A Pinterest pin is more than a pretty picture. It is a small ad for your content that can keep sending visitors for months. The good news is that making one is easy once you know the steps. This guide walks you through the whole process, from the first idea to a published pin.
What you need before you start
- A free Pinterest account (a business account is best if you promote a website or shop).
- One or more good photos that match your topic.
- A short, clear title for the pin.
- The web address you want people to visit when they click.
Step 1: Choose the right pin size
Pinterest is a vertical, mobile-first platform. The most widely recommended format is a 2:3 ratio, and 1000 × 1500 pixels is the standard size most creators use. A vertical pin takes up more room in the feed than a square or wide image, which helps it stand out.
Step 2: Design your pin image
You do not need Photoshop. A free online tool is enough. With PinMaker you can choose one of eleven collage layouts, drop in up to four photos, and type your title into the centre text box. The tool places the text on a clean background so it stays readable on a phone.
- Keep the title short, ideally under ten words.
- Use strong contrast between the text and the background.
- Pick one or two fonts and stick with them.
- Add your website name in small text so people remember you.
Step 3: Download your pin
When you are happy with the preview, download the pin as a PNG or JPG. PNG keeps the sharpest text, while JPG gives a smaller file. Either works well on Pinterest.
Step 4: Upload it to Pinterest
- Log in to Pinterest and click Create, then Create Pin.
- Upload your image.
- Write a title that includes your main keyword.
- Add a description that explains what people will find, using natural keywords.
- Paste the destination link.
- Choose the most relevant board and click Publish.
Step 5: Improve it over time
Pinterest is a search engine, so pins keep earning impressions long after you post them. Try a few different designs for the same page and see which one gets more saves and clicks. Create fresh pins for your best content on a regular basis rather than posting once and forgetting it.
Quick checklist
- Vertical 2:3 image
- Readable title text
- Keyword in the title and description
- Working link
- Relevant board
Ready to make yours? Open the free pin maker and have a finished pin in a few minutes.
Pinterest changes its interface and rules from time to time, so check the Pinterest Help Centre for the latest details.