Pinterest Marketing For Indie Authors

When I was a newbie book blogger, I read TONS of advice on how to blog, what I should blog about, and how to get more traffic. One of the things I learned about (and am still learning more about) is how to use Pinterest for marketing and getting more traffic to my blog. The more time I spend on Pinterest, the more I see books and book lists, and a few authors who have learned about using it. What I don’t see are more indie authors using Pinterest to advertise their books and book inspired gifts. So, to help you out, here are some tips on Pinterest Marketing for Indie Authors.

What is Pinterest?

Short answer? Pinterest is a visual search engine. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a social media network. It’s actually closer to Google than you might think. Yes, you can do certain things on Pinterest, similar to social media, such as:

• Follow other creators
• Create a profile
• Comment on various pins

But, Pinterest is so much more than this, because of the other benefits you get from Pinterest, that you just don’t see on other platforms. Keep reading to find out more about why Indie Authors should be using Pinterest!

Pinterest is a VISUAL Search Engine

Hey, authors…. know how I’m always talking about how indie authors make the best book covers out there? Well, Pinterest is one of the best places to showcase all your beautiful creations, because it’s visual. Pinners (Pinterest’s name for their users) see the image first. They might read the description, and click through to your site, but they see the image…. FIRST. So, if you’ve got gorgeous book covers you’re just itching to show off, and you don’t feel like Twitter, or Instagram, or Threads is just cutting it in the image department, then give Pinterest a shot. You might find yourself super happy with your experience!

Understanding Your Pinterest Account

I know some authors who use Pinterest to create mood boards for their books, but don’t do much else over there. If you’re familiar with Pinterest, then you already know about Boards vs. Pins. If not, here’s a few things to get you started:

Open a Business Account. Don’t worry, it’s free! But, a business account lets Pinterest know you aren’t just a basic user, so they have a better idea of who to show your content to. The business account also offers amazing tools like Pinterest Trends and Analytics, so you can optimize your best Pinterest strategy.

Optimize your bio. You’ll see my bio below, as an example, but this is where you want to put some special keywords (separated by a vertical line to look pretty) let the all-important Pinterest Algorithm know what you’re there for.

Create some boards and Pins. This can seem a little daunting, but you want at least 3-5 boards to get started, along with at least 10 pins in each board. Don’t worry, it doesn’t all have to be your own content, even though that’s preferable. So, go hunting for other authors, and if they have a similar vibe to yours, or they offer content that you think would be valuable, add it to your boards.

The Difference between Boards and Pins

“Oh my GOD, Pamela! you’ve thrown too much info at me! What is a Pinterest Board, and for PETE’S SAKE, what are PINS!?!”

I got you. Don’t worry. Do me a favor. Look at your Desktop on your computer. See any folders? That’s a “Board.” Now. Open the folder. See all those files? Those are “Pins.” Put simply, a pinterest board is a folder, or a container, that holds your related content (aka, pins). For example, you can have a board labeled “Vacation in Hawaii,” where you put all the pictures from your previous vacation, or even if you’re planning one, you can put various articles or budget-friendly ideas, etc.

You can save pretty much anything to Pinterest, as long as you have an image to use. Luckily, most websites will have pinterest-friendly content to make it super easy.

Pinterest Content is more Evergreen than on other platforms

Have you ever been on Twitter, and you post something REALLY great, and maybe 10 people see it? Maybe several people Retweet, but for the most part, it gets lost in the shuffle of all the other tweets coming in at that precise moment?

Well, lemme tell you something. Pinterest content is WAY more evergreen. It takes longer for a pin to get traction and to start gaining visibility, but that same pin can still do its job months, even years from now. Pinterest marketing for indie authors can depend on this evergreen content.

Readers don’t always look for books that were published within the past month. They just want something enjoyable, regardless of its age. If you’re still marketing your books years later, you can get new readers consistently.

Unfortunately, I’m not kidding when I say it can take a while for pins to get traction, because most Pinterest gurus will tell you to give a pin at least SIX WEEKS, sometimes even THREE MONTHS, to start gaining the type of visibility you want. This is a definite con for those of us who like immediate satisfaction.

But, if you’re willing to put aside your impatience, and start working with Pinterest, it can really be a gamechanger for your author business.

Pinterest is MADE for introverts

I see authors all the time on social media struggle with the “social” aspect of it. They want to just put their books out there, and get people to buy them. Having to actually talk to people and engage is highly awkward for so many authors, and I feel you. I do.

Unfortunately, when it comes to instagram or threads or twitter or facebook, your followers want you to actually TALK to them.

Wait, WHAT?!?

I said what I said. Your followers want to know you as a PERSON. Holy crap!

For introverts and the socially awkward, this causes more anxiety than anything.

But, I have good news!

Pinterest isn’t actually a social media network. Yes, you have followers, and there are places to leave comments, BUT Pinterest users rarely utilize these options!

Why?

Because they don’t actually care about you as a person. I know that sounds horrible, but it’s true. People go on Pinterest for ideas, and inspiration. Readers go on Pinterest to find new books to read, or new blog articles to read about books, or book inspired gifts, etc… They aren’t there to find people to get to know and talk to. They really just don’t care. That’s what Twitter and Instagram are for. Pinterest just isn’t used for that type of social interaction.

Trust me, I’ve left comments for other users, and have never gotten a response. Pinners don’t care about comments or interaction. They want inspiration and things to buy. They don’t much care about anything else.

I will say, if you want to try to make friends with other pinners, Pinterest does have a cool DM function. You can send cool pins to other users, and I believe you can actually send messages as well. I would have to look more into that, but I love being able to send pins to my mom without having to leave Pinterest.

Pinterest is Perfect for Indie Authors

Indie authors should be using Pinterest, for the following reasons:

1. They already know how to create amazing images. I mean, check out those beautiful book covers!
2. People just want to know about their books. No networking or “being social” required.
3. If you have a blog, Pinterest is a good way to get readers over there, where they can get to know you if they want.
4. Pinterest is evergreen, so you don’t have to spend as much time “marketing,” as long as you have your strategy in place.

Conclusion

I hope this article helps you! Pinterest marketing for indie authors can seem daunting, but I promise you, once you put a strategy in place, and start working on it regularly, Pinterest can be a game changer for your author business and website! 

I also offer help with creating your Pinterest account and other design assistance, so if you’re interested, shoot me an email and let me know! I can audit an existing account and give you some tips and tools, or I can help you create your account from scratch. 

Helping indie authors succeed is one of my great joys in life, so even if you just want some encouragement and friendly banter, leave a comment below. I’d love to chat with you! Come find me on Pinterest, Threads, or Instagram too, and let me know you saw this article 🙂 Share with your friends, if they’d get some use out of it as well. 

Until Next Time, Friends!