Unlocking the Power of Manual Pinning on Pinterest: A Guide for New Bloggers
Pinterest is more than just a platform for sharing pretty pictures; it’s an essential tool for bloggers aiming to drive traffic and build a brand. But if you’re new to the platform, the term “manual pinning” might sound like insider jargon.
What exactly does it mean? How does it differ from automated pinning? And most importantly, how can you, as a new blogger, use manual pinning to grow your audience without feeling completely overwhelmed?
What is Manual Pinning?
Manual pinning is exactly what it sounds like—personally and manually pinning content to your Pinterest boards. Unlike automated pinning, which relies on tools like Tailwind or Buffer to schedule and post pins on your behalf, manual pinning requires you to log in to Pinterest, handpick content, and pin it in real time.
The Benefits of Manual Pinning
Automation can save time, sure, but there are several compelling reasons why many seasoned bloggers still swear by manual pinning:
- Algorithmic Preference: Pinterest’s algorithm has a soft spot for fresh, manually pinned content. When you engage directly with the platform, Pinterest notices. This can boost your pins’ visibility in search results and users’ feeds.
- Higher Engagement: With manual pinning, you’re in the driver’s seat. You can tailor your pins to your audience’s interests, post at optimal times, and quickly react to trends.
- Control and Customization: Manual pinning gives you full control over what, when, and where you pin. This ensures your boards are perfectly curated, aligning with your brand and goals.
How to Master Manual Pinning
Understanding the mechanics of manual pinning is key to making the most of your Pinterest efforts. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
1. Set Up a Pinning Routine
Avoid overwhelm by establishing a routine that fits into your schedule. Even 15-30 minutes a day can make a world of difference.
- Morning Session: Kickstart your day by pinning a few fresh pieces of content—either from your own blog or from other relevant creators. Pinterest users often browse during their morning routines, so this is a prime time to pin.
- Evening Session: Pin again in the evening when many users are unwinding. This can help your content reach a broader audience.
- Daily or Weekly Recap: At the end of the day or week, review your pins’ performance. Use these insights to tweak your strategy moving forward.
2. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
It’s tempting to flood your boards with pins, especially when you’re new, but quality always trumps quantity.
- Create High-Quality Pins: Use tools like Canva or Adobe Spark to design visually appealing pins with clear images and easy-to-read text overlays. High-quality pins are more likely to get repinned, leading to more exposure and traffic.
- Pin Only What’s Relevant: Ensure every pin aligns with your brand and offers real value to your audience. Pinning irrelevant or low-quality content can dilute your boards and diminish the effectiveness of your Pinterest strategy.
3. Optimize Pin Descriptions
Pinterest is a visual search engine, so crafting thoughtful descriptions loaded with relevant keywords is essential. This will help your pins surface in search results, broadening your reach.
- Use Keyword-Rich Descriptions: Think about what your audience might be searching for on Pinterest. Incorporate those terms naturally in your pin descriptions to enhance discoverability.
- Incorporate Hashtags: While not as critical as on platforms like Instagram, relevant hashtags can still boost your pins’ chances of being discovered by users following specific topics.
4. Pin at Optimal Times
Timing is everything on Pinterest. While you could pin randomly and still see some results, strategically timing your pins can dramatically increase their visibility.
- Understand Your Audience: If you’re new to Pinterest, it might take some trial and error to determine when your audience is most active. Generally, mornings, evenings, and weekends tend to see higher traffic.
- Test Different Times: Experiment with pinning at various times throughout the day to see when you get the most engagement. Once you’ve identified peak times, focus your manual pinning efforts during those periods.
5. Engage with the Platform
Manual pinning is about more than just posting your content; it’s about immersing yourself in the Pinterest community. Engage with other users by repinning their content, leaving thoughtful comments, and following boards that resonate with your interests.
This boosts your visibility and encourages reciprocal engagement.
- Repin Relevant Content: Add variety to your boards by repinning valuable content from other creators in your niche. This not only enriches your boards but can also attract followers who are interested in those topics.
- Comment and Engage: Spend a few minutes each day interacting with pins from popular boards or influencers in your niche. Engaging with others increases your visibility and can draw more followers to your profile.
Strategies for New Bloggers to Avoid Overwhelm
As a new blogger, manual pinning might feel like just another task on an already long to-do list. Here are some strategies to help you stay on track without burning out:
1. Start Small
You don’t have to become a Pinterest pro overnight. Start by pinning once or twice a day and gradually increase your activity as you become more comfortable. Consistency is key—pinning a small amount regularly is better than trying to do too much all at once.
2. Batch Your Content
Save time by batching your content creation. Set aside a few hours each week to design multiple pins, then manually pin them throughout the week. This approach reduces the daily pressure of having to create new content on the spot.
3. Use Pinterest Analytics
Take advantage of Pinterest’s built-in analytics to track the performance of your pins. This data is invaluable in identifying which pins resonate most with your audience, allowing you to refine your strategy for better results.
4. Take Breaks When Needed
Maintaining a balance between your blogging responsibilities and other aspects of your life is crucial. If manual pinning starts to feel overwhelming, it’s okay to take a break. Pinterest is a long-term game, and it’s better to pause temporarily than risk burnout.
Manual Pinning – A Powerful Strategy
By taking control of your content and actively engaging with the platform, you can significantly increase your visibility and connect with a larger, more engaged audience. Manual pinning is unmatched for its low budget and high impact, offering a personalized approach that automated tools simply can’t replicate.
However, this strategy does come with a considerable cost to your time, especially as your blow grows. Balancing the effort with the potential rewards is key, but for those willing to invest, manual pinning can be a game-changer for your Pinterest marketing success.
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As always I’d love to hear from you – let me know in the comments below if you’re utilizing manual pinning and any tips or strategies that have been working for you!
