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Brand Building Blueprint: Mastering Pinterest & LinkedIn for Organic Growth
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Pinterest:
Pinterest functions much like a visually driven search engine, a golden opportunity for content creators, businesses, and anyone looking to drive traffic to their website. It is time to harness the power of Pinterest effectively to boost your visibility and website traffic significantly. Here is a simple step-by-step plan:
1. Optimize your Profile
Start by ensuring that your Pinterest profile is fully optimized. This means:
· Having a clear, professional profile picture that represents your brand.
· Using a username and bio clearly stating what you do and who you serve. Include keywords related to your niche.
· Linking your website in your profile for easy access.
Optimizing your Pinterest Profile is the foundation for success on the platform, as it not only improves your visibility but also establishes your brand identity. Here’s a detailed tip/example of how someone might do that:
Creating a Compelling Bio
Your Bio is one of the first things people see when they visit your profile. It’s your chance to make a great first impression, convey what you do, and why someone should follow you and engage with your content. A well-crafted bio can also improve your discoverability through relevant keywords.
How to do it:
#1 Be Clear and Concise: Pinterest gives you 160 characters for your bio, so you need to be clear and to the point. Straightaway state who you are, what you do, and what value you provide to your followers.
#2 Use Keywords Wisely: Identify keywords that are relevant to your niche and what your target audience might be searching for. These could relate to the content you plan to share, your industry, or the services you offer. Incorporating these keywords into your bio can help your profile show up in search results.
#3 Show Personality: Your bio shouldn’t just be a string of keywords. It’s also a chance to show a bit of your brand’s personality. Whether it’s professional, playful, inspirational, or educational, let that tone shine through.
#4 Include a Call to Action (CTA): Encourage visitors to take the next step, whether it’s checking out your latest pins, visiting your website, or downloading a free resource. Make it clear what you want them to do after they find your profile.
Example BIO:
Let's say you’re a sustainable fashion brand. Your bio might look something like this:
“🌿EcoChic Fashion | We bring you the latest in sustainable style and green living tips. Transform your wardrobe & planet. 🌍 Explore our collections & join the movement! #SustainableFashion”
Why This Works:
· It clearly states the niche (sustainable fashion) and what followers can expect (latest styles, living tips.)
· It uses keywords like “sustainable style”, “green living”, and “sustainable fashion”, which can help the profile appear in relevant searches.
· The use of emojis adds personality and makes the bio visually appealing.
· It includes a CTA encouraging users to explore their collections and join their movement, guiding followers on what to do next.
Remember, your Pinterest profile is a living part of your online presence. Revisit and update it as your brand evolves and as you gain deeper insights into what resonates with your audience.
2. Create a Business Account
A business account on Pinterest offers valuable tools like analytics, which are essential for tracking what works and what doesn’t. It’s free to convert your existing account or create a new one.
3. Understand your Audience.
Before diving into content creation, it’s crucial to understand who your audience is and what they’re searching for on Pinterest. Use Pinterest analytics to get insights into popular trends and tailor your content accordingly.
4. Keyword Research
Just like any search engine, keywords are your keys to success on Pinterest. Use Pinterest’s search bar to start your keyword research. Type in terms related to your niche and not the suggested searches. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your pins’ titles, descriptions, and your board titles and descriptions.
5. Create High-Quality, Eye-Catching Pins
Your pins need to stand out to capture attention. Use high-quality images or graphics, clear fonts, and include your brand colors. Tools like Canva can be your best friend here. Make sure each pin links directly to the relevant page on your website to drive traffic.
6. Pin Regularly
Consistency is key on Pinterest. Aim to pin daily, mixing your original content with curated pins that your audience will find valuable. Use the scheduling tool to maintain a consistent presence.
7. Use Boeards Strategically
Create boards that are relevant to your niche and your audience’s interests. Make sure the board titles and descriptions are keyword-rich and descriptive. This not only helps with Pinterest’s search engine but also organizes your content in an appealing way to your audience.
8. Engage With the Community
Engagement can drive visibility. Follow accounts in your niche, comment on pins, and repin content that your audience will find valuable. This can increase your profile’s visibility and attract followers back to your account.
9. Analyze and Adjust
Use Pinterest Analytics to track which pins and boards perform the best. Note the trends, and refine your strategy accordingly. Pay attention to the pins that drive the most traffic to your website and create more content in that vein.
10. Educate Your Audience
Share your Pinterest journey and tips with your audience through your other social media channels or blog. Provide your audience with something of value. A reason to follow you.
LinkedIn:
LinkedIn is a powerhouse for professional networking and can be an exceptional platform for generating high-quality leads, particularly for B2B businesses or professionals looking to establish their brand in their industry. Here’s a crash course outline to help you effectively use your LinkedIn page to reach your target audience.
1. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
· Professional Photo: Use high-quality, professional profile pictures.
· Compelling Headline: Your headline should go beyond just your job title (remember, it is not to be used as a resume). Include your value proposition or what you specialize in.
· Detailed Summary: Your summary should tell your story, showcasing your expertise, accomplishments, and what you bring to the table. Use keywords relevant to your industry to improve visibility.
· Experience and Skills: Highlight your professional experiences and skills. Be specific and quantify your achievements when possible.
Craft a Standout Headline
Why It’s Important:
Your LinkedIn headline is not just a job title. It’s a prime real estate that appears in LinkedIn searches and when your profile comes up in other contexts like post engagements or recommendations. A well-crafted headline can distinguish you from the competition and clearly articulate your value proposition.
How to do it:
#1 Use Keywords Strategically: Identify keywords that are relevant to your industry, skills, and the type of roles or opportunities you are seeking. These keywords help you show up in search results when potential connections or recruiters search for professionals with your expertise.
#2 Showcase Your Specialty or Value Proposition: Beyond just your current job title, include what sets you apart. Are you an expert in a particular field? Do you have a unique approach or philosophy? This can help attract the right kind of connections and opportunities.
#3 With only 120 Characters available for your headline, clarity and brevity are key. You want to communicate effectively who you are and what you do without overwhelming your audience with jargon or buzzwords.
#4 Consider Your Target Audience: Tailor your headline to speak directly to the people you want to connect with on LinkedIn. Think about what they might be searching for and how you can present yourself as the solution to their needs.
Example Headline:
Let’s say you are a digital marketing expert specializing in the healthcare industry. Instead of just saying” Digital Marketing Manager”, your headline could be:
“Digital Marketing Strategist for Healthcare | Helping Clinics Boost Online Presence & Patient Engagement”
Why This Works:
· It immediately identifies your niche (digital marketing for healthcare), which helps attract the most relevant connections.
· It includes keywords such as “Digital Marketing Strategist”, “ Healthcare”, “Clinics”, “Online Presence”, and “Patient Engagement”, improving your visibility in search results.
· It communicates a clear value proposition: you help healthcare clinics improve their online presence and engage with patients more effectively.
· It speaks directly to potential clients (healthcare clinics) and positions you as an expert who can address their specific needs.
Optimizing your LinkedIn headline in such a targeted way makes your profile more attractive to the right audience, enhancing your professional brand and improving your visibility on the platform. Remember, your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression you make on potential employers, clients, or partners, so make it count!
2. Create a Company Page
If you’re a business owner or freelancer, create a LinkedIn Company Page. This is where you can share company news, updates, and industry-related content. Ensure your company page is complete with:
· A detailed description of what your business does.
· High-quality logo and cover image.
· Website link and company details.
3. Publish Valuable Content
· Share Insights: Post articles, insights, and news relevant to your industry. This positions you as a thought leader.
· Engage Consistently: Regular posts keep you visible in your connections’ feeds. Mix it up with articles, posts, videos, and infographics.
· Use Hashtags: Hashtags increase the visibility of your content to users following those topics. Try to pick 3-4 that you use consistently and then use others that are related to your topic.
4. Engage With Your Network:
· Comment and Share: Engage with content posted by your connections and industry leaders. Thoughtful comments can increase your visibility.
· Join Groups: Participate in LinkedIn groups related to your industry. Share your insights and engage in discussions.
5. Leverage LinkedIn’s Advanced Search
Use LinkedIn’s advanced search feature to find and connect with potential leads or partners. You can filter searches by location, industry, current company, and more.
6. Use LinkedIn Ads
For a more direct approach to reaching your target audience, consider using LinkedIn ads. You can create targeted ad campaigns to reach potential customers based on their industry, job title, seniority, and more.
7. Analyze and Optimize
Utilize LinkedIn Analytics to measure the performance of your content and engagement strategies. Look at what types of content and which posting times generate the most engagement and adjust your strategy accordingly.
8. LinkedIn Learning
Recommend LinkedIn Learning courses relevant to your audience’s industry or interests. Continuous learning and improvement are key to maintaining a competitive edge.
9. Personal Touch
When reaching out to new connections, personalize your message. Mention why you’re reaching out and what common interests or goals you share. This can significantly increase your acceptance rate.
10. Showcase Your Achievements and Projects
Regularly update your profile and company page with new projects, certifications, and achievements. This keeps your profile fresh and demonstrates continuous growth to your network.