Hashtags on Pinterest: Become Pinning Pro Today!
Have you ever poured your heart and soul into creating the perfect Pin, only to have it get lost in the vast sea of content on Pinterest?
It’s a frustrating feeling, isn’t it? You put in all that effort, but your target audience never even sees your masterpiece. Talk about a major Pinterest fail!
But what if I told you there was a secret weapon to help your Pins stand out and reach the right people? No, it’s not some fancy algorithm hack or an expensive promoted Pin campaign. The answer is actually quite simple: hashtags.
That’s right, those humble little # symbols can make a world of difference in getting your content discovered on Pinterest.
When used strategically, hashtags act like a magnet, pulling your ideal audience straight to your Pins. They’re like a flashing neon sign saying “Hey, if you’re interested in [insert topic], check this out!”
Now, I know what you might be thinking. “I already use hashtags on my Pins, but I’m not seeing results.” Well, my friend, not all hashtags are created equal.
To truly harness the power of hashtags, you need to choose them wisely and use them in the right way.
Don’t worry, mastering the art of Pinterest hashtags is easier than you might think.
In this article, I’m going to share all the juicy details on why hashtags are so important, the do’s and don’ts of using them, and some insider tips to take your hashtag game to the next level.
By the end, you’ll be a certified hashtag pro, ready to skyrocket your Pinterest success.
So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive in!
Why Use Hashtags on Pinterest?
Pinterest hashtags work similarly to hashtags on other social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. When you add relevant hashtags to your Pins, it makes them more discoverable to users searching for content related to those topics.
Using the right hashtags can significantly boost the reach and engagement of your Pins. Pinterest’s search algorithm takes hashtags into account when determining which Pins to show users in their home feed, search results, and related Pins.
Some key benefits of using hashtags strategically on Pinterest:
- Increases visibility of your content to users interested in those topics
- Helps you reach new audiences beyond just your current followers
- Makes your Pins more searchable and improves discoverability long-term
- Groups your Pins with other relevant content around a hashtag topic
Pinterest Hashtag Best Practices
To get the most out of hashtags on Pinterest, keep these tips and best practices in mind:
1. Use relevant, specific hashtags
Don’t just stuff generic hashtags onto every Pin. Instead, use hashtags that are specific and relevant to the content of each individual Pin. Describe what the Pin is about or what value it provides.
For example, rather than just using #recipe on a Pin for gluten-free brownies, more specific hashtags like #glutenfreerecipes and #healthybrownies will help that Pin connect with the right audience.
2. Mix broad and niche hashtags
Broad hashtags are very popular and more competitive, but can expose your Pin to a huge audience. Niche hashtags are more targeted and have less competition.
An effective hashtag strategy includes a mix of both broad hashtags (like #mealprep) and more niche, long-tail hashtags (like #easyveganchickpearecipes). Aim for a variety of hashtags to maximize reach while still being relevant.
3. Don’t overdo it
Pinterest recommends using no more than 20 hashtags per Pin. Stuffing too many hashtags looks spammy and desperate. Limit yourself to the most important and relevant hashtags for each Pin.
In fact, Pinterest’s research found that Pins with just a few well-chosen hashtags tend to perform better than those with a ton of hashtags. Aim for quality over quantity.
4. Place hashtags thoughtfully
Pinterest advises placing hashtags at the end of your Pin description, not in the middle. This keeps your description copy clean and readable.
However, if a hashtag naturally fits into a sentence and makes sense there, that’s okay too. Just don’t force hashtags where they don’t belong. Prioritize the user experience and flow of your description.
5. Create a branded hashtag
Branded hashtags are a great way to build community and encourage user-generated content. Create a unique hashtag for your brand or specific campaign.
For example, Lowe’s uses #BuildThanks to curate content around their initiatives supporting frontline workers. Cheerios uses #CheeriosHeartHuntingSweepstakes for an annual contest.
Promote your branded hashtag and encourage followers to use it when they post content featuring your products or participating in your campaigns. This extends your reach through their networks.
New Pinterest Features for 2024
Pinterest continues to roll out new features to improve the experience for both users and brands. A few key updates to be aware of:
Idea Pins
Idea Pins are Pinterest’s multi-page video format. Brands can add up to 20 pages of videos, images, and text to create engaging, step-by-step content. Idea Pins are designed to capture attention and showcase your brand’s personality.
Takes
Takes allow users to respond to your Idea Pins with their own spin on your ideas. This enables interactive content and more opportunities for your audience to engage with and share your Pins.
Pinterest Trends
Pinterest Trends is a new tool that provides insights into the top search terms on the platform over the past 12 months. Use this data to inform your content strategy and optimize your Pins and boards around trending topics.
Pinterest Havens
Pinterest Havens is a new initiative to ensure the platform remains a positive, welcoming space for all users. Be mindful of Pinterest’s community guidelines and aim to create content that uplifts, inspires, and helps Pinners.
By staying up-to-date on the latest Pinterest features and best practices, you can create a winning strategy to drive engagement, traffic, and sales for your business. Happy Pinning!