key indicator of your content's visibility. Moreover, it gives you a good idea of how well your Pinterest strategy is working.

Engagement: Track these values to understand how people interact with your content. By measuring actions like likes and saves, you can see what your audience likes most of all. With this data at hand, you can identify your most successful content, overhaul your strategy, and even opt for bolder Pinterest board ideas for photographers.

Saves: Saves show the number of times users save your content. It plays a big role in figuring out how much your audience values it. Monitor sales to understand which content is worth keeping and which topics to explore further.

Clicks: Clicks show the number of people who follow the links on your Pins to visit your website. This data helps you grasp whether your Pinterest marketing efforts are sufficient for attracting new visitors.

Revenue: With the help of this parameter, you can measure the monetary value generated by your Pinterest marketing. Thus, you can see whether your strategy yields the desired money or not.

Conversion rate: Roughly speaking, this is the percentage of Pinterest users who become customers or subscribers after clicking on your Pins. Always pay attention to this parameter. Thus, you can understand whether your Pinterest marketing is working and whether you need to correct something to boost sales or sign-ups.

Audience demographics: Pay attention to this info to get a clear picture of who is following your Pinterest account. Generally, you can see people’s age, gender, and location. With such details in mind, you can tailor your content to the specific interests and preferences of your followers.

Follower growth: In simple words, it shows how many people subscribe to your account. You can evaluate whether your content strikes a chord with followers and define its weak points.

Pinterest Analytics Measuring: Step-by-Step Guide

pinterest for photographers analytics

STEP 1. Set Up Pinterest Analytics

Make sure your Pinterest account is set up as a business profile. Analytics is available only to business accounts. You can easily switch to one in your account settings. Next, claim your website on Pinterest.

Thus, you’ll be able to track how many people visit your site from Pinterest and even see how many make purchases. Lastly, take advantage of Rich Pins. They provide more details about your content and can improve visibility.

STEP 2. Access Pinterest Analytics

Once you're logged into your business account, head to the Analytics section. Select:

  • Overview tab for general stats on your pins
  • Audience Insights to learn more about the people following you.
  • Conversion Insights to see how your pins are driving traffic and actions.

STEP 3. Track Your Success with Key Metrics

  • Impressions: How often people see your pins in their feed and search results. High values mean good visibility and relevance
  • Engagements: The number of times users interact with your pins (saves, clicks, comments). More engagements = better interaction and more frequent actions.
  • Saves: How often users save your pins to their boards because they consider your content worth keeping.
  • Outbound Clicks: The number of times users click through to your website or other links from your pins. This helps you track website traffic from Pinterest.
  • Pin Click-Through Rate (CTR): The percentage of people who see your pin and click on it. A high CTR means your pins are compelling and effective.
  • Top-Performing Pins: Identify your best-performing pins based on impressions, saves, or clicks. Thus, you can comprehend what kind of content your audience loves.
  • Audience Demographics: Information about your audience, including their age, gender, location, and interests.
  • Pinterest Insights: Use these details to adjust your content so that it interests potential followers.

STEP 4: Boost Your Performance Following Analytics

  • Optimize Your Content: Mimic your top-performing pins. Use top-quality images, eye-catching text overlays, and relevant keywords.
  • Time Your Pins: Schedule pins during peak engagement times to maximize visibility. Use analytics to identify your audience's most active hours.
  • Experiment with Pin Formats: Try carousels, videos, and standard pins to find what resonates best with your audience.
  • Refine Your Targeting: Tailor your content to your audience's specific interests and needs.
  • Track Website Traffic: Track how many people come to your website from Pinterest using Google Analytics and Pinterest Analytics.

Pinterest Board Ideas for Photographers

pinterest for photographers ideas

You can treat Pinterest boards as your personal art museum online. Here are some ideas to get started:

  • Your best images: Showcase photos that you are most proud of.
  • Style-specific boards: Dedicate boards to different photography genres.
  • Behind-the-scenes: Give your followers a peek into your creative process.
  • Photography education: Share your knowledge with tutorials on lighting, posing, and photo editing in Photoshop.
  • Seasonal inspiration: Create themed boards like 'Fall Portraits' or 'Holiday Photo Ideas'."

If you wonder how to use Pinterest for wedding photographers, the following guidelines may come in handy:

  • Create dedicated wedding boards: Organize your pins into themed boards like "Beach Wedding Photography," "Rustic Wedding Ideas," or "Destination Weddings."
  • Choose proper keywords: You need to add high-ranking keywords such as "romantic wedding photos" or "wedding pose ideas" to your pin descriptions.
  • Partner with planners: Pin photos of locations, decors, and dresses to expand your reach.
  • Share behind-the-scenes glimpses.
  • Show your happy clients and include their testimonials.
  • Share your wedding photography expertise, by offering valuable tips.

The more helpful and practical information you provide, the higher the chances of converting a casual visitor into a loyal subscriber. In fact, your subscribers may even hire you for professional services, such as wedding photo retouching.

F.A.Q.

  • • How important are Pinterest groups now?

Pinterest groups were once extremely helpful in boosting your Pinterest presence. However, their influence has waned in recent years. Participating in groups can still be beneficial. However, it may not be as effective as it used to be earlier. Today, it is better to concentrate on improving and promoting your own Pinterest boards.

  • • Is it a good idea to delete pins that aren't very popular?

Yes, it is better to regularly delete pins that aren't performing well or have broken links. Thus, you can improve your Pinterest profile and make popular pins front and center.

  • • Can I create multiple pins on Pinterest at once?

Yes, you can create multiple pins simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial for photographers, who want to grow their business on Pinterest. You can design customizable templates for your pins to speed up the process. Later, you only need to replace images and text to create a variety of content.

  • • Can I set up a posting schedule for my Pinterest pins?

Yes, you can. There is a built-in scheduling tool or you can use popular social media management tools like Tailwind, Hootsuite, or Buffer to automate the process. By scheduling your pins in advance, you can maintain a consistent presence on Pinterest.

Tata Rossi

Tech Trends Journalist

Tata Rossi is a photographer-advisor, key contributor at FixThePhoto, sharing her expertise about photography and 55% of photos you see at our blog are taken by her. She is a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She is the main so-called teacher in our team, conducting courses on photography and editing for beginners and anyone interested.

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Tetiana Kostylieva

Photo & Video Insights Blogger

Tetiana Kostylieva is the content creator, who takes photos and videos for almost all FixThePhoto blog articles. Her career started in 2013 as a caricature artist at events. Now, she leads our editorial team, testing new ideas and ensuring the content is helpful and engaging. She likes vintage cameras and, in all articles, she always compares them with modern ones showing that it isn’t obligatory to invest in brand-new equipment to produce amazing results.

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