In a previous post, I talked about how I use Pinterest in a simple, practical way to promote my handmade jewelry and sea glass art business.
In this post, I want to go a little deeper and share some of the specific things I've learned over time that help Pinterest work better.
None of these strategies are complicated. In fact, most of them simply involve making sure your existing content is easy for Pinterest to understand and share.
Here are a few things that have worked well for me.
Use Pinterest-Friendly Photos (2:3 Ratio) for Blog Posts
One thing I try to do when creating photos for blog posts is make sure at least a few images follow the 2:3 vertical ratio that Pinterest prefers.
That doesn't mean every photo needs to be created specifically for Pinterest. I simply make sure I have a few vertical images that work well when pinned. I typically create a few of these "info-graphics" in Canva.
The nice part about this approach is that I don't worry too much about photos inside my blog posts. As long as the image looks good on my website and fits the 2:3 ratio, it usually performs well when pinned. These actually perform better than pins I create using the Pinterest App or Desktop with the same photos and graphics.
Using the Pinterest Browser Extension - Edit After Pinning
I almost always pin content using the Pinterest Chrome browser extension.
When I pin from my website or blog, I usually edit the pin after saving it. I usually edit to add:
- A clear title — logical, descriptive, good SEO
- A helpful description — product description or blog post excerpt
- Relevant alt text — alt text helps with SEO
These small details help Pinterest understand what the content is about, which improves the chances of the pin appearing in search results. Think of it a little bit like basic SEO for Pinterest.
Pinterest Boards Still Matter
Pinterest boards help organize your content and make it easier for people to discover your pins. Your pins should be pinned to relevant boards and (sub)boards.
Over time, I've created boards that reflect the different parts of my business, such as:
- Sterling Silver Necklaces
- Sea Glass Jewelry
- Sea Glass Art
- Gemstone Stacking Rings
- Blog Posts & Tutorials
Boards help Pinterest understand the themes of your content, and they also give visitors a way to browse more of your work and keep your Pinterest page organized.
Connecting Instagram to Pinterest
Another small thing I've done is link my Instagram account to Pinterest.
This allows Pinterest to pull in additional content automatically, which gives Pinterest another stream of images and posts to work with. And, these pins can automatically be filed onto an Instagram Pins board.
It's not something I rely on heavily, but it's an easy way to add more content to your Pinterest presence without extra effort. Here is a link with instructions on how to claim your Instagram account on Pinterest.
Good Product Photography Matters
One thing that consistently helps on Pinterest is simply having attractive product photos & infographics.
Pinterest is a very visual platform, and clear, well-lit photos tend to perform much better than dark or cluttered images, just as they do for Etsy or your own website. My product photography is always a work in progress!
I also try to keep my infographic photos inside my blog posts simple and not obnoxiously busy. Like with everything else in my business, I like to keep them simple and easy to read, like this one:
Good photos don't just help with Pinterest either — they improve performance everywhere:
- Etsy listings
- Shopify product pages
In many ways, good photography is one of the most important marketing tools a handmade business can have.
One thing I don't worry too much about is the photo size. Every platform has different photo size recommendations... I don't worry about photo size when pinning directly from my website, Etsy or Instagram. It does not seem to matter as much as good, clear, well-lit photos.
Pinterest Rewards Helpful Content
From my experience — including when I participated in the Pinterest Creator Rewards program in 2022 — helpful content tends to perform especially well.
“How-to” posts, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes content often receive strong impressions and engagement because people are actively searching for that kind of information.
Even years later, some of those tutorial-style pins are still bringing in impressions and views.
Final Thoughts
Pinterest works best for me when it fits naturally into what I'm already doing.
I focus on:
- Taking good photos & videos
- Writing helpful blog posts that people are searching for
- Pinning directly from my website
- Keeping descriptions clear and searchable
It's not about creating hundreds of pins or chasing trends. Instead, it's about making sure the content you already create is easy for Pinterest to find, understand, and share.
Over time, those small steps can quietly build a steady stream of traffic back to your website.
If you're interested in more behind-the-scenes insights about running a handmade jewelry business — including selling at markets, working with sea glass, and growing a small creative business — explore more posts on the Barb Macy Blog.