What is Pinterest? How to use Pinterest effectively

Are you wondering what Pinterest is and whether it’s a social media platform? In fact, it’s a unique visual platform where users can search for creative ideas, save content, and create boards based on their interests. Let’s join Snappin to learn when Pinterest was created, how this platform works, and why you should start using Pinterest today!

I. Overview of Pinterest

1. What is the Pinterest App?

What is the Pinterest app?

Pinterest is an engaging social media platform where you can explore and share ideas and interests through images and videos, commonly referred to as "pins." Similar to platforms like Facebook or Instagram, Pinterest allows you to interact with others' content by liking, commenting, or saving them to your personal boards.

This platform focuses heavily on lifestyle and personal interests, so you’ll find a wealth of unique and inspiring content tailored to each user’s passions. You can easily discover others' collections, "repin" intriguing content to your boards, or simply express your admiration for captivating visuals.

2. When was Pinterest created? When did Pinterest come into existence?

Ben Silbermann, Paul Sciarra, and Evan Sharp

Pinterest was founded in December 2009 by Ben Silbermann, Paul Sciarra, and Evan Sharp. Initially, the app served a small group of users but quickly grew to become one of the most popular social media platforms today.

A common question is: "How many people currently use Pinterest?" As of 2024, the platform has expanded from its initial 5,000 users to over 450 million monthly active users worldwide, including both individuals and businesses.

3. What is Pinterest used for?

For users: Pinterest is an ideal place to discover new ideas, store important information, and connect with the community. You can find inspiration for creative work or simply discover interesting suggestions for everyday life.
For businesses: Pinterest helps enhance brand recognition, drive traffic to websites, and even increase sales. Using Pinterest to promote products and services is not just about sharing images; it is also a powerful marketing strategy that helps you reach potential customers.

II. How to Use Pinterest for Beginners

Below is a detailed guide from Snappin to help you get started and make the most of Pinterest's features:

1. Sign up for a Pinterest account

Sign up for a Pinterest account

To start your exciting Pinterest experience, you need to sign up for a free account. Visit Pinterest.com and follow the steps below as Snappin guides you:

Choose a registration method: You can create an account using your email address or through your existing Facebook/Google account.
Fill in basic information: After signing up, you’ll be asked to provide some basic details such as your name, age, gender, language, and country. This information is important for Pinterest to personalize content for you.
Select topic categories: Choose at least 5 topic categories that you’re interested in. This will help Pinterest better understand your preferences and suggest relevant content.

2. Get familiar with your profile

After signing up, you will be directed to your personal profile. This profile includes several important sections:

Home: This is where you’ll find all the latest pins from the users you follow, along with new suggestions based on the content you’ve saved.
People You Follow: Here, you can see a list of the users you follow. This helps you easily track their activities and the content they share.
Notifications: The bell icon shows notifications for new interactions, including comments, likes, and suggestions from Pinterest. Be sure to check frequently so you don't miss any updates.
Messages: The messaging feature allows you to communicate with other users. You can send messages to friends or users you follow by clicking the three-dot icon.
Settings: If you want to change your account settings or upgrade to a premium version, click the downward arrow icon in the top right corner to access the settings options.

Get familiar with your profile

3. How to Pin/Save on Pinterest

One of the main features of Pinterest is the ability to save images and ideas that you love. You can save pins by following these steps:

Step 1: To use Pinterest on a computer, first visit the Pinterest website at pinterest.com. Here, click the 'Log In' button at the top right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Next, you will see the option to log in with your Google account. Choose this option to quickly log in without entering a password.
Step 3: A new window will pop up, allowing you to select the Google account you want to use to log into Pinterest. Click on the account you have linked.
Step 4: Once logged in successfully, you will see Pinterest's main interface. To search for ideas for your project or interests, go to the 'Search' bar at the top of the page and enter a keyword you want to find.
Step 5: Pinterest will immediately display images and posts related to the keyword you entered. You can scroll down to see more suggestions.
Step 6: When you find an image you like, click the 'Save' button to save it to your account for easy management.
Step 7: To view the images you've saved, click on the personal icon at the top right. Here, you’ll find all the images you've saved in your account.

4. Follow and Interact with Users

If you find users or boards that you find interesting, you can follow them or interact with their content by commenting, saving pins, or sharing them with friends or on other social media channels.

5. How to Post on Pinterest

To post on Pinterest, simply click the "Create Pin" button, then upload an image, add a description, and include a link if necessary. Don't forget to choose the appropriate board to pin your post to! For more details, you can refer to the article "How to Post on Pinterest" to follow the steps.

III. How to Make Pinterest Work Effectively?

Now that we've learned what Pinterest is, its uses, and how to use it, to truly make Pinterest effective, you need to optimize your boards and pins. Here are some tips from Snappin:

Title	When writing a title, keep it short and concise, under 55 characters, and make sure it includes the main keyword so users can easily identify the content of your pin.
Board Description	Use 200-300 characters to describe the content of the board in an engaging way. Clearly state the benefits of following this board and explain why users should be interested.
High-Quality Images	Use beautiful, high-quality images that are relevant to the theme of your board. Attractive images will grab viewers' attention and encourage them to follow your board.
Call-to-Action Content	Encourage readers to take specific actions, such as "Click to learn more" or "Follow to get the latest updates."
Avoid Spam	You should avoid stuffing keywords or using irrelevant hashtags in your pins. Make sure your description is written naturally and is easy to read.

IV. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Is Pinterest a social network?

Yes! Pinterest is considered a social network because it allows users to connect, share, and interact through content.

2. Is Pinterest free?

Yes! Pinterest is completely free for both personal and business users. However, you can also use paid advertising services to increase your customer reach.

3. How does Pinterest work?

Pinterest works by allowing users to create boards, pin content, and share ideas with the community.

4. What is a pin on Pinterest?

A pin on Pinterest is the action of saving an image or idea to your board. This helps you organize and easily revisit things you love. Additionally, pins allow you to share ideas with others and discover what they have saved.

We hope this article has helped you better understand what Pinterest is and how to use the platform effectively. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below! Snappin wishes you a great experience on Pinterest!