How to Clean Up Your Pinterest Boards
In this blog, I will share how to clean up and update your Pinterest Boards to get the best Pinterest marketing results. Having optimized Pinterest Boards is imperative to success on Pinterest. Let's dive into the best way to be sure your boards are set up to be easily found in Pinterest Search.
What is a Pinterest Board?
Pinterest Board Basics
Before we dive into updating and cleaning up your Pinterest boards, let's talk about the basics of Pinterest Boards for Business.
I describe Pinterest Boards as the equivalent of a file folder. Think of an old-school filing cabinet with sections created by topic or subject. These file folders or sections are set up to keep like documents in the same place. The folders keep the file cabinet's contents organized and make it easy to find exactly what you are searching for when you open the cabinet.
Pinterest Boards work the same way as this file cabinet. Your boards are there to organize your content. They are set up to file relevant content or pins in the same place.
As you set up your boards, think about how you want to organize your content. Think about what makes sense for your business.
For example, if you are a fashion brand, perhaps you would organize by tops, bottoms, loungewear, summer looks, etc.
How you create and organize your boards is unique to your brand so think about what makes sense for you. Make a list of what you would like to pin about and what categories your business can be logically divided into. This will be a great start for Pinterest Boards to create.
How do Pinterest Users Find Boards to Follow?
Once you have set your boards up, Pinterest users can follow all of your boards when they follow your account OR they may follow individual boards. It's easy to follow a board by clicking on it and clicking the follow button.
How often should you Clean Up your Pinterest Boards?
When I am asked how often you should clean up and update your Pinterest boards, I suggest taking a close look at your boards twice a year. But, keep an eye out as you update content between those deep dives. You may want to update your boards if you have added something new that would justify a new board or perhaps deleting an old board.
5 Easy Steps to Clean Up and Optimize Your Pinterest Boards
Step 1 - Review Boards for Relevancy and Appearance
The first step in updating your Pinterest Boards is to take a look at all of the boards and determine if they are all still relevant for your content.
Ask yourself the following questions and adjust as needed:
Are you still using the board to pin relevant content?
Are you able to pin to the board consistently?
If you aren't sure a board is relevant but you aren't ready to delete it, simply make it a secret board. You can always go back and delete it if you find you no longer need it or you can make it public if you are missing having it as part of your collection of boards.
As you review your boards, take an overall look at their appearance.
Are you using board covers? If so, do they have a consistent look, and do all of your boards have a cover?
If you aren't using board covers that's ok (although I suggest you add them to create a nice aesthetic for your account). But if you are using them, be sure that they have a consistent look and that you have one on each board for consistency.
How do you add board covers?
It is easy to add board cover graphics.
Create a graphic that you would like to use as your cover in a program like Canva (my favorite). I usually create a square graphic like an Instagram post. Add your title and any background.
Download the image.
Then upload the image as a pin to Pinterest. Save the image to the applicable board.
After you have pinned the cover, simply go into your board editor and select the image as the cover.
Step 2 - Check Board Titles for Ease of Understanding and Keyword Richness
Your board titles must be keyword-rich and easy to understand. While fun or cute names may be appealing as you set your boards up, they really aren't the best idea. You want to use board titles that are easily found in search. They should be words and phrases that are easily understood by Pinterest users and the Pinterest Algorithm.
The board titles are one of the key ways Pinterest understands what your board is about and what content will be found there. It helps Pinterest determine who to send to your board when they are searching for what you are offering on the board.
So take a close look at your board titles, make sure they are clear and relevant, and keyword-rich. If you make changes to your titles during the board cleanup, make sure to update your board cover graphic as well.
Step 3 - Update Board Descriptions to ensure they are full of Relevant Keywords
After establishing your Pinterest boards and updating the board titles, head to each board and review the board description.
Like the board titles, the board description is one of the main ways Pinterest understands what your board is about and what content will be found there. It helps Pinterest determine who to send to your board when they are searching for what you are offering on the board.
I recommend a short introduction "This board includes...". Then, add a keyword-rich description of what viewers can expect to see inside the board. Be sure to do keyword research for the topic included in the board to include the most up-to-date and popular search terms for the board topic.
Step 4 - Evaluate the Board Order
Once your boards are cleaned up, take a look at the board order. You must organize your Pinterest boards in a way that makes them clear and easy to understand by your viewers.
What's the best way to organize your Pinterest boards? Here's what I suggest.
I recommend locating your most pinned to boards at the top of your profile. This may be your blog board, your shop, and topics most closely related to your most pinned content.
In addition to keeping your most popular boards at the top, consider current seasons and holidays and move those to the top or bottom depending on the time of the year.
Next, I recommend moving group boards to the bottom. And after group boards, your secret boards.
How do you move Pinterest Boards around?
It is easy to move your boards around by selecting the drag and drop option. Be sure to evaluate the board order each season to be sure the order is up to date.
Step 5 - Assess Group Boards
What Is a Pinterest Group Board?
Pinterest group boards are a collaboration of like-minded pinners who share a board to pin similar content. It's a great way to share your content with others in your niche and to grow your reach.
Are Pinterest Group Boards Dead?
While the days of Group Boards leading to incredible traffic and growth may be diminished, I believe there is still a place for a great group board. Read on to determine if your group board is still something you want to be a part of. To answer the question, I would say Pinterest Group Boards are not dead and that it is still smart to join Pinterest Group Boards that are relevant and productive for your Business.
What to look for when reviewing Group Boards
When assessing your group boards, look at the group's activity and look at your results from the board. Groups can be great if everyone is participating and sharing each others' content. If you find this isn't the case for a group board and it really isn't helping your reach, go ahead and leave the group. But, if it is working for you and helping you get the word out to a wider audience, keep it.
How to Find Group Boards on Pinterest
You can find group boards by doing a search using the search bar and looking at boards. Group boards have a little circle at the bottom showing that there are multiple contributors. When you click the board, you will see how to join. This may include emailing the group leader and requesting to join and following the board. Each group is different. Keep in mind, not every board is accepting new members.
In Conclusion
If you follow these 5 easy steps a couple of times a year, you will successfully keep your boards cleaned up and up to date. It's important to keep your boards clean and current so that you are helping Pinterest send the right viewers to your account.