Five Ways to Make the Most of Your Pinterest Boards

• Arrange them properly. Some people choose to alphabetize their boards, but I’m a fan of clustering since my titles aren’t necessarily “f” for food or “w” for wine. I put my food boards together, my craft boards together, my healthy living boards near each other, etc. I start with my most popular board, its related boards, then move onto the next most popular board/category.  Some people choose to put a slow board in between busy boards in order to attract attention, which may have its benefits, but if people are following a specific board only, they may not see that. (To rearrange boards, click, drag and drop. It’s that easy!)

I visited a really good selection of boards this afternoon by one pinner; I loved her variety and found that a lot of her boards were down my alley, but food boards were scattered amongst wedding boards and a Scrabble board and then several boards on different types of art. I love art, and Scrabble, but I don’t want to follow those boards so to find and follow all her food boards, I had to hunt.

Here is what mine looks like:

• Hide dead or irrelevant boards or make them more active. This one’s easy. Dead boards don’t attract much attention. (And have at least one or two boards with a good number of pins – this shows engagement and interest. Viewers won’t always think “she’s new” and come back. They may just think you’re not a consistent pinner.)

• When you pin something, click on it first to check its source. If you want to save a recipe for later, be sure the image you pin includes the recipe when you click-through. Nothing’s more frustrating on Pinterest than getting excited about a new recipe only to click the link and find it takes you just to image, no directions or recipe. Worse yet, the original owner of the material doesn’t get any click-throughs or attention in many cases. It’s easier to do this as you pin rather than later. (If you pin for inspiration only, this matters less, but it’s still considered proper etiquette – and just plain good manners and professionalism – to be sure the original owner gets the credit.)

• Cover photos matter. They should personify the board as best possible. Good color, clear picture, easily understood – these are hallmarks of cover photos that are appealing. Change them as necessary, keeping in mind the time of year (holiday, season), trends or new blog posts you may have put up or new clients you’re representing or pitching. Just like freshening up your house and spiffing up your décor, your boards benefit from a remodel from time to time.

• If you’re building or managing a brand, the boards should be in line with that brand. If you are a social media business, you should have your social media boards front and center. Keep the material fresh and up-to-date. Are you a dog groomer? Get those dog boards up first! Your son’s birthday party plans board can go much lower on your profile. (Selling child’s toys? You may want to re-think including funny graphics or quotes that include vulgarity or political rants. As always, professionalism matters!)

Pinterest offers so many options to build your business or just showcase your talents – it’s up to you how far you want to take it!