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Email lists are one of the most valuable assets for e-commerce sellers, product creators, and service providers. Social media algorithms change often, but your email list gives you a direct way to reach potential customers.
But getting people to sign up isn’t always easy. That’s where Pinterest comes in.
I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t Pinterest just for wedding planning and recipe sharing?” Trust me, it’s so much more than that, especially when it comes to building your email list.
Why Pinterest Should Be Your New Best Friend
Before we jump into the strategies, let’s talk about why Pinterest is such a great platform for email list growth. While other social platforms where your content disappears into the void after a few hours, Pinterest pins continue to drive traffic for months – even years!
This means your lead magnets and opt-in offers keep working for you long after you’ve posted them.
What makes Pinterest particularly special is that its users are in a planning mindset. They’re actively looking for solutions, products, and ideas. This makes them perfect potential subscribers for your email list.
Whether you’re selling handmade jewelry, offering business consulting services, or running an online course business, your ideal customers are already there, ready to engage.
Let’s break down how to use Pinterest to grow your email list and build a community of engaged potential customers.
1. Create a Lead Magnet That Pinterest Users Want
People aren’t going to hand over their email for nothing. They need an incentive, also known as a lead magnet. This could be a:
- Discount code for e-commerce stores
- Free shipping for first-time buyers
- Digital downloads like a guide, checklist, or planner
- Exclusive video tutorial or webinar
- Free mini-course
Think about what your ideal customer would find helpful. For example, if you sell handmade candles, a guide on “How to Make Your Candles Last Longer” could work. If you’re a business coach, a free “30-Day Business Growth Planner” might attract subscribers.
2. Design a Landing Page for Sign-Ups
Your Pinterest strategy needs a solid foundation, and that starts with a landing page dedicated to collecting emails. This page should:
- Be simple and distraction-free (no unnecessary links)
- Clearly explain the benefits of signing up
- Have a strong call-to-action (CTA), like “Get Your Free Guide” or “Claim Your Discount”
- Include an easy-to-use signup form
Make sure your landing page is mobile-friendly since many Pinterest users browse on their phones.
Want to make sure your audience takes action? A strong call-to-action (CTA) can make all the difference. Head over to our article, How to Write CTAs That Turn Pinners into Buyers, to learn how to craft CTAs that drive real results!
3. Optimize Your Pinterest Profile
First things first, you need a Pinterest business account. Don’t worry if you’re starting with a personal account – converting is as simple as a few clicks in your settings.
A business account opens up valuable features like Rich Pins, which make your content look more professional, and Pinterest Analytics, which helps you understand what’s working.
Plus, you should also:
- Write a bio that includes relevant keywords about your business
- Add a link to your landing page in your profile
- Organize your boards so they reflect your niche and attract your target audience
4. Create Pins That Converts
Now, your pins need to do more than just look pretty – they need to convert viewers into email subscribers.
The secret lies in creating lead magnets specifically designed for Pinterest’s visual nature. Consider what would stop someone mid-scroll and compel them to click through to your offer.
For fashion retailers, this might mean creating a beautifully designed “10-Piece Wardrobe Essentials Guide.” Service providers could offer an invaluable “Client Onboarding Checklist.”
The key is making your lead magnet visually appealing while providing immediate value to your target audience.
When it comes to pin design, think of your pins as mini billboards for your lead magnets. Here’s what makes a high-performing pin:
- Vertical Format: Pinterest recommends a 2:3 aspect ratio (1000 x 1500 px)
- Clear, Easy-to-Read Text: Use bold fonts to highlight what they’ll get (e.g., “Free E-Commerce Checklist”)
- High-Quality Images: Professional photos or graphics help build trust
- Branding Elements: Include your logo or website URL subtly on the pin
- A Strong Call-to-Action: Use phrases like “Grab Yours Now” or “Get Your Free Guide”
Test different pin designs and see what works best for your audience.
5. Use SEO to Get Found on Pinterest
Pinterest is a search engine, so your content needs to be optimized for discovery. Include keywords in:
- Your pin title (e.g., “Free Email Marketing Guide for Small Businesses”)
- Your pin description (e.g., “Struggling to grow your email list? Download this free guide with simple strategies to get more subscribers.”)
- Your board titles and descriptions
Think about what your ideal audience is searching for and design your pins accordingly.
If you want to write keywords that help your content get discovered, check out How to Master Pinterest Keyword Research to learn how to find the right keywords and boost your visibility!
6. Schedule Pins for Consistency
Many businesses make the mistake of pinning sporadically or disappearing for weeks at a time. Consistency is key on Pinterest. Instead of pinning everything at once, spread out your content using a scheduling tool like Tailwind.
This helps your pins reach more people over time and keeps your account active.
7. Use Pinterest Ads to Accelerate Growth
If you want to speed up your email list growth, Pinterest Ads can be a game-changer. Promoted Pins lets you target specific audiences so your lead magnet gets in front of the right people.
You can create ads that:
- Retarget users who have engaged with your pins
- Reach new audiences searching for related keywords
- Promote lead magnets directly to potential subscribers
Even a small ad budget can make a difference in expanding your reach and increasing conversions. Running A/B tests on different pin creatives and targeting options will help you refine your approach and get the best return on investment.
Want to use Pinterest ads to grow your email list faster? Check out our Step-by-Step Beginner Guide on How to Use Pinterest Ads to get started!
8. Add an Email Signup Form to Your Website and Blog
Not every strategy has to be a direct pitch. Embedding email opt-in forms within your blog posts can be an excellent way to capture leads from Pinterest. Whether it’s through,
- In the header or footer of your site
- As a pop-up (used sparingly to avoid frustration)
- At the end of blog posts
- In a sidebar widget
The easier you make it for people to sign up, the better.
9. Choosing the Right Tools
The right email service provider makes all the difference when it comes to managing and growing your list. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling up, choosing a platform that fits your needs is key.
Many successful marketers prefer Kit, formally known as ConvertKit, for its user-friendly interface and powerful automation features.
Whatever platform you choose, make sure it offers automation, segmentation, and easy integration with your website to streamline your email marketing efforts.
10. The Value of Owning Your Audience
One of the biggest advantages of growing your email list is that it gives you full control over your audience. Social media algorithms can change anytime, making it harder to reach your audience.
But with an email list, you have full control. When you send an email, it goes directly to your subscribers without worrying about platform changes.
No more guessing or hoping – your message lands right in their inbox every time.
This independence allows you to build stronger relationships with your audience, nurture leads, and drive sales without worrying about platform restrictions or lost visibility.
Owning your audience means you’re investing in a long-term, sustainable way to grow your business.
11. Track Your Results and Adjust Your Strategy
Monitor your Pinterest Analytics and email signups to see what’s working. Pay attention to which topics resonate most with your followers and how your reach grows over time. Keep an eye on:
- Which pins are driving the most traffic
- Which landing pages are converting the best
- What keywords are bringing in the right audience
If something isn’t working, tweak your strategy by testing different pin styles, descriptions, and landing page formats. Use this information to continuously improve your approach.
12. Measuring Success with UTM Codes
Tracking the performance of your Pinterest-driven email sign-ups can be challenging but is essential for refining your strategy.
By using UTM codes on your landing pages, you can monitor which pins are converting best, ensuring that you invest your time and resources in the most effective tactics.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls For Email List Building
Let me save you some headaches by sharing what not to do.
Many businesses make the mistake is taking the “sell, sell, sell” approach. Focus on providing value and building relationships first. When you consistently share helpful content, the opt-ins will happen naturally.
Another common mistake is forgetting about mobile optimization – most Pinterest users browse on their phones, so make sure your pins look great and your landing pages work perfectly on mobile devices.
Final Thoughts
Pinterest can help grow your email list when used the right way. By creating valuable lead magnets, designing attention-grabbing pins, and optimizing your profile for search, you can attract the right audience and turn Pinterest traffic into loyal subscribers and future customers.
Building your email list through Pinterest isn’t a sprint – it’s a marathon. But with consistent effort and the right strategy, your subscriber count will grow steadily over time.
The key to success on Pinterest is providing value while staying authentic to your brand.
On the topic of email lists… If you want to master Pinterest content strategies all year long and plan with confidence, we’ve got you covered. Grab your FREE copy of The Ultimate Annual Pinterest Blueprint: Pinterest Planner by signing up below or clicking here!
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Rodney, a Pinterest marketing guru, initially ventured into the field to boost his wife’s cake business & blog. With his unique strategies, he tripled their page views in just 3 months. Now, he’s passionate about helping businesses harness the power of Pinterest. Off-duty, he’s a dessert aficionado!
