Photographers: New to Pinterest? Start With These 5 Steps
If you’re a photographer just starting on Pinterest and feeling unsure about how to use it for your business, you’re in the right place. These five essential steps will help you build a strong foundation so your Pinterest profile starts working for you—attracting dream clients and driving website traffic around the clock.
Step 1: Set Up a Pinterest Business Account
First things first—you need a business account. It’s free and gives you access to analytics and advertising tools (even if you don’t run ads). These tools are invaluable for keyword research and improving your visibility. If you’re using a personal account, you can convert it to a business account—just be sure to make your personal boards (like vacation planning or recipes) secret.
Step 2: Claim Your Website
Claiming your website gives Pinterest proof that you own your content. This unlocks valuable metrics like outbound clicks—the clicks that drive traffic to your site. Claimed websites also give your pins more authority in Pinterest’s algorithm, helping them reach more viewers.
Step 3: Do Your Keyword Research
Pinterest is not social media—it’s a visual search engine. That means keywords are your best friend. Use Pinterest’s search bar to see what terms your audience is actually using. Keywords should be integrated into:
- Your profile and bio
- Board names and descriptions
- Pin titles, descriptions, and even file names
Great keyword examples for photographers include: “family photo outfit ideas,” “newborn photo shoot prep,” or “wedding flat lay inspiration.” This research is worth revisiting every six months to stay up-to-date.
Step 4: Optimize Your Profile
Once you’ve got your keywords, plug them into your profile. Your name should include your niche and location—e.g., “Bay Area Wedding Photographer | Sarah Smith.” Your profile description should clearly state:
- Who you serve
- Where you serve them
- How you’re different
Use a professional, branded headshot that matches your other social platforms. Consistent branding builds trust and makes your profile instantly recognizable across the web.
Booked AF Retreat, Powered by Aftershoot
“You don’t need more content. You need content that works longer.” ~ Jen Vazquez
A 2-day mastermind-style retreat designed for photographers who are ready to finally market with clarity, confidence, and content that keeps working—long after you log off.
Bonus Tip: Connect Your Instagram
Linking your Instagram to Pinterest helps drive more cross-platform traffic. Anything you post to Instagram will appear on Pinterest too, giving users another way to discover and follow you.
Step 5: Create Four Key Boards
Start with these four Pinterest boards:
- Your Business Name – A catch-all board for your original content.
- Free Resources Board – Examples: “Free Brand Photography Tips” or “Wedding Planning Resources.”
- What to Wear/How-To Board – Boards like “What to Wear for Family Photos” or “How to Prep for a Newborn Shoot.”
- Niche Boards by Specialty – Create at least two boards for each photography niche you cover. For example, “Maternity Pose Ideas” and “Maternity Outfit Inspiration.”
These boards act as content buckets and give Pinterest a clear picture of what your account is about—boosting visibility and helping the right people find you.
Bottom Line
These five steps are your launchpad for success on Pinterest. When done right, Pinterest becomes a traffic-driving, lead-generating platform that works for you 24/7.
DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT
