How to Create Pinterest Pins That Get Clicks
- Rea Weeks
- 16 hours ago
- 4 min read
If you’ve ever spent time designing a Pinterest Pin, hit publish, and then heard… nothing, you’re not alone. Pinterest is a visual search engine, and “pretty” isn’t the same as “clickable.” The good news: a few intentional design + copy choices can make a dramatic difference.
In this post, you’ll learn a clear, repeatable process for creating Pinterest Pins that earn attention and clicks—without feeling like you have to reinvent your style every time.
1) Start with search intent (before you open Canva)
Pinterest rewards Pins that match what people are already searching for. Before you design, spend 5 minutes validating the exact language your audience uses.
Quick intent checklist:
Type your topic into the Pinterest search bar and note the autocomplete phrases (these are real searches).
Click a few top results and look for repeated words in titles (that’s the “common language” for the topic).
Choose one clear keyword phrase for the Pin (e.g., “Pinterest pin design tips” or “Pinterest marketing for beginners”).
Why it matters: when your Pin text mirrors the words people search, Pinterest understands your Pin faster—and users instantly know it’s for them.
2) Make the headline do the heavy lifting
On Pinterest, the headline is the decision point. People scroll quickly, so your text needs to answer: “What is this, and why should I click?”
Use a headline formula (pick one):
How-to: “How to Create Pinterest Pins That Get Clicks”
Outcome + timeframe: “Get More Pinterest Clicks in 10 Minutes a Day”
Numbered list: “7 Pinterest Pin Design Rules That Drive Clicks”
Mistake-based: “Stop Making These Pinterest Pin Mistakes”
Beginner-friendly: “Pinterest Pins for Beginners: A Simple Click-Worthy Template”
Headline tips that increase clicks:
Lead with the benefit (clicks, traffic, saves, growth)
Keep it skimmable (aim for 6–12 words)
Use specific language (“templates,” “checklist,” “step-by-step”) to signal value
3) Design for mobile first (because that’s where the clicks happen)
Most Pinterest browsing is mobile. If your Pin looks great on a desktop mockup but is hard to read on a phone, it won’t perform.
Mobile-first design rules:
Use large text (test by zooming out—can you still read it?)
Keep the layout simple: 1 headline + 1 supporting line is often enough
Avoid tiny decorative fonts for your main message
High contrast wins (dark text on light background, or vice versa)
A simple layout that works well:
Top: small hook (“FREE CHECKLIST” / “STEP-BY-STEP”)
Middle: big headline
Bottom: brand name or URL + small visual element
4) Use images that tell a story instantly
Pinterest is visual. Your image should help the viewer understand the topic at a glance.
What tends to get clicks:
Bright, clean product mockups
Before/after comparisons
A single focal photo (not a cluttered collage)
Consistent style across your Pins (so people recognize you)
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5) Create a clear visual hierarchy
Hierarchy means the eye knows where to look first, second, and third.
Try this 3-level structure:
Primary text: the headline (largest)
Secondary text: a small promise (“templates included,” “for beginners,” “no ads needed”)
Brand cue: your shop name, logo, or website (smallest)
If everything is the same size, nothing stands out—and people scroll past.
6) Build a small set of reusable templates
The secret to consistency on Pinterest isn’t endless creativity—it’s a repeatable system.
Start with 3–5 templates:
Bold text + simple background
Photo background + text box overlay
Mockup + headline + supporting line
List-style Pin (numbers + short phrases)
“Mistake” or “Do this instead” comparison
7) Add a subtle reason to click (not just “Read more”)
People click when the Pin promises something specific.
Better supporting lines than “Read more”:
“Free checklist inside”
“Copy these layouts”
“Beginner-friendly steps”
“What to do instead”
“Templates + examples”
You’re not being clickbait-y—you’re simply making the value obvious.
8) Write descriptions that help Pinterest (and humans)
Your Pin description helps Pinterest understand your content and gives people context.
A simple description formula:
1 sentence: what the Pin is about
1 sentence: who it’s for / what result it helps create
Add 3–6 keyword phrases naturally
Example:
“Learn how to create Pinterest Pins that get clicks with simple design rules, headline formulas, and mobile-first layouts. Perfect for beginners who want more traffic from Pinterest marketing. Includes pin design tips, Pinterest templates, and easy content strategy ideas.”
9) Test, don’t guess: make multiple Pin versions
Pinterest is a long game. One Pin can flop while another (for the same URL) takes off.
What to test:
Headline phrasing (benefit vs. curiosity)
Background color (light vs. dark)
Image type (mockup vs. photo)
Layout (centered text vs. stacked sections)
A helpful starting point: publish 3–5 Pins per blog post (spread out over a few days) and track results over a few weeks.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Choose one keyword phrase (search intent)
Write a strong, specific headline
Design for mobile readability
Use high contrast and clear hierarchy
Create a few templates and test variations
Add a gentle, relevant next step
When you consistently combine clear messaging + readable design, Pinterest starts working like the search engine it is—and clicks become much more predictable.
Rea 🌻Creator of A Rea of Treasures
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