How to Sell on Pinterest With Shopify: A Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become powerful tools for businesses to reach and engage with their target audience. One platform that has gained significant popularity among e-commerce businesses is Pinterest. With its visually appealing content and highly engaged user base, Pinterest provides a unique opportunity for Shopify store owners to showcase their products and drive sales. In this step-by-step guide, we will explore the strategies and tactics you need to know to sell on Pinterest with Shopify successfully.

Why Pinterest is a Great Platform for Selling with Shopify

Before diving into the steps, let’s first understand why Pinterest is an excellent platform for selling with Shopify. Pinterest’s user base primarily consists of individuals looking for inspiration and ideas for their next purchase. This makes it an ideal platform for showcasing visually appealing products and reaching potential customers who are already in a shopping mindset.

Another key advantage of Pinterest is its highly shareable nature. Pins, which are posts on Pinterest, can easily be saved and shared by users, allowing your products to reach a larger audience and potentially go viral. Additionally, Pinterest’s advanced search features and recommendation engine help users discover new products and can drive organic traffic to your Shopify store.

Furthermore, Pinterest offers various tools and features that can enhance the selling experience on Shopify. One such feature is the “Buyable Pins” option, which allows users to purchase products directly from Pinterest without having to leave the platform. This seamless shopping experience can increase conversion rates and make it easier for customers to make a purchase.

Setting Up Your Shopify Store for Pinterest Sales

The first step in selling on Pinterest with Shopify is to set up your Shopify store correctly. Ensure that your store is visually appealing, user-friendly, and showcases your products in the best possible light. Use high-quality images and compelling product descriptions to entice potential customers.

Next, integrate your Shopify store with Pinterest. This will enable you to create product pins directly from your store, making it easy for users to discover and purchase your products. To do this, install the Pinterest app on your Shopify store and follow the step-by-step instructions provided by Shopify to connect your accounts.

Once your store is set up, it’s time to start creating eye-catching product images specifically tailored for Pinterest.

When creating product images for Pinterest, it’s important to keep in mind the platform’s visual aesthetic. Opt for bright, vibrant colors and clean, uncluttered backgrounds to make your products stand out. Consider using lifestyle images that showcase your products in use, as this can help potential customers envision themselves using the product.

In addition to visually appealing images, it’s also crucial to optimize your product descriptions for Pinterest. Use keywords that are relevant to your products and target audience to increase the chances of your pins appearing in relevant searches. Incorporate compelling language and highlight the unique features and benefits of your products to capture the attention of potential customers.

Creating Eye-Catching Product Images for Pinterest

On Pinterest, visual appeal is everything. When creating product images for Pinterest, consider the platform’s aesthetic and design your images accordingly. Use high-quality, well-lit photos that showcase your products in an engaging and visually appealing way. Experiment with different angles, backgrounds, and props to make your products stand out.

It’s also important to optimize your images for Pinterest’s vertical format, as vertical pins tend to perform better on the platform. Aim for an aspect ratio of 2:3 or 1:2.1, with a minimum width of 600 pixels. This will ensure that your pins are displayed correctly and attract attention in users’ feeds.

In addition to the images themselves, consider adding text overlays to your product images. Use catchy headlines, product names, or call-to-action phrases that grab users’ attention and entice them to click on your pin.

Another important aspect to consider when creating product images for Pinterest is the use of vibrant colors. Pinterest is a visually-driven platform, and using bold and eye-catching colors can help your images stand out in users’ feeds. Experiment with different color palettes that align with your brand and product, and consider using color psychology to evoke specific emotions or associations.

Furthermore, don’t forget to optimize your image file names and alt tags for search engine optimization (SEO). Pinterest is not only a social media platform but also a search engine, and optimizing your images can help improve their visibility in search results. Use descriptive and relevant keywords in your file names and alt tags to increase the chances of your images being discovered by users searching for related products or topics.

Optimizing Product Descriptions for Pinterest SEO

When it comes to selling on Pinterest, optimizing your product descriptions for search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial. Pinterest is a search-centric platform, so having well-optimized product descriptions will help your products appear in relevant search results and increase your visibility.

Start by conducting keyword research to identify the most relevant keywords for your products. Include these keywords naturally in your product descriptions, ensuring that the descriptions are informative and engaging.

Furthermore, take advantage of Pinterest’s hashtags. Including relevant hashtags in your descriptions will help categorize your pins and make them discoverable to users searching for specific topics or trends.

In addition to optimizing your product descriptions with keywords and hashtags, it’s also important to include high-quality images that showcase your products. Pinterest is a highly visual platform, and eye-catching images can significantly increase the chances of users clicking on your pins and exploring your products further.

Choosing the Right Keywords for Pinterest Listings

Keywords play a pivotal role in Pinterest’s search algorithm, and choosing the right keywords for your Pinterest listings is essential. Begin by understanding your target audience and their search behavior on Pinterest. Identify the keywords they are likely to use when searching for products similar to yours.

Once you have a list of potential keywords, conduct further research using Pinterest’s built-in keyword search tool. This tool will provide insights into search volumes and related keywords, helping you refine your keyword list and choose the most relevant and high-performing keywords for your listings.

When incorporating keywords into your product listings, aim for a natural and seamless integration. Avoid keyword stuffing, as it can negatively impact the user experience and may even lead to penalties from Pinterest.

Another important aspect to consider when choosing keywords for your Pinterest listings is to prioritize long-tail keywords. These are longer and more specific keyword phrases that target a narrower audience. While they may have lower search volumes compared to broad keywords, they often have higher conversion rates as they attract users who are more likely to make a purchase.

In addition to using Pinterest’s keyword search tool, you can also leverage external keyword research tools to further enhance your keyword selection process. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush can provide valuable insights into search volumes, competition levels, and trending keywords that can help you optimize your Pinterest listings.

Using Rich Pins to Enhance Product Visibility on Pinterest

A powerful feature offered by Pinterest is the ability to create rich pins. Rich pins provide additional information and context about your products directly on the pin, boosting their visibility and engagement.

To set up rich pins for your Shopify store, you’ll need to add the appropriate meta tags to your product pages. These meta tags communicate to Pinterest the necessary information to generate rich pins. If you’re not comfortable editing your website’s code, Shopify offers apps and integrations that can help simplify the process.

Rich pins come in different formats, such as product pins, recipe pins, and article pins. For e-commerce businesses, product pins are the most relevant. Product pins display real-time information like pricing, availability, and product descriptions, making them more informative and enticing to users.

Creating Boards and Pins that Drive Sales on Pinterest

Pinterest boards are collections of pins organized around a specific theme. They allow you to curate and showcase your products, making it easier for users to discover related items and explore your offerings.

When creating boards, consider your target audience’s interests and preferences. Take a strategic approach and create boards that align with your products and brand while also catering to popular trends and topics on Pinterest.

For each board, create multiple pins that link back to your Shopify store. Experiment with different visuals, headlines, and descriptions to see what resonates best with your audience. Keep in mind that as you pin more content, your boards should highlight a diverse range of products and provide users with a comprehensive view of what your store has to offer.

Leveraging Influencer Marketing on Pinterest to Boost Sales

Influencer marketing can be a powerful strategy to amplify your reach and increase sales on Pinterest. Collaborating with influencers who have a significant following and align with your brand can help you tap into their audience and drive traffic to your Shopify store.

Start by identifying influencers in your industry or niche who are active on Pinterest. Look for influencers who have a high engagement rate and whose audience matches your target market. Reach out to them with a personalized message, outlining how your products align with their audience’s interests and why a collaboration would be mutually beneficial.

When working with influencers, consider different types of partnerships, such as sponsored pins, guest pinning, or even hosting joint contests or giveaways. These collaborations can expose your brand to a wider audience and generate buzz around your products.

Promoting Your Shopify Store on Pinterest for Increased Traffic

Once your Shopify store is fully optimized for Pinterest sales, it’s time to promote your store and drive traffic from the platform. Promoting your store on Pinterest can significantly increase your chances of attracting potential customers and inspiring them to make a purchase.

One effective way to promote your store is by actively pinning and engaging with other users’ content. Follow accounts related to your industry, repin their relevant content, and leave thoughtful comments. This will help establish your presence on the platform and increase your visibility.

Additionally, consider running Pinterest Ads to reach a larger audience and drive targeted traffic to your Shopify store. Pinterest offers various ad formats, including Promoted Pins, Promoted Video Pins, and Shopping Ads, all of which can help increase your brand’s visibility and generate more sales.

Analyzing and Measuring Success of Your Pinterest Sales Strategy

As with any marketing strategy, it’s crucial to measure the success of your Pinterest sales efforts. Tracking and analyzing your performance will help you identify what’s working well and where there is room for improvement.

Start by utilizing Pinterest Analytics, which provides valuable insights into your account’s performance, including impressions, engagements, and click-through rates. Monitor these metrics regularly to gauge the effectiveness of your pins and overall strategy.

Additionally, use Google Analytics or other website analytics tools to track traffic and conversions specifically coming from Pinterest. This will allow you to measure the actual impact Pinterest has on your Shopify store’s sales and identify opportunities to optimize your strategy further.

Best Practices for Selling on Pinterest with Shopify

To wrap up this step-by-step guide, let’s recap some best practices for selling on Pinterest with Shopify:

• Create visually appealing product images specifically designed for Pinterest’s vertical format.
• Optimize your product descriptions with relevant keywords and hashtags to enhance discoverability.
• Utilize rich pins to provide enhanced product information and context.
• Create boards and pins that cater to your target audience’s interests and showcase a variety of products.
• Leverage influencer marketing to tap into new audiences and boost your reach.
• Promote your Shopify store on Pinterest through active engagement and running Pinterest Ads.
• Analyze and measure the success of your Pinterest sales strategy using Pinterest Analytics and website analytics tools.

Conclusion

Selling on Pinterest with Shopify can be a fruitful endeavor for e-commerce businesses. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article and implementing the best practices, you’ll set yourself up for success in leveraging Pinterest’s visual platform to drive traffic, engage with potential customers, and ultimately increase sales for your Shopify store.

Remember, success on Pinterest requires ongoing effort, experimentation, and optimization. Continuously monitor your performance, stay up to date with Pinterest’s latest features and best practices, and adapt your strategy as needed to stay ahead of the competition and make the most of this valuable selling channel.