I’ll start this post with a friendly warning: Pinterest is addictive! If you haven’t used it before, just keep this in mind when you sign up, and don’t come waving your finger at me when three days have passed and you’re still sitting in your PJs staring at your laptop. Got it? OK. Good! 
In this post:
- What is Pinterest
- How to use Pinterest
- The benefits of bloggers using Pinterest
- How to add the “Pin It” button to your blog
- How to find out if someone has pinned one of your images on Pinterest
- The Pinterest “Pin It On Pinterest” WordPress plugin
- Dealing with 404 errors (solutions kindly offered by readers – see the comments!)
- Stopping people from pinning your blog’s images & reporting copyright issues
First: What is pinterest?
Pinterest is described on its website as a “virtual pinboard” – a place for you to “collect the things you love”. Other useful descriptions you’ll hear are “online vision boards” and “image bookmarking website”.
Pinterest.com
What do you do with Pinterest?
As the descriptions above suggest, it’s a website full of images or YouTube videos that you love (each pic or flick is called a “Pin”). After registering for an invite (or receiving one from a friend), you sign in (using your Twitter or Facebook account if you set it up that way) and edit your profile. Within your profile are “boards” which – when compared to blogs – are like “categories”. They’re essentially topics that you categorise all the images that you like into. Examples could include: hairstyles, wedding gowns, shoes, decorated rooms etc.
Pinterest can also be used on your iPhone or iPad.
Pinterest boards
How do you add images to Pinterest?
You can save an image or YouTube video to the board in three ways:
1. Simply clicking on an image that’s already on the site and “repinning” it to an existing board or a new one that you create. You can also comment on the image or simply “like it”. Find images by looking at what’s on the home page, looking at what’s “popular” and driving discussion, or look at the images of other Pinterest users you are following (following is a bit like it is on Twitter, however you can follow all of the images they “Pin” or, you can follow individual boards which is akin to following individual Twitter lists).
How to "Repin" on pinterest
2. Add the “Pin It” button to your toolbar, which you then click regardless of which web page you’re surfing. To do this you first need to follow these instructions regarding installing the bookmarklet (it’s basically a matter of dragging and dropping the bookmarklet to your toolbar). Then, you simply surf the web, find an image you like, click the “Pin It” bookmarklet. Next, a box with all the the images on that page will pop up and you then select which ones you want to add to your boards.
The screen that appears after clicking the Pinterest "bookmarklet"
3. Uploading images from your computer or adding an image via its URL. This is very simple to do, and can be done by clicking on “add” then “pin” in the top right hand corner of the Pinterest website. This screen is what you’ll see:
Uploading an image / adding an image URL to Pinterest
Regardless of which option you choose, you will be prompted to select a board to add the image to, write a caption, and – if you wish – add a tag, mention a fellow pinterest user using the “@” symbol and even prices.
Adding an image to your Pinterest board
What’s in Pinterest for bloggers?
So you may be thinking, “This looks like fun, but how’s it going to help my blog?” and that’s a valid question. Here are five reasons bloggers should use Pinterest:
1. Drive traffic. People may see images from your blog on Pinterest, and then click through (if they link back to your site) for more information. This is particularly true of images of food (people want the recipe), hairstyles (people want the instructions) and crafts (people want the “how-tos”). Motivational quotes and manifestos also get “Pinned” a lot (so think about creating your own!).
2. Networking. Like any social network or forum, your profile is yet another chance for you to promote your blog’s URL. By searching for images in your blog’s niche, you can not only find people to follow with similar tastes to yours, but find people who may be interested in your blog (and want to follow you back).
3. Finding images to use. Now, this is a bit of an “iffy” issue. There are rules in regards to which images you can use on the web – most bloggers are very aware of this – but Pinterest can be a great source of pictures for your posts. Just remember to track down the owner of the image and get their permission to use it first. Everyone loves a blogger who plays nice. If Pinterest doesn’t lead you to the image source, you may want to try using TinEye to find it.
4. Promote products. Sell products via your blog? Perhaps an ebook? Pin them to Pinterest for extra promotion! However, like Twitter, don’t use Pinterest as purely a self-promotional tool. It’s OK to pin your own images or YouTube videos, but remember to also join in the “conversation” and use it for what it is meant for: LOADS of fun!
5. Bookmarking. I’ve also noticed that Pinterest is being used as a bookmarking tool. My blog’s header has been pinned by some people as way of noting blogs they like to visit and read – a bit like a favourites list.
Promote Your Pinterest Profile
Just like you would with your Twitter account or blog Facebook page, you can promote your Pinterest profile on your blog via a button (get it here). There are a few to choose from and they look like this (these link to my profile, by the way – do drop by and follow!):
How to add the Pinterest “Pin It” button to your blog
[UPDATE 1: It appears there has been a little hack created that means you can add a Pin It button automatically to every WordPress page! Good news! However, it's a bit of a geeky process, so you will probably need a geek-skill level of intermediate to implement. Check it out here. Cheers to Kate from DDGDaily for alerting me to this! This is what I've used to add the Pin It button to my blog.]
[UPDATE 2: There has been a workaround created for Blogger users too! Check it out at Kelsey Creates. Cheers to HiLLjo from Daisy To Sunflower for sharing this link with me!]
[UPDATE 3: There is now a Pinterest plugin for WordPress - see end of post]
There are three steps to adding a “Pin It” image to your blog. Unfortunately – at present – it is a manual step that you need to do for every image on post you want to encourage people to pin images from. Fortunately it’s very easy using the tool on the Pinterest website:
Creating the Pinterest Pin It button
There are five steps you need to do for EVERY IMAGE you want to sit the button next to. It’s easiest to create your post, save it as a draft and then do the following:
1. Enter the URL of the page the image will be located
2. Enter the URL of the image (right or double click the image to get this and then copy and paste it)
3. Enter a description (optional)
4. Choose your button size (vertical, horizontal with count, or horizontal without count)
5. Copy and paste the code into your post within the HTML editor. Place it somewhere noticeable. If putting more than one “Pin It” buttons per post, place them near the relative image. Like this:
How to add Pinterest "Pin It" button to your blog
That’s it! Hope you’ve found this post helpful!
[UPDATE]
How to find out if your blog images have been pinned on Pinterest
To find out if someone has pinned one of your images on Pinterest, use this URL, replacing theblogstylist.com with your own domain name: http://pinterest.com/source/theblogstylist.com/
[UPDATE]
The Pinterest WordPress Plugin
At last! Someone has created a Pinterest WordPress plugin. If you use WordPress, this plugin certainly makes adding the button to your WordPress posts easier (you do it from within each post, giving you control over which posts and images can be pinned). It looks as though it is limited to one image per post, but hey, it’s a start, right?
Another WordPress plugin you could use is Social Discussions. It adds a Pinterest Pin It Button to your posts, along with the options to also add Twitter, Facebook and G+ sharing buttons too.
And finally, if you want to display your recent pins on your WordPress blog, you might like to try the Super-Simple Pinterest Widget plugin.
[UPDATE] The best WordPress/Pinterest plugin – by far – is the Pinterest “Pin It” Button plugin. It adds a button – much like the one on all of my posts – and is easy to install and set up. Depending on where you want it to sit, it may require a little styling with CSS to get it in the right position, but you’re new to CSS the plugin developer provides examples on his website to help you on your way.
What if you DON’T want people pinning your blog’s images?
[UPDATE] That’s cool. Pinterest isn’t for everyone, and understandably, some photographers, graphic artists etc may wish to protect their copyrighted work. In this case, you need to add a line of code to the <head> section of your blog:
<meta name="pinterest" content="nopin" />
Anyone who then tries to pin an image using the Pinterest bookmarklet will be shown this message: “This site doesn’t allow pinning to Pinterest. Please contact the owner with any questions. Thanks for visiting!”
Of course, it won’t stop anyone from saving your image to their computer and manually uploading it to Pinterest. But if you need to report copyright infringement issues to Pinterest, visit their Copyright page for details on how to do this.
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I’m as obsessed with Pinterest as I am Instagram. I have one question, could you please develop a WordPress plug-in so we don’t have to add the HTML code every time? You can do that, can’t you
Nikki @ Styling You recently posted..Are you a Spanx or a Bonds girl?
Ah Nikki, if only I had those kind of developer skills!
Bree recently posted..Pinterest: The ultimate guide (Blogger benefits and adding the Pin It button to your blog)
You’ll have to enter into the template HTML code but there are a ton of tutorials out there! It can be done! I’ve added stumble upon to my blog that way.
HiLLjO recently posted..Wedding Dress Shopping FAILS
Great post! I was looking at Pinterest the other day.. but really how many social media platforms you are capable of using? twitter+facebook+tumbl+instagram+flickr… now here is another one. What about life beyond laptop screen? When? Not complaining… just thinking:)
Marusya V recently posted..9 Tips for promoting your blog
You have a really valid point! I think it really comes down to what you blog about and what’s beneficial for your blog. Just pick and choose the ones that are going to help you the most!
Bree recently posted..Pinterest: The ultimate guide (Blogger benefits and adding the Pin It button to your blog)
Love these tips- thank you!
Steph
(I think I’m Stephanie Precourt on Pinterest!)
Adventures In Babywearing recently posted..No Service
Oh boy! I signed up for Pinterest but the whole thing scared me because it was too complex for my pea brain…but now that you have broken it down a bit, I may be encouraged to go back on it and play around again! Thanks Bree!
Ling @thebestbeautyblog.com recently posted..Cow Print Nail Art Tutorial – It’s Moo Moo Time!!
Haha… enjoy Ling!
Bree recently posted..Style Bloggers’ News: 15 must-click links (issue
That was superbly helpful – thankyou!
I don’t know how I feel about people pinning my images because I feel like they can be stolen all too easily, but I like that I can integrate Pinterest more with my blog now
cclarebear recently posted..The Oblivious Blog Guest Reviews: Kiehl’s & Dermalogica
Cheers Clare! A valid point re: stealing images, however, even if you don’t add a “pin it” button, people can take them anyway… May as well put a watermark on them and hope to get some traffic out of it, eh?
Bree recently posted..Style Bloggers’ News: 15 must-click links (issue
This is a fabulous post Bree!
I’ve been wondering how to do this since joining Pinterest last year. Unfortunately my Pinterest addiction has led to my blog being unconscious at the moment. Hopefully when it decides to awaken from its’ coma, I’ll add a Pinterest button to it.
Nice surprise to see my Pinterest page appear in your post!
Sandy K
Ampersand Design recently posted..Rue – Mar/Apr 2011 Issue 4
Glad you liked your cameo appearance!
Bree recently posted..Style Bloggers’ News: 15 must-click links (issue
I actually joined Pinterest just yesterday so I am still finding my way around. Problem is each time I try to edit my boards it takes me to an error TTP 404 page which I have had to report to them… am I the only blody user with this issue?
Tammerly @ Pink Diva Beauty recently posted..Sydney International Beauty Expo is Near…
I just joined today and am having the same issue — really frustrating!
Yep, me too. I can pin and create new boards, just can see or edit my boards.
Me too! I wish they’d fix it.
I’m getting the same 404 error on some of my boards. Can’t even get into the board to delete or rename. Wish they’d get this issue resolved.
I had same problem – and found the fix (for me anyway). See if this works for you: in the address bar, you should see your user name following “http://pinterest.com/” If you’ve changed your username (like I did), then type into the address bar your new user in place of your old user name. On the boards that give you the dreaded 404 error, replace your user name with your new user name followed by “/’board name’/settings This will allow you to delete the board. Hope this helps!
You are a genius! I renamed one of my boards, over the weekend, and started getting the 404 error yesterday. It was driving me nuts! I was able to access the board, using your way, and moved them to a new board today. I can’t delete the old board, but at least I can access the pins again!
I tried all of the above and still can’t access my board. My coworker was having the same issues, but it seemed like your way helped her. I don’t know what the deal is
No matter what I type in the address bar, nothing helps!
this worked with one of my boards but not the other (WTF?) i hope there’s a solution soon…
I tried this but instead of deleting the board I just clicked “save” at the bottom and it seemed to fix the problem!
I had the double whammy of having changed both my username and the name of a couple of the boards. For some reason, some of the links were using the new board name and some I had to input the old board name in. But I got everything fixed using this method.
Katie recently posted..heart sticker + wate
That worked!! Thank you sooo much!!
Hi, I went into settings and changed my username then I was able to access the 404 board. I renamed the board and saved it and was able to access all the pins again. You also could have deleted the board on that screen if you chose to. thanks so much for your help.
Colleen, you’ve saved my world!
Awesome!! I changed my username and BOOM – everything was fixed
OMG I think you have just answered my prayers. Come to think of it, I started having problems with error 404 after I changed my screen name. I’m going to try your “fix”. Wish me luck.
thank you for posting this fix in comments – your solution also worked for my account. it’s frustrating that pinterest isn’t posting the fix, but I am glad that this resource is.
[...] button to my blog is now as valid as my other social buttons. Bree, The Blog Stylist, has written a detailed post about what Pinterest is, how you can use it and how to add it to your blog. To date, a WordPress plug-in hasn’t been developed to make adding the Pin it button to your [...]
I am very new to Pinterest, but can SO appreciate the warning about 3 days later in your PJ’s!! I was wondering about the pages where you see lists of people – for example if you were to look at people you follow – there is a list of names down the left hand side of the page and then some of them have links to their boards linked on the right hand side – how do those board show up? (And does this question make sense!!)
Also, I notice that some people have a large number of boards, but only a certain number will show up in the drop down box when I repin which meant that I have limited the number of boards that I have (the only alternative that I could think of was to pin on a random board then go back and repin onto the intended one but this seems a little cumbersome!)
I would really appreciate some insight!
Thanks
Allison
Hi Allison!
Hmmm… I’m not quite sure I follow the first question… (sorry!). As for the second question, that certainly sounds like a Pinterest bug of sorts! Perhaps reach out the the Pinterest people via Twitter? @pinterest
[...] Click here! [...]
I am currently researching how to add a Pin it button to my post footers on every blog post so that I do not have to catalog my images this way. I’ll have to bust into the HTML code in my blogger template but I’ve done it before for Stumble Upon and the like.
HiLLjO recently posted..Wedding Dress Shopping FAILS
Sounds great HiLLjO! Keep us posted as to how you go!
Bree recently posted..8 ways to spice up your blog
YAY! I got the button to work and it is live! It works like a charm and even attributes my image back to my blog’s landing page! I used the instructions here:
http://kelseyprantis.blogspot.com/2011/05/add-pinterest-pin-button-to-you-blog.html
Awesome! And thank you so much for letting me know – will add a link in the post! (Wanted to give you a shout-out on Twitter, but can’t find your Twitter name…)
Bree recently posted..Style Bloggers’ News: 15 must-click links (issue 9)
Thanks Bree! Nope, no twitter for me but I’m bloggy and polyvore-y and Pinterest-y!
HiLLjO recently posted..TIRAMISU ICE CREAM. +week in review
[...] And how I said that if used wisely it could be a great traffic-driver? Well, I included a “How to add the ‘Pin It’ button to your blog” image at the bottom of the post. And, yep, you guessed it: that image got submitted to [...]
[...] you’re not sure what it’s all about, you should read The Blog Stylist’s Ultimate Guide to Pinterest. I’ll wait…….And if you don’t have an account yet and need an invite, let me [...]
I just found this excellent post via Tina Gray. I wish I’d seen this when I first started pinning. Great advice-thanks!
Best wishes,
Natasha.
Natasha @ 5 Minutes Just for Me recently posted..Pinning & Singing on the Weekend ~ Rugby and Father’s Day!
You’re welcome Natasha!
I have requested an invite at least 3 times and have yet to get an invite. What do I do now? I would love to . Thanks for any help from anyone.
Have a blessed day.
Sherree
I’ll send you one, Sherree! Watch your inbox
[...] (a country or city), trying something new (an exercise regime), using a product or service (eg: adding the Pinterest “Pin It” button to your blog), or attempting something you may be skilled in (writing short stories or purchasing the right [...]
Thanks so much for the “how to find out if you’ve been pinned!” Exactly what I needed to know!
Veronica recently posted..14-Month Facts
You’re welcome!
Thanks for this blog! I’m just discovering Pinterest and yes, I get totally lost in it. I’m trying to add a pin to one of my boards; it’s a jpeg photo from my computer, and when i try to add it, then upload, it successfully shows the image of what I’m trying to pin. I add my description, but then when I click the big red ‘pin it’ button, i get a ‘page not found 404 error’ message – any help would be appreciated!
Hi Wendy! Isn’t it great?! It sounds like you’re doing everything right to add your picture, so perhaps it’s just a buggy issue. Maybe try another browser – or just try later on – and see if it helps?
Hit REFRESH until it pops up. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t! Pinterest’s little servers get SO overwhelmed sometimes!
HiLLjO recently posted..Happy Halloween 2011!!!
[...] 3 The Blog Stylist shares Adding the ‘Pin It’ Pinterest Button to your Blog [...]
Wish I could get the Pin it on Pinterest plug-in to work!! Will have to use your other buttons for now … at least until the social medial plugins add a pinterest button
Robin recently posted..Color Inspiration for Interior Painting Ideas: Mississippi Blues
Hi Robin! There is another plugin you could try – it’s called Social Discussions. Find it here: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/social-discussions/
Hi Bree
Quick question, love your Pinterest article, already a fan of it. However I noticed in the last month that when I try to follow a pinner back I get a message Error 404 and not only that but my pinterest screen is blank just grey with a screen / bar with photos on the left hand side of the screen, even when I go to the Pinterest home pge the centre of my page is grey with no photos. I can see my own photos fine when I go into my profile etc but I can see NO ONE elses pins. Really disappointed. You haven’t come across this have you?
Thanks
Fi
Hi Fiona! Hmmm… my first thought is to try using it in a different browser… I’ve not come across this problem unfortunately (or, fortunately – for me!). I’d suggest tweeting Pinterest for assistance: @pinterest. Wish I could be of more help
Well I have been using Pinterest for a few months now and LOVING it! In fact I love it so much that I too have created an article on why I love Pinterest. It is just such an awesome place for inspiration and beautiful images.
Tammerly @ Pink Diva Beauty recently posted..What Pinterests You??
That’s awesome, Tammerly! It’s sooo addictive!
I’m completely addicted to pinterest. Unfortunately for the last week or two I have been getting a 404 error every time I try to access one of my boards. Takes all the fun out of pinning if I can’t go back and access them.
That happens to me too, orangesugar. Hope they get that sorted soon!
Me too. Everytime I try to access my boards it gives me a 404 error message.
Any idea what the 404 error is? Very frustrating
[...] Adding the "Pin it" button [...]
[...] also makes a great resource for bloggers. When I want to see what others are sharing on a particular topic that I’m writing about, I [...]
Thank you for this post! I’ve been trying to figure out how to find who is pinning me, and you provided the perfect, simple answer. Nice to be able to find people who like my work. Will read the rest later as I’m also working to get a “Pin it” item on my blog posts!
Deb recently posted..Hand stitched book with snowflake spacers
You’re welcome Deb!
Thank you so much for explaining Pinterest, what to do and how to use it. Pinterest is a great idea. I had been figuring out the pins and repins…etc. It is very exciting to explore the pins. Great stuff on members’ pinboards. I would also love to have my own board but I am still waiting for my invite. May I please ask for an invite from you or anybody. Thank you.
[...] you’d like information about other ways to add a “Pin It” button to your blog Blog Stylist has a great post to refer to. They also cover some Pinterest basics that I’ve already [...]
Twitter: amanda h
Could someone please send an invite to me? I have waited so long. Thankyou.
Hi Amanda, let me know the best email address for you and I’ll send you an invite x
love the concept but had issues with pintrest invites (waiting 2 months, not cool) so i went with http://www.juxtapost.com instead. now i’m addicted to thing. love posting things and sending crafty things to my mom.
[...] Pinterest Blogger Benefits [...]
[...] Pinterest Blogger Benefits [...]
[...] Pinterest is like a virtual scrapbook, and makes it super easy to access all of the amazing pictures, ideas and stories you find online. You literally drag and drop pictures (and their online links) into your own personalised portfolio. And you can create whatever files you like, depending on what you’re into. Get a top line run-down here. Or for a more detailed step-by-step check out The Blog Stylist. [...]
Twitter: nearafar
how do you add your website to the grey area underneath your pins so you can link it to your blog? I’m having a lot of trouble with this.
I’ve tried by adding my blog name in the comment box but that’s not it. Grr!
Hi Natalie! Hmm… not entirely sure what you mean? Do you want to add it to the comment left under the picture?
When I go to my daughters’s photography site (she is a professional photographer), a screen pops up that says no video or media detected. Can you please tell me why. I would so appreciate this!
Becky
HI Becky, I’d have to take a look at your daughter’s site to be sure, but it sounds like a plugin problem. Perhaps she could try using a different Pinterest plugin?
[...] Pinterest: The ultimate guide (Blogger benefits and adding the Pin It button to your blog) [...]
Great post – Love the growing popularity of Pinterest!
Thanks Angela!
Twitter: snackingkitchen
I love Pinterest! I also love your “share” bar at the top of each post. Is there a way you would share a code for that?
Thanks Anna – I love Pinterest too! My share bar is manually coded – you’d have to know how to edit your files and style with CSS… However there’s a plugin called Digg Digg that will give a similar result.
Twitter: Gvndchoudhary
That was an amazing post i was looking for…got all info here that i was searching..Thanks a lot for share with us..Keep going
Govind@LatestOnNet recently posted..What Is Pinterest And How It Can be Beneficial for Bloggers?
[...] Pinterest: The ultimate guide via TheBlogStylist.com [...]
[...] theblogstylist.com via Tom on [...]
Did you know Pinterest’s TOS says you’re not allowed to post copyright or licensed photos? That means you shouldn’t post most photos you find on the internet.
The reason is that Pinterest takes the right to keep and SELL all the images you pin. So if it’s not your photo, you’ve just handed someone else’s property to Pinterest.
Plus they’re making money by adding their affiliate links to any commercial websites you pin on the site.
Marisa Wright recently posted..How to Teach Belly Dance : Shemiran Ibrahim
Is there any way to get RID of stuff I have pinned?
This post was so helpful – I especially appreciate the link for finding if anything from your blog has been pinned. I haven’t successfully added a button to my WordPress blog but I’m hoping to get there one day. Thanks so much!!
Mary recently posted..DIY Tulle Wedding Pew Bows
[...] A general introduction to Pinterest by blog stylist [...]
[...] Pinterest: The Ultimate Guide [...]
[...] this time it’s Pinterest that’s got my brain in overdrive. I wrote about Pinterest and its benefits for bloggers about six months ago. Here are some of the main points I [...]
I’ve had an account for exactly 24 hours and so far I’ve been unable to create a new board, pin anything in order to create a new board, follow any recommended boards or even do anything without getting a 404 error.
Having a great time so far! (not)
I love your insight! You have so much knowledge on the subject. I need you to have as a friend!
Thank you for taking the time to help us unknown bloggers!
Candace Marquette recently posted..Staging Jewelry
Twitter: Smith_Tanya
Thanks for such a clear step by step guide to getting started on Pinterest – which I’m looking forward to doing! As with all these online platforms it’s nice to have some guidance on getting your profile and boards etc set up RIGHT from the outset, rather than having to try an go back to rejig! Let’s hope the Pinterest developers resist what I call the ‘Facebook tweak twitch’ – wanting to tweak the platform every five minutes!
cheers
Tanya Smith recently posted..More Clients and Profits – Plugging Your Website Leaks Part One
[...] Pinterest: The Ultimate Guide [...]
[...] Pinterest: The Ultimate Guide [...]
[...] Pinterest: The Ultimate Guide [...]
[...] Pinterest: The Ultimate Guide [...]
[...] Pinterest: The Ultimate GuideThe Blog Stylist explains what Pinterest is and how bloggers can leverage the platform to drive traffic and branding. [...]
I don’t have a blog or Twitter account, and I promise I’m not a spammer. I recently changed the name of two of my boards, now when I try to access them I get 404-no page! Any help on what to do to be able to access them? Thank you for any help.
Hey Mary, check out the comment above by BGHanson. Might help!
Hey Bree, don’t know how I missed BGHanson! Thanks for the help. Will give it a try!