How to Make a Business Account on Pinterest: The Definitive Guide

So, you’re ready to ditch the hobbyist label and step into the vibrant world of Pinterest marketing? Excellent choice! Pinterest is more than just recipes and home decor; it’s a powerful platform for driving traffic, building brand awareness, and ultimately, boosting your bottom line. Creating a Pinterest Business Account is the crucial first step, and thankfully, it’s a surprisingly straightforward process. Let’s dive in.

The Straightforward Path: Creating Your Pinterest Business Account

The process boils down to two main avenues: either converting your existing personal account or creating a brand-new business account from scratch. Regardless of your chosen path, the destination is the same – a powerful platform tailored for business success.

Option 1: Converting an Existing Personal Account

If you already have a personal Pinterest account, converting it to a business account is a seamless and often faster process. Here’s how:

1. Log In: Access your personal Pinterest account on a desktop computer (the interface is more user-friendly for this process).
2. Access Settings: Click on the three dots (usually located in the top right corner) to open the menu, and then select “Settings.”
3. Account Management: Navigate to the “Account Management” section.
4. Convert to Business Account: You’ll find an option that clearly states something like “Convert to a Business Account.” Click on it.
5. Provide Business Details: You’ll be prompted to provide some basic information about your business, including your business name, website (if applicable), and the industry you operate in.
6. Choose Your Focus: Select the option that best describes your business focus (e.g., brand building, driving traffic, selling products). This helps Pinterest understand your objectives and tailor its features to your needs.
7. Agree to Terms: Review and agree to the Pinterest Business Terms of Service.
8. Voila! Your personal account is now a fully functioning business account!

Option 2: Creating a New Pinterest Business Account

Starting fresh with a dedicated business account is ideal if you want a clear separation between your personal and professional online presence. Here’s the step-by-step guide:

1. Go to Pinterest Business: Visit the Pinterest Business website (easily found via a quick Google search).
2. Sign Up: Click on the “Sign Up” button.
3. Enter Business Email: Provide a valid email address specifically for your business. This helps keep your personal and business communications separate.
4. Create a Strong Password: Choose a secure password that you won’t easily forget.
5. Provide Business Details: Enter your business name, select your industry, and indicate whether you have a website.
6. Choose Your Focus: Similar to the conversion process, select the option that best describes your business focus on Pinterest.
7. Profile Customization: Customize your profile. This is crucial!
   • Profile Picture: Upload a high-quality profile picture, ideally your logo, that’s easily recognizable.
   • “About” Section: Craft a compelling “About” section. Use relevant keywords to help people find you, and clearly communicate what your business offers and why they should follow you.
   • Location (Optional): If you have a physical location, add it to your profile to help local customers find you.
8. Claim Your Website (Highly Recommended): Claiming your website allows you to track analytics, use Rich Pins (more on that later), and establish yourself as a verified source. You’ll need to add a meta tag or upload an HTML file to your website to verify ownership.
9. Start Pinning! Now that your account is set up, it’s time to start creating and curating compelling content.

Unlocking the Power: Key Benefits of a Pinterest Business Account

Why bother with a business account when a personal account exists? The answer lies in the features specifically designed to help businesses thrive on the platform:

• Pinterest Analytics: Track your performance. This includes pin impressions, saves, clicks, and website traffic. Data is king, and Pinterest Analytics gives you the insights you need to optimize your strategy.
• Pinterest Ads: Reach a wider audience. Pinterest Ads offer powerful targeting options, allowing you to reach users based on their interests, demographics, and even keywords they’ve searched for.
• Rich Pins: Enhance your pins. Rich Pins provide extra information directly on your Pins, making them more informative and engaging. There are several types of Rich Pins: Product Pins (with pricing and availability), Article Pins (with headlines and author information), and Recipe Pins (with ingredients and cooking times).
• Claimed Website: Establish authority. A claimed website strengthens your brand identity and unlocks valuable analytics.
• Pinterest Business Hub: Manage your business efficiently. This central hub provides access to all the tools and resources you need to manage your Pinterest presence, from creating ads to analyzing your performance.

FAQs: Your Burning Pinterest Business Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate your journey to Pinterest business success:

1. Is it free to create a Pinterest Business Account?

Yes, creating and maintaining a Pinterest Business Account is completely free. You only incur costs if you choose to run paid advertising campaigns.

2. Can I convert back from a Business Account to a Personal Account?

Yes, you can revert your Business Account back to a Personal Account. However, keep in mind that you will lose access to business-specific features like Analytics and Ads Manager.

3. What are Rich Pins, and why are they important?

Rich Pins are Pins that include extra information from your website, making them more engaging and informative. They are crucial because they increase click-through rates, provide valuable context, and establish you as a trusted source.

4. How do I claim my website on Pinterest?

You can claim your website by adding a meta tag to your website’s HTML code or by uploading an HTML file provided by Pinterest to your website’s server. Pinterest provides clear instructions during the claiming process.

5. What kind of content performs best on Pinterest?

Visually appealing content performs best. High-quality images and videos are essential. Consider creating visually engaging infographics, lifestyle photos, and captivating product shots. Optimize the pin descriptions using relevant keywords.

6. How often should I be pinning?

There’s no magic number, but consistency is key. Aim to pin regularly, ideally several times a day. Use a scheduler like Tailwind to plan your content in advance.

7. What are Pinterest boards, and how should I organize them?

Pinterest boards are collections of Pins organized around specific themes or topics. Create boards that are relevant to your business and target audience. Use descriptive board titles and descriptions to help people find them.

8. How do I use keywords effectively on Pinterest?

Keywords are crucial for Pinterest SEO. Include relevant keywords in your profile description, board titles and descriptions, and pin descriptions. Use Pinterest’s search bar to research popular keywords related to your niche.

9. What is Pinterest Analytics, and how can it help me?

Pinterest Analytics provides valuable data about your performance on the platform. You can track impressions, saves, clicks, website traffic, and audience demographics. Use this data to understand what’s working and optimize your strategy.

10. How do Pinterest Ads work, and are they worth the investment?

Pinterest Ads allow you to reach a wider audience and promote your products or services. They are worth considering if you want to accelerate your growth and reach specific target audiences. They operate on a bidding system.

11. What is the ideal image size for Pinterest Pins?

The recommended aspect ratio for Pinterest Pins is 2:3. A common recommended size is 1000 x 1500 pixels. Vertical images generally perform better than horizontal images.

12. How can I use Pinterest to drive traffic to my website?

Include clear call-to-actions in your pin descriptions, linking back to relevant pages on your website. Use Rich Pins to provide more information and entice users to click through. Regularly update your content and engage with your audience.

By following these steps and addressing these frequently asked questions, you’ll be well on your way to establishing a successful Pinterest Business Account and unlocking the platform’s immense potential for your business. Happy pinning!