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Etsy has become a thriving online marketplace for handcrafted goods, vintage treasures, and unique creations. Its community-driven approach, emphasis on unique products, and established audience of passionate shoppers make it a dream destination for many aspiring entrepreneurs. But with fierce competition, Etsy sellers must stand out and find ways to drive targeted traffic to their shops to achieve success.

Enter Pinterest, a powerhouse of visual marketing that holds immense potential for Etsy sellers. This platform, with its billions of visually-driven Pins, connects users with inspiration and ideas. It’s no longer just a place for DIY enthusiasts; Pinterest has evolved into a powerful sales engine, influencing purchase decisions and driving a dedicated audience of shoppers ready to discover new products.

This blog post serves as your guide to unlock the secrets of using Pinterest to drive traffic and sales to your Etsy shop. We’ll explore the intricacies of setting up a Pinterest business account, crafting engaging pins, and leveraging Pinterest boards. By mastering these strategies, you’ll learn to maximize Pinterest’s visual power and turn it into a key tool for your Etsy shop’s success.

Understanding Etsy vs. Pinterest

Etsy and Pinterest are distinct platforms, each with its strengths and limitations. Understanding their unique characteristics will help you leverage their combined potential for Etsy marketing success.

Etsy:

  • Definition: Etsy is an online marketplace where buyers and sellers connect to trade handcrafted, vintage, and unique items. It’s a community-driven platform, with a strong emphasis on creativity and craftsmanship.
  • Strengths:
    • Community Focus: Etsy fosters a sense of community, with buyers and sellers sharing their passion for unique items.
    • Unique Products: Etsy offers a wide variety of handcrafted and vintage goods that you won’t find in big box stores.
    • Built-in Audience: Etsy has a dedicated audience of shoppers looking for handcrafted, vintage, and personalized items.
  • Limitations:
    • High Competition: Etsy is a crowded marketplace, making it challenging to stand out and reach potential buyers.
    • Getting Lost in Search Results: Etsy’s search algorithm can be complex, making it difficult for new shops to gain visibility.

Pinterest:

  • Definition: Pinterest is a visual search engine where users discover and share inspiration, ideas, and products. Its primary focus is on visually appealing content that captures user attention and drives engagement.
  • Strengths:
    • Visual Appeal: Pinterest is a highly visual platform, making it perfect for showcasing handcrafted goods and unique creations.
    • Long Lifespan of Pins: Unlike other platforms like Instagram or Twitter, Pinterest Pins have a much longer lifespan. They can drive traffic and generate interest for months or even years after being pinned.
    • Powerful Search Engine Functionality: With a built-in search bar, Pinterest operates like a search engine. Users can discover your Etsy listings through targeted search terms, helping you reach a wider audience through Pinterest SEO.
    • Shopping-Oriented User Base: Most Pinterest users come to the platform with a shopping mindset, looking for products to purchase, not just to browse or scroll through content.

Setting up Your Pinterest Account for Etsy

A Pinterest business account is essential for Etsy sellers who want to use this powerful platform to drive traffic and sales. It unlocks valuable analytics and advertising features, giving you greater control over your marketing efforts and a deeper understanding of your audience’s engagement.

Creating a New Pinterest Account for Business:

  1. Visit the Pinterest Sign-up Page: Go to Pinterest’s website and click on the “Business” option. Then, select “Create Account.”
  2. Provide Your Information: Fill in your email address, date of birth, and create a strong password.
  3. Complete Your Profile: Pinterest will ask you to complete your profile with information about your business. You’ll need to:
    • Describe Your Business: Briefly explain what your Etsy shop offers and your brand’s unique value proposition.
    • Choose Your Advertising Preferences: Decide whether you want to use Pinterest’s advertising options to reach a broader audience.
  4. Start Exploring: Once your setup is complete, explore the platform and familiarize yourself with its features.

Creating a Linked Business Account:

  1. Log in to Your Personal Account: If you already have a personal Pinterest account and want to link it to your business account, start by logging into your personal account.
  2. Go to Account Options: Navigate to your account settings by clicking on the downward-facing chevron icon in the top-right corner of your screen, then select “Settings.”
  3. Add an Account: In your settings, click “Add an account.”
  4. Follow the Prompts: Pinterest will guide you through the steps for creating a free business account linked to your existing personal account.
  5. Complete Your Business Profile: Build your business profile, describe your business, and decide on your advertising preferences.
  6. Explore Your Linked Business Account: Navigate to your linked Pinterest business account to manage your business presence.

Converting a Personal Account Into a Business Account:

  1. Log in to Your Existing Account: Sign in to your personal Pinterest account.
  2. Click the Three Dots: Click on the three dots icon located in the top right corner of your Pinterest feed.
  3. Select “Convert to a Business Account”: Choose the option to convert your personal account to a business account.

Updated Note: It’s important to note that the functionality to directly connect your Pinterest account to Etsy’s social media tool for sharing content from your Shop Manager is no longer available as of May 2024.

Completing Your Pinterest Profile

A comprehensive and well-crafted Pinterest profile is your digital storefront on the platform. It’s the first impression you make on potential customers, so ensuring it accurately reflects your Etsy business and brand identity is crucial. A complete and engaging profile builds credibility and helps you connect with your target audience.

Here’s a breakdown of essential elements to optimize for a standout Pinterest profile:

  • Profile Name: Choose your business name, as it appears on your Etsy shop, to create brand consistency across platforms. This helps users easily recognize your brand when they see your pins or visit your profile.
  • Profile Picture: Select a high-quality, visually appealing image that represents your brand. Your logo is often the best choice, as it’s instantly recognizable and reinforces your brand identity.
  • Bio: Craft a concise and informative bio that summarizes what your Etsy shop offers and your brand’s unique value proposition. Use a tone that reflects your brand’s personality and appeal to your target audience. A well-written bio can capture user interest and encourage them to explore your pins and visit your Etsy shop.
  • Website: Don’t miss the opportunity to link directly to your Etsy shop. This allows users who find your profile to easily navigate to your shop and browse your products. A direct link in your profile streamlines the customer journey and encourages potential buyers to take action.
  • Username: Choose a username relevant to your business and easy for users to remember. Ideally, your username should be consistent with your Etsy shop name and other social media handles to maintain brand consistency.
  • Business Contact Information: Provide a business email address that customers can use for inquiries, and consider adding a phone number if you offer direct customer support. If you have a physical storefront, listing your business address can also be beneficial.

Tips for a Standout Pinterest Profile:

  • Visual Consistency: Use a consistent visual style for your profile picture, board covers, and pins. This creates a cohesive brand experience and makes your content more recognizable on the platform.
  • Compelling Bio: Use keywords that accurately reflect your products and brand to improve searchability.
  • Contact Information: Keep your business contact information up-to-date to ensure customers can easily reach you.
  • Brand Personality: Let your brand’s unique voice and personality shine through in your bio and board descriptions.

By carefully optimizing each of these elements, you can transform your Pinterest profile into an effective marketing tool for your Etsy shop. A complete and engaging profile can help you attract followers, build brand recognition, and drive more traffic to your Etsy listings.

Creating Compelling Pinterest Pins

Pinterest thrives on visual storytelling, and your pins are the individual chapters that tell your brand’s story. Crafting compelling pins that capture attention, spark inspiration, and drive engagement is essential for directing users to your Etsy shop and increasing sales.

Types of Pinterest Pins:

  • Product Pins: The most straightforward way to showcase individual products from your Etsy shop. Use high-quality product images, compelling titles, and detailed descriptions that highlight the benefits and features of your item. Always link directly to your Etsy product page to make it easy for users to purchase.
  • Collections Pins: Ideal for showcasing a curated selection of products from your Etsy shop. Group items together based on a specific theme, such as a season (“Fall Fashion Essentials”), a holiday (“Valentine’s Day Gifts”), or a lifestyle (“Boho Home Decor”). Collections Pins offer a visually appealing way to present a range of products and entice users to explore your shop further.
  • Image Pins: Use single images or create eye-catching collages to tell a more comprehensive story about your brand, aesthetic, or lifestyle associated with your products. These pins can showcase your products in context, inspiring users and building a deeper connection with your brand.
  • Video Pins: Bring your products to life with engaging videos. Show your items in action, offer behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process, or share tutorials related to your products. Remember to choose an appealing cover image for your video, as it will be the first thing users see before they click to play.
  • Rich Pins: These pins are a powerful tool for Etsy sellers, as they automatically sync information from your Etsy shop, ensuring that pricing, availability, and product page links are up-to-date. Rich Pins enhance the user experience and can lead to increased engagement and conversions.

How to Create a Pinterest Pin:

  1. Log in to Your Account: Start by logging into your Pinterest business account.
  2. Click “Create”: At the top left of your screen, click the “Create” button. Business accounts will need to select “Create” and then choose “Create Pin.”
  3. Create New or Choose a Draft: You can create a new pin from scratch or choose from your saved drafts if you’ve started a pin earlier.
  4. Upload Your Visual: Upload your image or video by clicking the upload icon or dragging and dropping your file.
  5. Fill in the Details: This is where you’ll bring your pin to life:
    • Title: Write a concise and descriptive title that accurately represents your pin and includes relevant keywords.
    • Description: Provide a more detailed overview of your pin, incorporating keywords and information that will engage users and encourage them to click through to your Etsy shop.
    • Link: Add the direct URL to your Etsy product page or relevant Etsy shop section.
    • Board: Select the board where you want to pin your content.
    • Tags: Add relevant tags to increase the discoverability of your pin.
  6. Publish Your Pin: Once you’re happy with your pin, click “Publish” to share it with your followers and the broader Pinterest community.

Tips for High-Quality Pin Images:

  • High-Resolution Photos: Use clear, high-resolution photos that showcase your product in the best possible light.
  • Bright and Vibrant Colors: Choose images with bright, eye-catching colors that will stand out in the Pinterest feed.
  • Clear and Concise Text: If you include text on your pin, make it brief, easy to read, and relevant to your product.
  • Vertical Aspect Ratio: Optimize your images for mobile users by using a vertical aspect ratio (2:3 or 1:1.91 is recommended).

Pinterest’s search engine functionality is a powerful tool for reaching your target audience. By understanding how users search for products on Pinterest, you can optimize your pins for discoverability, driving more traffic to your Etsy shop and increasing sales.

Here’s how to optimize your pins for Pinterest search:

  • Keyword Research: The foundation of Pinterest SEO lies in understanding the language your target audience uses to find products like yours. Use Pinterest’s search bar to conduct keyword research. Simply start typing in phrases related to your product, and Pinterest will suggest popular search terms.
  • Incorporate Keywords: Once you’ve identified relevant keywords, incorporate them naturally into your:
    • Pin Titles: Craft titles that accurately describe your product and include the most relevant keywords.
    • Pin Descriptions: Provide more detailed information about your product, weaving in keywords throughout your description.
    • Tags: Use relevant tags to categorize your pin and make it more discoverable in related searches.
  • Descriptive Captions: Don’t skimp on your pin descriptions. Write compelling captions that are both informative and engaging. Tell a story, highlight the benefits of your product, and use language that resonates with your target audience.

Leveraging Pinterest Boards

Pinterest boards are more than just collections of pins; they’re a powerful way to showcase your brand, organize your content, and attract a wider audience. By creating boards that are visually appealing, relevant to your Etsy shop, and optimized for search, you can maximize your reach and engage with potential customers.

Creating Pinterest Boards:

  1. Log into Your Account: Sign in to your Pinterest business account.
  2. Click the “+” Icon: Click the “+” icon located in the top-right corner of your Pinterest feed.
  3. Select “Board”: Choose the option to create a new board.
  4. Name Your Board: Choose a clear and concise name for your board that reflects its theme and includes relevant keywords.
  5. Set Privacy Settings: If you want to create a board that’s only visible to you, toggle the “Keep this board secret” option.
  6. Click “Create”: Once you’ve filled in the details, click “Create” to create your new board.

Presenting Your Boards Effectively:

  • Engaging Content: Fill your boards with a variety of compelling pins. Don’t limit yourself to just your own products; include pins from other users in your niche that are complementary to your brand and offer value to your target audience.
  • Visual Appeal: Choose a visually appealing cover image for each board that accurately represents its theme and entices users to click.
  • Keyword Optimization: Just like with your pins, include relevant keywords in your board titles and descriptions to improve their searchability.
  • Storytelling: Use your boards to tell a story about your brand and the lifestyle associated with your products. Create boards that showcase the inspiration behind your creations, complementary products that align with your aesthetic, and curated collections that inspire users and entice them to explore your shop.

Pinterest Ads for Etsy

Pinterest Ads provide a powerful way to amplify your Etsy shop’s reach, increase brand visibility, and drive targeted traffic to your listings. With a user base actively seeking inspiration and ready to make purchases, Pinterest Ads can be a valuable tool for Etsy sellers looking to scale their business and boost sales.

Why Use Pinterest Ads for Etsy?

  • Reach a Wider Audience: Pinterest Ads allow you to target specific demographics and interests, putting your products in front of a larger audience who are most likely to be interested in what you offer.
  • Increase Brand Exposure: Ads help you raise brand awareness and introduce your Etsy shop to potential customers who might not have discovered you organically.
  • Boost Conversions: By driving targeted traffic directly to your Etsy listings, Pinterest Ads can lead to increased sales and higher conversion rates.

How to Set Up Pinterest Ads for Etsy:

  1. Choose Your Pin: Start by selecting the pin you want to promote. Consider promoting pins that are already performing well organically or feature your best-selling products.
  2. Choose Your Ad Objective: Pinterest offers various ad objectives. Select the one that aligns with your marketing goals:
    • Drive traffic to your website: If your primary goal is to drive users to your Etsy shop, choose this objective.
    • Build awareness: Select this objective to increase brand visibility and reach a broader audience on Pinterest.
    • Build brand awareness through video views: Choose this objective if your goal is to increase exposure for your brand through video content.
  3. Target Your Audience: Refine your targeting based on your ideal customer profile. Pinterest allows you to target users by demographics (age, gender, location, language), interests, and behaviors. You can even upload customer lists to retarget existing customers or create “actalike” audiences based on your best customers.
  4. Set Your Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your Pinterest ad campaign. You can set a daily spend limit, a lifetime spend limit, or a combination of both. Consider your cost per click (CPC) or cost per mille (CPM) goals when setting your budget.
  5. Select Ad Placement: Choose where your ads will appear on Pinterest. You can choose to have your ads show up in the browse feed, search results, or both. If your goal is to reach a broader audience, consider using both placements.
  6. Add Keywords: Include relevant keywords that are aligned with your Etsy product and target audience. This will help your ads appear in search results for users searching for products similar to yours. Use Pinterest’s keyword suggestion tool to find relevant and high-volume keywords.
  7. Launch Your Ads: Once you’ve completed all the necessary settings, review your campaign and click “Launch” to start running your Pinterest Ads.

Tips for Success

Running a successful Pinterest Ad campaign requires more than just setting it up; it requires ongoing optimization and engagement. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your Pinterest marketing efforts:

  • Be Consistent: Consistency is key for building a strong presence on Pinterest. Post new pins regularly to keep your followers engaged and provide fresh content for the algorithm.
  • Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pin types, visuals, and ad strategies. Analyze your results to see what performs best for your specific products and target audience.
  • Engage with the Community: Pinterest is a social platform, so make sure to engage with other users. Follow boards that are relevant to your niche, repin content that aligns with your brand, and leave thoughtful comments to spark conversations.
  • Track Your Results: Use Pinterest’s built-in analytics tools to monitor your progress and measure the success of your ad campaigns. Track key metrics like impressions, clicks, saves, and conversions to identify areas for improvement and optimize your pinning strategy.

Etsy vs Pinterest: A Recap

Etsy and Pinterest, while distinct platforms, work harmoniously to boost your online selling success. Let’s recap their differences and how they complement each other:

Etsy:

  • Primary Function: Marketplace for selling handmade, vintage, and unique items.
  • Focus: Transaction-oriented, facilitating direct sales between buyers and sellers.
  • Strengths: Built-in customer base, emphasis on handmade and unique goods, strong community.
  • Limitations: High competition, potential for listings to get lost in search results.

Pinterest:

  • Primary Function: Visual search engine for discovering and sharing inspiration, ideas, and products.
  • Focus: Inspiration and discovery, leading users to make purchase decisions.
  • Strengths: Highly visual platform, long lifespan of pins, powerful search engine functionality, shopping-oriented user base.
  • Limitations: Requires strategic planning and consistent effort to build a strong presence and drive traffic.

Pinterest complements your Etsy marketing strategies by:

  • Expanding Reach: Reaching a broader audience beyond Etsy’s existing customer base.
  • Driving Traffic: Leading potential buyers to your Etsy shop through visually appealing and engaging pins.
  • Building Brand Awareness: Creating a strong visual brand presence and establishing your shop’s aesthetic and values.
  • Influencing Purchase Decisions: Inspiring users with lifestyle imagery and showcasing your products in context.

By utilizing both Etsy and Pinterest effectively, you can leverage their unique strengths to create a powerful marketing synergy. Etsy provides the marketplace for selling, while Pinterest amplifies your reach, drives traffic, and influences buyers to discover your unique creations.

FAQ Section

Can I pin directly from Etsy to Pinterest?

No, this is no longer a recommended practice. While you could previously pin directly from your Etsy listings to Pinterest, this functionality is no longer available. More importantly, pinning directly from Etsy doesn’t benefit your Pinterest SEO. Pinterest won’t recognize the pin as your content, diminishing your visibility in search results.

How many pins should I post each day?

Consistency is key for success on Pinterest, so aim to post around 10 pins per day to keep your profile active and provide fresh content for the algorithm. Remember, you don’t need to create all these pins yourself. Repinning high-quality content from other users in your niche is a great way to add variety to your boards and engage with the Pinterest community. Aim for a 50/50 split between original pins showcasing your Etsy products and repins from other users.

What are Rich Pins?

Rich Pins are a type of pin that automatically pulls information from your Etsy shop, keeping your product details up to date. They’ll display your product’s price, availability, and a direct link to your Etsy product page. Rich Pins enhance the user experience, making it easier for shoppers to find the information they need and purchase your products.

How do I find relevant keywords for my pins?

Pinterest offers several helpful tools for finding relevant keywords:

  • Search Bar Suggestions: Start typing in phrases related to your products in the Pinterest search bar, and the platform will suggest popular search terms. Pay attention to the keywords that Pinterest recommends, as these indicate what users are actively searching for.
  • Ad Campaign Feature: When you set up a Pinterest ad campaign, you’ll be prompted to add keywords. Pinterest will provide suggestions based on your product category and target audience, giving you valuable insights into popular search terms.

How do I claim my Etsy shop on Pinterest?

Claiming your Etsy shop on Pinterest ensures you get credit for your pins and helps users easily find your shop from your profile. To claim your shop:

  1. Go to Your Settings: Click on the downward-facing chevron icon in the top-right corner of your Pinterest feed, then select “Settings.”
  2. Select “Claim”: From the menu on the left-hand side, choose “Claim.”
  3. Claim Your Profile: You’ll see the option to claim your Etsy shop. Click the button and follow the prompts to verify your shop’s ownership.

How much should I budget for Pinterest ads?

The budget for your Pinterest ads will depend on your specific marketing goals and ad objectives. Generally, the cost for Pinterest ads ranges from $0.10 to $1.50 per engagement for campaigns focused on driving traffic or boosting engagement. If your goal is to build brand awareness, the cost typically ranges from $2.00 to $5.00 per 1,000 impressions.

How much does it cost to use pinterest?

Pinterest is a free service.

Can i use pinterest to build brand awareness?

Yes, you can use Pinterest to build brand awareness. Etsy and Pinterest are both great ways to build brand awareness for your Etsy shop.

Can i use pinterest to connect with other etsy sellers?

Yes, you can use Pinterest to connect with other Etsy sellers. There is a large community of Etsy sellers on Pinterest. You can connect with them and share ideas.

Conclusion

Pinterest, with its visual appeal, engaged audience, and powerful search engine functionality, is a valuable marketing tool for Etsy sellers. By mastering the art of Pinterest marketing, you can elevate your Etsy shop’s visibility, drive targeted traffic to your listings, and unlock new avenues for sales and business growth.

Take the time to carefully craft your Pinterest profile, create compelling pins that tell your brand’s story, and optimize your boards to attract followers and boost discoverability. Experiment with different pin types and ad strategies, and track your results to continuously refine your approach. By embracing the visual power of Pinterest, you can create a vibrant online presence for your Etsy shop and connect with a passionate community eager to discover your unique creations.

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