How Writers can Use Pinterest

Have you wondered how writers can use Pinterest?

Hey, fabulous authors! Let’s dive into the colorful world of Pinterest and discover how it can be a dazzling tool in your author’s toolkit. My journey with Pinterest started when it was in beta, and I contributed a delightful chapter called “How to Pin your Way to Success” to APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur—How to Publish a Book. Pinterest has been my go-to platform for sharing the stories behind my book and connecting with readers.

First, your Pinterest profile is your virtual handshake with your audience. It’s where you give that first impression that says, “I’m an author you’ll love getting to know.” Choose a profile picture that represents you and your writing style – something warm, welcoming, and unmistakably ‘you.’ Your bio should be a snapshot of your author identity sprinkled with charisma and charm. And don’t forget to include a link to your website or blog; it’s like an open invitation for readers to enter your world.

Now, let’s talk about your boards. Think of them as the chapters of your author’s story. Create a board for each of your books. These boards can be a collage of everything that inspired your writing – from character sketches to the places that set the scene. But it’s not all about the books; add boards that show off your hobbies, travels, or what you enjoy reading. These personal glimpses make your readers feel connected to you beyond just the pages of your books.

Pins are where the real magic happens. They’re like mini conversations with your readers. Use captivating images that relate to your writing—quotes from your books, behind-the-scenes glimpses, maybe even teasers of your upcoming projects. I’ve found that pins that touch the heart or tickle the imagination tend to linger longer in readers’ minds. They’re not just scrolling past; they’re stopping, smiling, and saving.

Don’t underestimate the power of video content. In a world where we’re bombarded with text, a video can be a breath of fresh air. Whether it’s a snippet of you reading a chapter, a quick hello from your writing desk, or a peek into your daily life, these videos add layers to your author persona. And when Pinterest rolls out new features, be the first to try them. Polls, Q&As, anything that lets you interact directly with your audience is gold.

Collaborative boards can be a wonderful way to network. Think of them as virtual book clubs where you can meet fellow authors and readers. This diversifies your content and introduces your work to new audiences. And here’s a little secret—always watch your Pinterest analytics. Like a wise old editor, these insights guide you on what your audience loves and what you might need to tweak.

A word on SEO—it’s not just for Google. Sprinkling relevant keywords in your pin descriptions and board titles helps your content get discovered by the right readers. Consistency is key. Regular posting keeps your story alive in your audience’s minds. Think of it as keeping the pages turning in the grand book of your author’s journey.

 Some Pinterest basics:

1. Build a foundation for your platform by creating a good profile with your avatar.

2. Create your Pinterest account in your name and add boards for your book and website.

3. Let Pinterest showcase unique things about you. Your readers will love to learn about the person behind the writing.

Write original descriptions when you re-pin things to your board to put your stamp of creativity. This is the description for a pin by photographer and Pinterest superstar Trey Ratcliff for this pin. Trey has an impressive Pinterest following of almost five million Pinners. Trey adds the following to every pin:

• Description with the location of the photo
• His name with and without a hashtag
• A link to his website Stuck in Customs
• The photo also links back to his website

Create at least ten unique boards with your original names and themes. You want each board to have at least ten pins before you make the board public. Some suggested boards:

#1: About me (pins things you like that share your personality)

#2: Links to your social media accounts and website

#3: Your book/books

#4: Your blog/website articles

#5: Books you like

#6: Writing inspirations

#7-10: Choose four topics that you wish to create boards. Use the focus of your boards to help establish your brand and area of expertise.

6. Create quote graphics from your book or other quotes that inspire you. This is a graphic I created for APE that has done well.

If you’re looking for Pinterest resources, I’ve created a Pinterest board called APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur, and All Things Pinterest to help you out.

Using Pinterest as an author is not just about pinning – it’s about creating a world where your readers can see, feel, and interact with your storytelling in vivid color. Every pin and every board is a page in your ongoing story as an author. So, tell me, how are you planning to use Pinterest to make your author’s journey even more enchanting? I can’t wait to hear your stories or see how you’ve been using this vibrant platform. Let’s keep inspiring each other and painting our stories on this beautiful canvas.

How do you like to use Pinterest with your writing? What types of Pinterest pins have worked for you? I’ve love to hear your Pinterest success stories or questions in the comments below!