This post is in partnership with Pinterest as part of their Pinterest Educator Program, which is pretty darn cool.
Ever spent an hour designing a Pin, only to watch it quietly disappear into the Pinterest void without a single click? This guide walks you through exactly what makes a Pinterest Pin perform, so you can design with confidence and drive traffic effortlessly.
You’re not alone. I’ve been there, too, even as someone who’s built a business generating over 20,000 monthly visitors from Pinterest alone. I’m Jenna Kutcher, a Pinterest Educator, and I’ve taught over 25,000 entrepreneurs how to use Pinterest to grow visibility, increase leads, and drive real results… without burning out on content creation.
The truth is, a pretty Pin isn’t enough. If you want your content to stop the scroll, spark a save, and earn a click, you need more than a nice font and a pastel color palette. You need strategy.
Let’s break down the must-have elements that make a Pinterest Pin not only beautiful but effective. These are the simple, powerful tweaks that will help your content get noticed, get clicked, and actually drive traffic where you want it to go.
Want to learn how to master Pinterest for yourself in just 1-hour? Watch my free, live class!
Use Keyword-Rich Headlines to Boost Pinterest Clicks
Think of your Pinterest Pin title as your first hello. It is what makes someone pause mid-scroll and think, “Yes, this is what I need.” I learned this lesson the hard way. One of my early Pins had a vague, clever-sounding title, but no one clicked it because no one was searching for those words. Since then, I have used benefit-driven titles with specific keywords that real people are typing into Pinterest. Make your title super clear, easy to read, and focused on what your reader gets.
Here are some keyword-rich titles that have performed well on Pinterest for me:
- 25 Podcast Topic Ideas for When You’re Just Starting Out
- If I Had $1,500 to Start a Business, Here’s Where I’d Spend It
- 5 Easy Steps to Get Started with Email Marketing
- Pinterest SEO Traffic Secrets: How We Went From 0 to 4 Million Views
Pro tip: Don’t forget to mirror your blog title in your Pin when it includes great SEO terms. Pinterest reads that too.
RELATED: The Comprehensive Guide to Using Pinterest for ANY Business Type
Best Pinterest Pin Size for Higher Visibility and Engagement
Vertical Pins are the gold standard on Pinterest for a reason. The best size is 1000 x 1500 pixels because it fills the mobile screen and stands out in a busy feed. If your Pin is square or horizontal, it might get overlooked or cut off.
If you only have a little time to work on design, just knowing this one detail will give your Pins a better shot at being seen and saved.
How to Choose Pinterest Images That Attract the Right Audience
Here’s something that might surprise you. About 96% of Pinterest searches are unbranded, which means people aren’t searching for your name or your business. They are looking for ideas and solutions, not personal brands. That is why I love using stock photos. Some of my highest-performing Pins don’t even have a photo of me.
If you feel shy about showing your face or are still building confidence, Pinterest is a dream platform. Focus on choosing clean, relevant images that clearly reflect your Pin topic.
Smart Branding Tips for Pinterest Pins That Build Trust
You don’t need to plaster your logo across the whole Pin, but adding a small, clear URL or logo in the corner builds credibility and helps people recognize your brand over time.
After I updated my branding last year and finally stepped out of my “sad beige” era, I brought in fresh, happy colors. It completely changed how our Pins looked and how people responded. Color can quietly but powerfully connect your audience to your vibe and values.
Use Color and Contrast in Pins to Increase Pinterest Engagement
Strong color contrast makes your text easier to read and keeps your design feeling intentional. I recommend sticking to two or three brand colors to keep things visually cohesive and avoid overwhelm.
If you are just starting out and don’t have brand colors yet, choose a palette that reflects how you want your audience to feel. Warm neutrals, vibrant brights, or soft pastels all communicate something. And don’t forget to use color to draw attention to the most important parts, like your headline and call-to-action.
Why White Space Helps Pinterest Pins Get More Clicks
White space is not wasted space. It actually makes your message clearer and your Pin more inviting. Avoid cramming in too much text or stuffing your design with multiple elements. Pins that are visually clean and spacious are more likely to get clicks and saves. Think of it as creating breathing room so your best ideas can shine.
Add a Clear Call-to-Action to Get More Pinterest Clicks
A call-to-action is your digital handshake. Without it, your viewer is left wondering what to do next. You need to guide them clearly and confidently. Whether it’s “Click to Read,” “Save for Later,” or “Download the Freebie,” your CTA should answer the question, “What now?”
I always say, if you build it, they won’t necessarily come. But if you tell them exactly where to go and what to do, they are far more likely to follow your lead.
RELATED: What is Evergreen Content? Why Pinterest Loves It
Anatomy of a Perfect Pinterest Pin (Quick Checklist)
- Vertical Size (1000×1500 px): Tall, mobile-optimized, and eye-catching.
- Bold, Keyword-Rich Headline: Clear, benefit-driven, easy to read.
- Consistent Branding: Stick to 2-3 brand colors, add logo or URL.
- Clean, Relevant Image: Avoid clutter; choose visuals that reflect the topic.
- Strong Contrast: Make text pop for better readability.
- Clear CTA: Tell users exactly what to do, like “Click,” “Save,” or “Read.”
- Whitespace: Keep it clean and uncluttered.
Bonus Pinterest Tips to Maximize Visibility and Traffic
• Create multiple Pins for the same piece of content with different headlines and visuals. Pinterest treats each as fresh, increasing your visibility.
• Use Rich Pins if your website supports them. They automatically pull in your post title and metadata to make your pins more searchable and professional.
• Always write a keyword-rich description. Talk like a human but include phrases your dream client would actually search for.
Your Next Viral Pin Starts Here
Designing a Pinterest Pin that actually gets clicks isn’t about being a graphic designer, it’s about being intentional. I’ve only been able to grow because I learn as I go! When you pair a smart strategy with simple design choices, you’ll start seeing your content do the work for you. Keep it clear, keep it click-worthy, and remember: your next viral Pin might be just one smart tweak away.
Ready to Create Pins That Actually Convert?
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