Understanding Pins and Repins on Pinterest: A Comprehensive Guide

What is a Pinterest Pin?

A Pinterest pin is a visual bookmark used on the social media platform Pinterest. It serves as a way for users to save, share, and discover content from the web. Each pin typically includes:

Image or Video: A visual element that represents the content. Description: Text that provides context or details about the pin. Link: A URL directing users to the original source of the content.

Users can organize their pins into boards, which are thematic collections that simplify the process of finding and managing saved content. Pins can be discovered through search recommendations and browsing through boards, making Pinterest a popular platform for inspiration in areas such as fashion, home decor, recipes, and DIY projects.

What is Repinning?

Repinning is a core feature of Pinterest that allows users to share content they find interesting or inspiring with their own followers and communities. By repinning, users are essentially sharing a pin that has already been saved on the web or another user's board. This helps to increase the visibility and reach of content on the platform, leading to increased engagement and traffic for the original pinner.

Original Pins vs. Repins

A pin is the original content you create by either:

Copying an image from a website other than Pinterest, and typing in a title and description if you like. Uploading an image from your phone or computer and adding a title and description.

A repin, on the other hand, is when you click the 'Save' button on a pin while you're on the Pinterest website to save a copy of the original image and the description. Repinning images that are already saved on Pinterest may not be as effective as creating original pins for promoting your website or blog.

When promoting your site or blog on Pinterest, it's crucial to create original pins directly from your website or by uploading your own images. Pinterest is more likely to show new pins to a larger audience, whereas repins have lower circulation.

Why You Should Focus on Original Pins

Creating original pins provides several advantages, especially for marketers and content creators:

Better SEO: Original pins can drive more traffic to your site because they are unique and are more likely to be found by search engines. Unique Content: Original pins showcase your brand's unique voice and style, making your content more memorable. Increased Engagement: Original pins are more engaging for users because they are based on fresh content, not repinned images.

If you primarily repin content, you risk being seen as a content aggregator, which may not align with your brand's goals. Pinterest values original content, so focusing on creating original pins will help you stand out and build a strong audience.

Creating Effective Pins

To create effective pins that capture attention and engage your audience, follow these steps:

Choose High-Quality Images: Use visually appealing images that are large, clear, and relevant to the content. Write Descriptive Titles: Create titles that are specific, concise, and include relevant keywords. Create Compelling Descriptions: Offer context and provide value to your audience with detailed descriptions. Include a Relevant Link: Ensure the link directs users to the most relevant and valuable content on your site. Organize Into Thematic Boards: Group your pins into boards by topic or theme to help users find and manage saved content more easily.

Remember, the key to success on Pinterest is to continually create high-quality content that resonates with your audience. By focusing on original pins and using effective repinning strategies, you can build a strong presence on Pinterest and drive traffic to your website.