As a photographer, you might think Pinterest is just for inspiration, but it’s so much more. Pinterest is a visual search engine where couples, planners, and brides go to look for ideas long before they’re ready to book a photographer. With strategic Pinterest marketing, you can attract ideal clients, showcase your expertise, and grow your photography business over time.
This guide will show you why Pinterest works, outline step-by-step strategies to market your photography, and explain how SEO on Pinterest is just as crucial as on Google.
Why Pinterest Works for Photographers
Pinterest is unique because it functions as a search engine with visuals, not a social media platform. This sets it apart in a few key ways:
- Long-Lasting Content: Unlike Instagram posts that disappear after a day, pins remain searchable and relevant for months or years.
- Active Searchers: Brides, planners, and vendors use Pinterest to actively search for venues, photography inspiration, and wedding details.
- Traffic Driver: Optimized pins send consistent traffic back to your website or blog.
For photographers, Pinterest is the perfect tool to get your work in front of the right audience—just as they’re planning their wedding or photo sessions.
Step-by-Step Pinterest Marketing Strategies
1. Optimize Your Pinterest Profile
Before you start pinning, set up a strong foundation with an optimized profile:
- Switch to a Business Account: A Pinterest Business Account gives you access to analytics and tools to track performance.
- Profile Name: Use relevant keywords to describe your business. Example: “[Your Name] | Wedding Photographer | Charleston, SC.”
- Bio: Clearly state who you serve and what you specialize in. Example: “Fine art wedding photographer creating timeless imagery for modern couples.”
- Claim Your Website: Verify your site with Pinterest so pins link back to your content.
2. Create Pinterest Boards That Attract Your Audience
Boards help organize your content, making it easier for brides to find what they’re looking for.
How to Create Pinterest Boards:
- Focus on themes your audience searches for, like:
- “Top Outdoor Wedding Venues in [City].”
- “Bridal Pose Inspiration for Engagement Photos.”
- “Fall Wedding Color Palettes.”
- Use descriptive, SEO-friendly board names. Avoid vague names like “My Work.” Instead, try “Elegant Wedding Photography Inspiration.”
- Write keyword-rich board descriptions explaining what users will find.
3. Design Pins That Get Clicked and Saved
Your pins need to be both beautiful and optimized for search to attract clicks and saves.
Best Practices for Pin Design:
- Use Vertical Images: Pinterest favors tall pins (2:3 ratio, like 1000×1500 pixels).
- Add Text Overlays: Use clean, clear fonts to describe what the pin is about. Example: “5 Bridal Pose Ideas You’ll Love.”
- Include Keywords in Titles and Descriptions: Add phrases brides search for, like “Charleston wedding photographer” or “coastal bridal portraits.”
- Link to Relevant Content: Every pin should link back to a blog post, gallery, or contact page.
4. Focus on Pinterest SEO: Treat It Like Google
Just like Google, Pinterest relies on keywords to match content with user searches. Think of it as a search engine, not just a platform for images.
How to Use Pinterest SEO:
- Find Keywords: Use Pinterest’s search bar to find keywords brides are searching for. Start typing “wedding photographer” and look at the auto-suggestions for ideas.
- Add Keywords Everywhere: Include them in:
- Board names and descriptions.
- Pin titles and descriptions.
- Your profile name and bio.
- Create Evergreen Content: Focus on timeless topics that brides look for year-round, like “Elegant Wedding Photography Poses” or “Top Tips for Stress-Free Engagement Sessions.”
The more optimized your content is, the more Pinterest will push your pins to the right audience.
5. Drive Traffic to Your Blog or Website
Pinterest marketing doesn’t stop at creating beautiful pins—it’s about driving traffic to where the magic happens: your blog, portfolio, or inquiry form.
How to Link Pins Effectively
- Pin content that aligns with your blog posts. Example: “Top 5 Outdoor Wedding Venues in Savannah” can link to a blog showcasing your venue photos.
- Link pins to galleries of your work to help clients envision themselves in your photos.
- Use call-to-action phrases like “See more stunning bridal portraits here” or “Click to download your bridal styling checklist.”
Pins that provide value drive clicks and keep visitors on your website longer—leading them closer to booking.
6. Pin Consistently to See Results
Consistency is key on Pinterest. Unlike Instagram, where posts are fleeting, Pinterest rewards regular pinning with long-term visibility.
Quick Tips for Pinning:
- Pin 5-15 new or updated pins daily to stay active.
- Use tools like Tailwind to schedule pins in advance.
- Create fresh pins for older content to keep it performing.
Why Pinterest SEO is Just as Important as Google
Google and Pinterest serve the same purpose: helping users find solutions. But while Google relies on text, Pinterest leverages visuals and keywords together.
For photographers, this means your work can rank in two places:
- On Google, when brides search for photographers, venues, or guides.
- On Pinterest, when brides search for inspiration, trends, and planning ideas.
By optimizing for both platforms, you’ll double your chances of being discovered by potential clients.
Start Growing Your Photography Business with Pinterest
Pinterest marketing is one of the most powerful tools photographers can use to attract dream clients. By treating Pinterest as a visual search engine, optimizing your content for SEO, and linking pins to valuable blog posts or galleries, you’ll position yourself to reach brides and planners actively looking for your services.
Ready to take your Pinterest strategy to the next level? Join our Pinterest Marketing Course inside The Marketing Lab for Wedding Pros and get step-by-step guidance to grow your visibility, bookings, and revenue. Start building your Pinterest strategy today!