The Ultimate Guide to Manual Pinterest Pinning for New Bloggers
Pinterest is more than just a hub for creative inspiration—it’s a powerful tool that can significantly boost your blog’s traffic. Whether you’re new to blogging or simply looking to optimize your Pinterest strategy, this guide covers the essentials of manual Pinterest pinning, a cost-effective method that can help grow your blog without the need for expensive scheduling tools.
Understanding Pinterest’s Importance for Bloggers
Pinterest isn’t just another social media platform; it’s a visual search engine. For bloggers, this distinction is crucial. When content is pinned on Pinterest, it isn’t just being shared; it’s being cataloged and made discoverable for years to come.
Unlike other platforms like Instagram or Facebook, where a post’s visibility diminishes rapidly, pins on Pinterest can continue to drive traffic long after they’re first been shared.
This is why mastering Pinterest is so important for bloggers. A well-optimized pin can keep bringing visitors to a blog post for months or even years, making it a cornerstone strategy for growing an audience. But to tap into this potential, it’s essential to understand how and when to pin effectively.
The Journey of Manual Pinning
Manual pinning is often overlooked in favor of automated scheduling tools like Tailwind. While these tools are incredibly useful, they also come with a cost that might not be feasible for every blogger, especially when just starting out.
Manual pinning, on the other hand, requires more time and effort but offers complete control over your pinning strategy. It’s a hands-on approach that allows bloggers to truly understand how Pinterest works and tailor their strategies accordingly.
When manually pinning, bloggers can experiment with different types of content, pinning times, and frequency, all without the constraints imposed by a scheduling tool. This method is not only budget-friendly but also a great way to learn the ins and outs of Pinterest before deciding whether to invest in automation tools.
When is the Best Time to Pin?
Timing can make or break a Pinterest strategy. To maximize visibility, it’s important to pin when the target audience is most active. The best times to pin can vary depending on the blog’s niche, the audience’s demographics, and even seasonal trends. However, some general guidelines can help get started:
General Best Times for Pinning:
Evenings (8 PM to 11 PM)
Most Pinterest users tend to browse in the evenings after their daily routines, making this a prime time for engagement.
Late Afternoon (2 PM to 4 PM)
Another effective time slot is during the afternoon when people might be taking breaks at work or settling into their post-lunch routines.
Weekends (Saturday & Sunday)
Particularly Saturday mornings, when users are more relaxed and have the time to browse and engage with content.
Best Times to Pin for Specific Niches
The best time to pin can also depend heavily on the niche a blogger is focusing on. Different audiences have different habits, and understanding these can significantly enhance pinning strategies. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the best times to pin across a wider variety of blogging niches:
1. Lifestyle/Stay-at-Home Wife Niche
- Best Times: Early mornings (6 AM to 8 AM) and evenings (8 PM to 11 PM) are optimal, especially on weekends when people are more likely to be searching for lifestyle tips and ideas.
- Number of Pins: Aim to pin 15-20 times a day, balancing between original content and repins.
- Days of the Week: Monday is key for motivational content, while Saturday is perfect for weekend inspiration.
- Tips: Seasonal content is particularly effective in this niche. Align pins with seasonal trends, such as holiday recipes during the winter months or spring cleaning tips as the weather warms.
2. Food & Recipe Blogs
- Best Times: Early mornings (7 AM to 9 AM) are ideal for catching users planning their meals, while evenings (8 PM to 11 PM) target those looking for dinner inspiration.
- Number of Pins: 15-30 pins per day, focusing on a mix of new content and popular older pins.
- Days of the Week: Sunday is prime for meal planning pins, while Friday targets weekend cooking enthusiasts.
- Tips: Step-by-step recipe visuals and images showcasing the final dish are particularly effective in this niche. Consider creating detailed infographics or video pins to increase engagement.
3. Home Decor/DIY Niche
- Best Times: Mornings (8 AM to 11 AM) and late afternoons (3 PM to 5 PM) are effective, especially on weekends when users are planning DIY projects.
- Number of Pins: Aim for 20-30 pins per day to keep content fresh and relevant.
- Days of the Week: Saturday is ideal for weekend project inspiration, while Tuesday serves as a mid-week push for ongoing projects.
- Tips: High-quality, beautifully lit images are essential in this niche. Invest in good photography or design skills to ensure your pins stand out.
4. Fashion & Beauty Blogs
- Best Times: Mid-morning (10 AM to 12 PM) and evening (7 PM to 9 PM) are effective, especially for pins related to weekend outfits or beauty routines.
- Number of Pins: 10-15 pins per day, focusing on a mix of evergreen content and seasonal trends.
- Days of the Week: Thursday is key as users plan for weekend events, and Sunday as they prepare for the upcoming week.
- Tips: Vertical images with striking visuals perform best in this niche. Consider using text overlays to highlight key trends or fashion tips.
5. Parenting/Mom Blogs
- Best Times: Late morning (9 AM to 11 AM) and evening (8 PM to 10 PM) are when most parents have time to browse for tips and resources.
- Number of Pins: 15-25 pins per day, balancing between evergreen content and new posts.
- Days of the Week: Monday is ideal for planning the week’s activities, while Wednesday is great for mid-week motivation.
- Tips: Parenting advice, children’s activities, and educational resources are evergreen topics in this niche. Ensure pins are helpful, visually appealing, and easy to follow.
6. Health & Wellness Blogs
- Best Times: Early morning (6 AM to 8 AM) targets users looking to start their day on a healthy note, while late afternoon (3 PM to 5 PM) engages those planning workouts or meals.
- Number of Pins: 10-20 pins per day, focusing on infographics, step-by-step guides, and motivational content.
- Days of the Week: Monday is crucial for those starting a healthy week, while Saturday encourages weekend wellness planning.
- Tips: Infographics, step-by-step workout routines, and healthy recipes tend to perform well. Make sure your pins are easy to read and visually engaging to attract more clicks and saves.
7. Travel Blogs
- Best Times: Late morning (10 AM to 12 PM) and early evening (5 PM to 7 PM) are ideal for reaching users planning their next getaway.
- Number of Pins: 15-25 pins per day, including a mix of destination guides and travel tips.
- Days of the Week: Thursday and Friday as people plan for weekend trips or vacations.
- Tips: Use stunning, high-quality images of destinations. Include detailed guides or tips to make the pins more valuable and shareable.
8. Personal Finance Blogs
- Best Times: Early mornings (6 AM to 8 AM) and evenings (7 PM to 9 PM) work well as users look for tips to manage their finances.
- Number of Pins: 10-15 pins per day, focusing on budgeting, saving, and investment tips.
- Days of the Week: Monday and Wednesday, when people are more likely to seek financial advice.
- Tips: Infographics and simple, actionable tips on managing money can draw significant attention in this niche.
9. Crafting & DIY Projects
- Best Times: Afternoons (2 PM to 4 PM) and weekends are prime times as users search for project ideas.
- Number of Pins: 20-30 pins per day, covering a variety of projects from beginner to advanced levels.
- Days of the Week: Saturday and Sunday, when users have more time to start new projects.
- Tips: Focus on step-by-step guides with clear images. Seasonal crafts also tend to perform well.
10. Education & Study Tips
- Best Times: Early morning (7 AM to 9 AM) and late evening (8 PM to 10 PM), especially during exam seasons.
- Number of Pins: 10-20 pins per day, including study guides, tips, and educational resources.
- Days of the Week: Sunday and Monday as students prepare for the week ahead.
- Tips: Visual aids like infographics or study hacks are popular. Ensure that pins are easy to understand and visually appealing.
11. Fitness & Workout Blogs
- Best Times: Early morning (6 AM to 8 AM) and late afternoon (4 PM to 6 PM) to catch users at the start or end of their day.
- Number of Pins: 15-25 pins per day, including workout routines and fitness tips.
- Days of the Week: Monday for motivation and Friday for weekend workout planning.
- Tips: Short, visual workout routines and motivational quotes work well. Consider creating video pins to demonstrate exercises.
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12. Technology & Gadgets Blogs
- Best Times: Early mornings (6 AM to 8 AM) and evenings (7 PM to 9 PM) when tech enthusiasts are likely to browse for the latest updates.
- Number of Pins: 10-20 pins per day, focusing on new product launches, reviews, and tech tips.
- Days of the Week: Tuesday and Thursday, which are popular days for tech news and updates.
- Tips: Use infographics to break down complex tech topics or comparisons. High-quality images of gadgets or screencasts of software can also attract clicks.
13. Business & Entrepreneurship Blogs
- Best Times: Mornings (8 AM to 10 AM) and afternoons (2 PM to 4 PM) when business professionals are active.
- Number of Pins: 15-25 pins per day, sharing tips on business growth, entrepreneurship, and productivity.
- Days of the Week: Monday to start the week strong and Wednesday to maintain mid-week momentum.
- Tips: Infographics and list-based pins (e.g., “Top 10 Tools for Entrepreneurs”) are effective. Consider using quotes from successful entrepreneurs to inspire your audience.
14. Books & Literature Blogs
- Best Times: Late morning (10 AM to 12 PM) and early evening (5 PM to 7 PM), when readers are likely to explore new book recommendations.
- Number of Pins: 10-15 pins per day, including book reviews, reading lists, and author interviews.
- Days of the Week: Thursday and Sunday, as users often plan their reading lists before the weekend or for the upcoming week.
- Tips: Use visually appealing covers and quotes from the books to entice readers. Create seasonal reading lists (e.g., “Best Summer Reads”) for extra engagement.
15. Photography Blogs
- Best Times: Mornings (8 AM to 10 AM) and evenings (7 PM to 9 PM) when creative professionals and hobbyists are most active.
- Number of Pins: 15-20 pins per day, featuring photography tips, tutorials, and stunning examples of work.
- Days of the Week: Saturday and Tuesday, with weekends ideal for inspiring new projects and mid-week for educational content.
- Tips: High-resolution images are key in this niche. Consider offering free downloadable resources (like presets or guides) to attract more engagement and repins.
How Many Pins Should You Post Daily?
Consistency is key when it comes to Pinterest.
The general consensus among experts is that pinning between 10 and 30 times a day yields the best results. However, this can vary depending on your niche, the amount of content you have, and how much time you can dedicate to pinning.
For those just starting out, pinning around 10-15 times a day is a solid strategy. As your content library grows, gradually increase your pinning frequency. Remember, it’s not just about pinning your own content—repinning relevant content from others in your niche can also help keep your boards active and engage your audience.
Additional Tips for Pinterest Success
Here are some extra tips to help ensure success on Pinterest:
Create Eye-Catching Pins:
The visual aspect of Pinterest cannot be overstated. Your pins need to be attractive and engaging to stand out in a sea of content. Use design tools like Canva to create professional-looking pins that grab attention. Consider using bright colors, bold fonts, and eye-catching images to make your pins pop.
Join Pinterest Group Boards:
Group boards are a fantastic way to get your content in front of a larger audience. Look for group boards that align with your niche and request to join them. Once accepted, you can share your content with a broader audience, increasing your reach and potential for repins.
Be Consistent:
Pinterest rewards consistency. Whether you’re manually pinning or using a scheduler, try to pin regularly. It’s better to pin a few times every day than to pin a lot on one day and then nothing for the rest of the week.
Track Your Analytics:
Pinterest offers built-in analytics that provide insights into how your pins are performing. Use this data to refine your strategy. For example, you might notice that pins posted on Tuesday mornings get more engagement than those posted on Thursday afternoons. Adjust your pinning schedule accordingly to maximize your results.
Optimize Your Pin Descriptions:
Along with creating visually appealing pins, pay attention to the descriptions. Use relevant keywords and hashtags to improve the discoverability of your pins. This will help your content appear in more searches and attract the right audience to your blog.
Experiment with Video Pins:
Video pins are becoming increasingly popular on Pinterest. They are more engaging than static images and can help you stand out. Consider creating short, informative videos related to your blog content to capture the attention of Pinterest users. For more information on video pins, click on the image below:
Utilize Pinterest’s Story Pins:
Story Pins allow you to create engaging, multi-page content directly on Pinterest. They are a great way to share how-tos, tips, and tutorials without needing users to click through to your blog. This type of content can help build a stronger presence on the platform and increase overall engagement.
The Takeaway
Mastering the art of manual Pinterest pinning can significantly enhance your blog’s visibility and traffic, especially when just starting out. By understanding the best times to pin, catering to the specifics of your niche, and consistently engaging with your audience through high-quality pins, you can effectively grow your blog’s reach on Pinterest.
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As always I’d love to hear from you – let me know in the comments below what Pinterest pinning strategy has been working for you!
