For my very first post of 2019, I worked with the fantastic team at The Design Trust to host a giveaway for a Dream Plan Do Planner. Today, we are collaborating again (yayy!), this time to offer you lovely readers a special joining offer for The Design Trust Business Club – an online learning hub tailor-made for motivated creative business owners.
What is The Design Trust Business Club?
It’s an online training network that will give you the practical and strategic skills, knowledge and inspiration to grow your business. It covers ALL aspects of running a business from marketing to finances, selling to social media, wellbeing to time management. You’ll get access to over 100 online masterclasses, webinars, podcasts and interviews. Sessions to date include the fantastic Mollie Makes, Sara Tasker of Me and Orla, Emily Coxhead (The Happy Newspaper), MADE.com, Period Living, Pinterest, Charlotte Abrahams, Yeshen Venema, Folksy and many, many more. A plethora of people in the know, sharing what they know!
“The thing I like most about the business club is that it always seems to have an answer to something I’m trying to work out. There is always a webinar or event that seems relevant to where I am at that point in time.”
“I love being part of the business club, it’s such a wealthy knowledge bank. The sessions about mindfulness have had a really positive impact on me and I love tapping into the sessions when I think: how does this element of my business work?”
The Business Club works around monthly topics and May is focusing on Pinterest and LinkedIn – two platforms that are essential tools for networking and selling. In June, learning in The Business Club is focused around using Mailchimp and email marketing – your most important marketing tool! Each month you can join two live (evening) sessions where you can ask questions directly. All sessions are recorded and then made available within the club for members to re visit or listen to at their leisure.
Discount for Hello Bexa Readers:
If you’d like easy access to expert help growing your business, join over 100 other members of the Business Club now. The Design Trust is happy to extend a £10 discount on the first month of membership of the Business Club to friends of Hello Bexa. Use code “BEXAFRIEND” here to pay just £15 (usual cost £25).
Offer ends 31 May 2019.
A Q&A with digital marketers Georgie & Dörte from Curly Carrot
Georgie & Dörte were guests on a webinar for The Business Club, focusing on how to use Pinterest to drive traffic and get sales. They shared some of their strategy secrets on how to make Pinterest work for creative businesses. Here is a little sneak peek of the type of information available when you join The Business Club… over to you ladies!
Why Pinterest?
If your business has a visual story to tell Pinterest will work for you. Travel, interiors, gardening, wellness, beauty, parenting, arts and crafts, fashion and food are among the most searched for topics on Pinterest. People want to find you and buy from you!
How does Pinterest work?
Pinterest is a visual search engine. It works in the same way as Google. You type what you’re looking for in the search bar and rather than a variety of information to choose from such as text, website links and maps you are given a selection of images that when you click on reach a website page. People use it to plan, discover, be inspired and buy! 90% of Pinners use Pinterest to find ideas on what to buy. Pinterest wants to help them find your products and services and drive traffic to your website or online shop.
Do I need a Pinterest business account?
It’s quick and easy to set up and it’s free so there is no reason not to have one! Learn more about setting up a business account and the advantages here. If you already have a personal Pinterest account and only want one Pinterest account, then you can convert your personal account to a business account. Also quick and easy! Add your business details and claim your website.
What are Rich Pins?
The official Pinterest definition is ‘Rich Pins provide more context about an idea because they show extra information directly on a Pin. There are four types of rich Pin: app, product, recipe and article.’ Rich pins tell viewers far more about the product and service and encourage them to click through to the landing page. How to add rich pins (you need to be logged into your business account to access this page)
How does Pinterest find you / your product? What are the key terms to use?
Pinners want to save pins that inspire, engage and tell a story! The pin title and description are both important and should be keyword rich but feel natural. Include details like the brand, product and key features or benefits. Add phrases like ‘click to buy’ or ‘learn more’. Include a call to action so that when they reach the landing page (website page) the story is completed.
How do I make my pins get seen by more users?
A beautiful image will capture attention. Use good quality photos of your products that are in focus. Include shots that bring your products or service to life. Show them in context so people can see how they will fit into and enhance their lives. Portrait size vertical images with a 2:3 aspect ratio ie. 600 x 900 pixels are best for visibility on people’s feeds.
Is it good practice to use a scheduling tool like Tailwind?
Focus on consistency over volume. There is no such thing as pinning too much to Pinterest, but Pinterest does prefer consistency to volume of pins. For example, it’s not good practice to pin 20 pins on a Monday then no pins until the following weekend. Post 5 pins per day rather than loads of pins one day, and none the next. The best way to do this is by using a scheduling app. Tailwind is easy to use and an authorised Pinterest partner. You can sign up to Tailwind here.
Should I only be re-pinning content from Pinterest or also content from other websites?
When you’re planning content for your Pinterest boards include great content from others that complement your business ethos. There is no magic ratio of your pins to others. If you are just starting out and don’t have much content, then you will be pinning more content that isn’t your own. When you’re launching a new product or promoting in the run up to Christmas to be included in gift guides then you will be pinning more of your own content.
Should I just be re-pinning things on Pinterest or should I be finding things of interest on the internet to put on Pinterest?
It’s a good idea to mix it up and save pins from other websites, blogs and platforms like Instagram, as well as saving (re-pinning) content from Pinterest. It is also important to create ‘fresh’ pins for your own content linking to specific pages and products on your website.
If would like to learn more about how Pinterest can help your creative business then do check out Dörte & George’s Pinterest resources – https://www.curlycarrot.com/free-digital-marketing-resources/
A big thank you to Georgie & Dörte from Curly Carrot for sharing their expert Pinterest knowledge. I hope you found this post useful, and don’t forget if you want access to more practical and strategic skills, knowledge and inspiration to grow your business, check out The Design Trust Business Club. Use code “BEXAFRIEND” here to pay just £15 (usual cost £25).
Pinterest has always been one of those resources that I know exists but it is a bit “here there be dragons” for me. I’d never really thought of it as a platform which could be utilised to drive traffic and engagement because it all seemed so chaotic and random. This is really fascinating and useful, thank you!
Author
Haha, yes I agree! Pinterest can seem a bit daunting at times! Thanks for reading Claire and I am glad you found the post useful <3 xx
This sounds like such a useful tool and to learn a bit more knowledge to help you be successful. Pinterest I find the hardest to get my head around it really. I try but this would be so helpful to learn more about it and help drive traffic! Thank you for sharing this Bexa! You have taken some cute photographs too, love those unicorn bow paper clips! ❤️Xxx
Author
Thanks so much Lauren! I agree, Pinterest is a tough one to learn, I’m glad you found the post helpful and aww thank you, those unicorn paperclips are my fave (they are from Paperchase btw) <3 xxx
These Pinterest tips are great, Bexa. I knew that Pinterest works like a search engine rather than a social media – impressions are far more valuable than followers. But I’d only recently become aware of the value of creating ‘fresh’ ie multiple pins for your own content. It’s not something I’ve done yet but it’s on my (ever expanding) To Do List. And in my freelance life, I do use LinkedIn so this month’s webinars sound spot on. And as email marketing is also on my longer term To Do List, it looks like June’s webinars would be useful too. Thank you for your discount code, I think I might need to check The Design Trust Business Club out now! Lisa xxx
Author
Thank you so much for the sweet comment Lisa! I am so glad you found the tips useful and yayy even more awesome that the Business Club would benefit your freelancing too! I’m glad you enjoyed the post lovely <3 xxx
This is such a helpful post Bexa and it’s brilliant that you’re able to offer a discount code for your blog readers too! Pinterest is an amazing tool one I’m just starting to get to grips with really.
Author
Thank you so much Rachael, I’m glad you found the post helpful <3 xx
that sounds like a neat opportunity. Are they only available to UK bloggers and business owners or worldwide?
Author
Thanks Alice! Just found this on their website: Most members are based in the United Kingdom, as The Design Trust is based in London, but we welcome international creatives too. <3 xx
This sounds like an amazing opportunity to learn so much about Pinterest. I’m still trying to figure it all out so having everything in one place is great. Thank you for sharing about this!
Author
Thank you so much Michelle, glad it helped! <3 xx
This is really interesting, especially as I have no clue about Pinterest haha. There are some great tips here 🙂
Your pictures in this post are bloomin lovely!
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
Author
Thanks for the lovely comment Cora! I’m glad you liked the tips and photos! <3 xx
This is soo great Bexa! What a cool thing to join. Pinterest is such a hard thing for me, I was doing really well but then fluctuated down and it was disheartening. I am trying so hard to be consistent with pinning now! Thank you for this wealth of information Bexa! <3
Geraldine | https://geraldinetalks.com
Author
Thank you so much for the kind comment Geraldine! I know the feeling, it can be disheartening at times but I think consistency is key! <3 xx
I absolutely love Pinterest, I find so much inspiration and I think I’ve been getting the hang of it way better recently! The Design Club sounds like something definitely need to give that extra motivation and push to Soph Hearts too! I’d not heard of them before so thanks for the introduction, I’ll definitely be checking them out and hopefully making the most of your discount!
Soph – https://sophhearts.com x
Author
Thank you so much for the kind comment Soph! That is so awesome, I am glad you found the post useful and are going to check them out! <3 xx
The Design Trust Business Club is such a creative idea for business owners. I have never heard of anything like this. Very inspirational.
Author
Thanks Deb, glad it has inspired you! <3 xx
How pretty and cute! I want those paper clips and pencil.
http://www.busyandfab.com
Author
Thank you! They are from Paperchase <3 xx
So many cute things <3 <3 <3
Your blog is place of so many happy vibes!!!
LackaDaisy
Author
Thank you, that is such a lovely thing to say! <3 xx
This was very timely for me. I just changed to a free blog platform and need to reconnect my site to Pinterest, but I’m wondering if I should because I don’t get much blog benefit from it. None of my subscribers came from Pinterest, no one pins MY blog pins, and my blog is not really “how to” or visually relevant. I was thinking of just removing my blog board and pinning for myself now that I love Pinterest for personal use. I’d love to get your input if you have the time to email and maybe look at my boards on Pinterest.
Author
Thanks for the comment, Nicole! I am glad you found the post useful. I have just checked out your Pinterest and I think it is worth keeping the board for your blog posts. You never know who might stumble across your pins and you can also share them on blogging group boards which will reach a wider audience. Feel free to drop me a message if you want any help <3 xx
Oooh, I like that the club gives you access to all sorts of resources to help your business grow. I should look into joining one – just to give me the extra edge. I like that this integrates with Pinterest. This is the one platform I am still trying to figure out. I like that you do a great job with your Pinterest activity! Thanks for the introduction to the business club!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Author
Thank you so much Nancy, I am glad you found the post helpful! <3 xx
Great post! I need to actually sit down and properly look into Pinterest and get mine started. I made an account a long time ago, but I just haven’t really touched it. I always hear such amazing things about it though, so I loved reading the Q&A. I love the idea of this business that has information/webinars etc readily to watch/read through, it sounds very helpful and it’s a fab idea. Thank you for sharing this with us, it’s good to know that there’s something like this out there! <3
Chloe xxx
http://www.chloechats.com
Author
Thanks so much for the kind comment Chloe, I agree, it is awesome that something like this is available out there! I’m glad you enjoyed the post and found it useful <3 xxx
What a fab idea this is! I’m launching my lifestyle/product and branding photography business very soon (still working on my branding/logo etc) This would definitely be something I’ll look into! The Pinterest tips are so helpful too. It drives me bonkers the way the UMV’s drop like a stone if you’re not constantly on it!! Thanks for sharing Bexa! x
Samantha | https://thebeautyspyglass.com
Author
Thanks so much for the kind comment Samantha! Wow, that is awesome you are launching your own business soon, that sounds so exciting and I wish you all the best! <3 xx
The Design Trust Business Club sound like such an amazing resource for bloggers and especially business owners! I really haven’t properly looked into Pinterest yet – I use it and enjoy it but I’m definitely not utilizing it. I’ll get there one day! Amazing post, thanks for sharing! <3
Jenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
Author
Thank you so much for the sweet comment Jenny, glad you enjoyed the post! <3 xx
Idea of business club sounds very interesting. i would like to join it because I think that I can find so many useful information there. Thank you for sharing all of these information about Pinterest, I still don’t have account but I think that I will open it, after reading your post.
New Post – http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2019/05/bobbi-brown-intensive-skin-serum_25.html
Author
Thank you so much for the comment, that is so awesome to hear, glad you enjoyed the post! <3
I found this blog post so helpful darling, thank you so much for sharing and learning me a few things!!
With love, Alisha Valerie x | http://www.alishavalerie.com
Author
Thank you Alisha, I am so glad you found it helpful! <3 xx
This sounds like such a helpful tool to have! Pinterest has always been a mystery to me as sometime so get amazing mothly views then all of a sudden it goes down, I’m definitely going to be using the tip of pinning 5 times a day to my boards and mixing between my own pins and others from Pinterest! Thank you this was really helpful x
Author
Thank you so much Aaliyah! Pinterest can be so confusing at times, I’m glad you found the tips helpful! <3 xx
I’ve just started using Pinterest and I’m trying my hardest to wrap my head around it. These tips were useful though, thank you!
Author
Thank you Ellen! <3 xx
My Pinterest account is finally usable (long story) so I’ve been starting to figure out what I’m doing on there – what I’m mainly doing, though, seems to be pinning nerd and Queer sh** and pictures of cats! 😉 I stand by my choices. Lol. <3
Author
Haha, yes! Pinterest was made for cute cat pics, right? <3 xx
Some great tips here! Feel like I need to work more on my pinning consistency now. The Design Club sounds like a great idea, another thing I need to save up for! X
Megan | https://meganelizabethlifestyle.com/
Author
Thank you Megan, glad you enjoyed the post! <3 xx
The Design Trust Business Club sounds like a wonderful organisation! I also love the Pinterest tips you’ve included too! Pinterest is my favourite marketing tool and the biggest driver of traffic to my blog but I always love learning new things! X
http://Www.imjustagirl16.co.uk
Author
Thank you so much Chloe, I am glad you learned something new! <3 xx
This sounds like a really useful resource. It doesn’t even seem so bad price wise. It’s much easier to swallow a little bit every month then the giant price tags I see on some blogging courses. Especially when you get a variety of info. Also loving the pinterest tips!
Author
Thank you so much Kristin, I agree, it seems like great value for money! <3 xx
This is SUCH a good post and some really great tips as well.
Thanks for sharing.
Naomi xo
tralisty.com
Author
Thank you Naomi! <3 xx
ooo I hadn’t heard of The Design Trust Business Club; that sounds really neat. And thanks for sharing the Q&A. Great tips! I’m still learning how to use Pinterest more effectively myself.
Author
Thank you so much Anna! <3 xx
Ooh, this sounds like a great network to join. I’ve just started investing in myself and my blog, so I’ll definitely look into this.
Author
Thanks Emma, that’s great to hear! <3 xx
There are lots of questions here that I’ve been asking myself so this is super useful! I really like using Pinterest but still haven’t got the hang of using it properly for my blog yet. The Design Trust Business Club sounds like a great resource too for those looking to expand and work on their business. Thank you for sharing these tips!
Author
Thank you so much Chloe, glad it was helpful! <3 xx
Thank you for the tips!! I can always use more pinterest advice 😁 and the club seems like its gonna be super helpful! Very interesting 💗
Author
Thank you so much! <3 xx
The trust sounds really great. These Pinterest tips we’re rather useful. I’m still trying to get my Pinterest sealegs and working on the consistency aspect of pinning. Just a question do the pins have to be new or can you recycle old pins at a later date.
Author
Thanks for the comment Nella! Glad it was helpful. Personally I do both, I create new pins and recycle old ones too xx
This is such a great idea and a fantastic resource. I loved the Interview, great questions. Pinterest is one of those ever-changing and confusing things, so all tips are always welcomed. Thank you for another great post.
Author
Thank you so much Madi, I agree, Pinterest can be so confusing at times! I’m glad you enjoyed the post <3 xx
This sounds so interesting!
I bet it will come in handy for so many people out there!
Great Pinterest tips here as well! Pinterest is definitely my main source of traffic and I’m always looking for ways to expand on that and I’ve found a few things that work, especially Tailwind and smart loop! 😊
Love Lozza xo
http://girlygabble.com
Author
Thank you so much Lozza, I have heard great things about Tailwind 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the post lovely <3 xx
This was very informative for me. I have used Pinterest for several years but not for my blog. I’ve been trying to learn more about how to utilize its features. Thank you!
Author
Thank you so much Sarah! <3 xx
This was such an informative post, Bexa! I’ve been trying to build more traffic to my blog by way of Pinterest but I’m struggling because I forget that Pinterest exists at times. And there’s a lot of Pinterest lingo that still gets me so confused. This post really helped a lot!
☼ cabin twenty-four
Author
Thank you so much Eena, I am glad the post was helpful! <3 xx
Def going to check this out! Thanks for sharing!!
Author
Thank you! <3 xx
Sounds like a great idea!
Thanks for sharing!
xo
Anastasia
https://www.natbees.com/bedroom-art-wall-gallery/
Author
Thank you Anastasia! <3 xx
I love spending time on Pinterest and find it a bit here and there. I keep pinning regularly but still the views keep going down which disheartens me. But I will try to be consistent as you have mentioned. I have rich pins, even fresh pins but still hehehe. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Bexa. As always such and interesting and helpful post. 🙂
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
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Thank you so much for the lovely comment Via! I can relate to the struggles, it is frustrating at times. I’m glad you found the post helpful <3 xx
The magic of it all! These stationary pieces are absolutely adorable, I love just how cute every single design is! And speaking of Pinterest, thanks for all of the valuable tips. I also do find that it is good to mix reposts and your own photos (photos from the Internet), this way you create even more fun content for people to look at xx
Naya
http://www.nayatilly.com
Author
Aww, thanks so much for the kind comment Naya! That’s a great tip, adding new content keeps things fresh and interesting <3 xx
Love these colorful notebooks and all the great info about Pinterest.
http://www.fashionradi.com
Author
Thank you Radi! <3 xx
Thanks for sharing, I was struggling big time with pinintrest
http://www.stylebasket.in
Author
You are welcome, glad it was helpful! <3 xx
Cute notebooks ❣
Author
Thank you! <3 xx
Bexa they gave me a clearer understanding on how to use Pinterest more efficiently! I always thought it was best to pin content from others over yours and to pin 30 pins a day! But their tactics make more sense. Less is more. Pin 5 images consistently daily. Since I can’t afford Tailwind right now, this will be easier to do with the scheduling system on Pinterest. I like the idea of telling a story and adding a calm to action, it all makes so much more sense! Thanks for sharing!!
Natonya | https://www.justnatonya.wordpress.com
Author
Thank you so much for the kind comment, Natonya! I am so glad you found the post useful and it has given you some ideas! <3 xx
Thank you so much for sharing this blog post darling, you’ve really given me some amazing advice! 💜
With love, Alisha Valerie x | http://www.alishavalerie.com
Author
Thank you so much Alisha! <3 xx
Great tips Bexa! Pinterest really has been a game changer <3
Author
Thank you so much Tanya, glad you found the post helpful! <3 xx