Thursday Press #118: do it right or do it twice?
[8 FEB 2024] how to optimize your blogs for Pinterest
The thought of having to clean the bathroom again makes me want to absolutely burn the house down and build an outhouse.
Don't get me wrong, having a clean and tidy space makes me feel so at peace. But having to actually put in the work to get it that way? Detestable.
And honestly, it's not even the cleaning part that I hate the most. It's the preparing to clean and all the steps necessary to make sure I do it "right."
It's lugging all the cleaning supplies upstairs (and then remembering to take them back downstairs)
It's taking all of the shampoo bottles and body scrubs and razors out of the shower, carefully wiping them off, and then putting them back in, just to have to do it all again the next time the chore comes around.
The horror!!!
If someone handed me a spray bottle and sponge and plopped me in an empty tub, I'd go to town. But I loathe the rest of the prep so much that I typically put off cleaning the bathroom for... longer than I'd like to admit. 🫣
What can I say? I'm a half-asser.
I think I can blame my ADHD for this one, but finishing up the tiny little details or meticulous tasks of a project is usually my breaking point.
I don't WANNA take things off the counter and dust properly!!! I LIKE having my socks on the floor beside the hamper instead of in it, actually!!!
Boom. Now we've activated toddler tantrum mode. Internally, I've thrown myself on the ground and started flailing and wailing with no care for my bodily safety or the eardrums of those around me.
Unfortunately, this approach to chores also seeps into my business life as well, but for the most part I'm validated by calling it "messy action."
Entrepreneur inspo posts are always telling me to "do it scared" and "just start!" and make it better later.
But there's one quote that plays on a loudspeaker inside my head anytime I think about doing that —
“If you don't have time to do it right the first time, how will you ever have time to do it over.” — John Wooden
Soooo fucking true bestie. (Me and John are besties now, obvi)
I genuinely can't tell you a single time I've done something to just get it done and then actually gone back and made it better. Heck, I barely proofread these emails before I hit schedule.
Pinterest marketing isn't usually the first investment I recommend business owners make for that precise reason.
I'd rather you focus on establishing your messaging, brand, audience, and content than spend time or energy on Pinterest. In fact, I spent a whole email last week telling you I didn't want you to start Pinterest unless you had a blog.
Buuuut... I will admit that going back and fixing your blogs to be Pinterest-suitable is a lot more work than just doing it right the first time.
So if you know Pinterest marketing is in your future, and you know that Pinterest + blogging = true love, why not learn how to do them both and do them both right?
How to Optimize Your Blog Posts for Pinterest
Anyone's parent ever told them that something was basically the same as flushing money down the toilet?
Anyone else ever wondered why the heck that euphemism exists? Like who has ever flushed a freakin' dollar?
I don't need a euphemism to tell you that sending thousands of visitors to your website from Pinterest isn't going to do anything if your blog posts aren't optimized to convert them.
More often than not, a blog post will be a Pinterest user’s first point of entry to your website.
From there, they can read more blogs, join your email list, learn about your services, maybe even make a purchase or reach out to inquire!
But if your blog posts suck, they're going to go right back to Pinterest without ever giving you a second thought.
I'm pretty sure your blogs don't suck, but everyone can use a little refresher from time to time.
If you want to optimize your blog posts specifically with Pinterest in mind, follow this checklist:
✔️ You have a Pinterest-friendly image in the post
Any vertical image works, but extra gold star if you create some kind of infographic or diagram to support the info in the blog!
✔️ You use headings and bullets to make it skimmable
Pinterest users are looking for answers. Don't hit 'em with a wall of text.
✔️ You have links to other blog posts and resources throughout the post
Once a user clicks from Pinterest to your website, you have a captive audience. Keep them there by linking to other relevant blogs and resources of your own.
✔️ You include calls to action to get readers to join your email list
I recommend including at least one call to action to a lead magnet or your newsletter in every blog. And don't just smack it in at the end, either. Add links throughout, embed a form if possible, even add an image to make it really stand out!
✔️ You’re actually providing enough context, content, and value in your blog posts
Do not — I repeat — do not copy and paste your Instagram caption and call it a blog. That 5-line caption isn’t going to have enough context or value to truly satisfy the Pinterest audience (or anyone, really).
✔️ You have an optimized footer or sidebar
The average Pinterest user landing on your site doesn't know a THING about you. Make the most of the extra space around your blog post in the form of a side bar or an extra section before your footer to share a little about you and link to the most relevant things.
Want the full breakdown + examples? Check out this week's blog post, hot off the press, just for you! 🗞️
How to Optimize Your Blog Posts for Pinterest
Truth is, bestie, I don't want you to be a half-asser like me. I don't even want you to be a whole asser.
I want you to learn how to write bangin' blogs that will make Google, your audience, and Pinterest happy, while also learning how to market those blogs on Pinterest.
In fact, I want you to learn how so bad that I'm teaching you exactly that!
It's T-1 week until the Pinterest Blogging Workshop (Feb 15th, for the calendrically challenged like me) and this is your LAST CALL for the workshop presale!
Register for the workshop before Friday, Feb 9, and save $50 with the code “PINPRESALE”!
Got Qs? I've got As — just ask!
LOTS OF LOVE FROM MY NEW OUTHOUSE,
Sarah
TL;DR? Today's the last call for discounted workshop tickets. Save $50 with this link.
And if you did get all the way down here, let me know which is your least favorite chore — bathroom, laundry, or dishes?