Pinterest For Authors – How To Sell More Books Easily

Introduction

Hey there! Looking to expand your author platform and sell more books? You might be surprised to learn that Pinterest isn’t just for recipes and home decor – it’s actually a powerful marketing tool for authors. With over 450 million monthly active users searching for their next great read, Pinterest could be the game-changer your book marketing strategy needs.

Download this free guide to steer clear of the top 5 mistakes I see authors make before their book ever hits the shelf.

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Why Pinterest Should Be Part of Your Author Marketing Strategy

Here’s something most authors don’t realize: Pinterest is actually more of a search engine than a social media platform. Think of it as a visual Google where readers actively search for their next favorite book. Unlike Instagram or Facebook, your Pinterest pins can continue driving traffic to your book for months or even years after you post them.

What makes Pinterest particularly exciting for authors is its predominantly female user base – who happen to be the biggest book buyers. According to industry statistics, women account for about 80% of fiction book sales, and guess what? They make up 77% of Pinterest users. Talk about a perfect match!

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Setting Up Your Pinterest Account for Book Marketing Success

Starting with the right foundation is crucial for your Pinterest success. First, you’ll need to convert to a business account, which unlocks several powerful features that will help you track and grow your book sales.

Starting with the right foundation is crucial for your Pinterest success. First, you’ll need to convert to a business account, which unlocks several powerful features that will help you track and grow your book sales.

Key benefits of a Pinterest business account include:

• Pinterest Analytics to track your performance
• Rich Pins that automatically sync with your website
• The ability to run Pinterest ads when you’re ready to scale
• Professional profile features and tools

Your Bio

Your profile needs to work as hard as you do to sell your books. Think of your Pinterest profile as your author website’s visual counterpart. When crafting your profile, focus on these essential elements.

Professional Bio Should Include:

• Your identity as an author
• Your genre specialization
• A compelling reason to follow you
• Relevant keywords naturally incorporated

Visual Elements:

• Professional headshot
• Branded cover image
• Consistent color scheme
• High-quality graphics

Creating Pinterest Boards That Tell Your Author Story

Your Pinterest boards should work together to create a cohesive author platform. Think of them as chapters in the story of your author brand. Rather than creating isolated collections, develop a strategic board structure that draws readers into your world.

Essential Boards for Authors:

• Your Books (featuring multiple pins for each book)
• Behind the Scenes (writing process, inspiration)
• Character Inspiration
• Setting Inspiration
• Writing Tips
• Book Recommendations in Your Genre
• Author Life
• Writing Workspace

Pro Tip: Instead of generic board names, use keyword-rich titles that help with discoverability. For example, rather than “My Books,” try “Contemporary Romance Novels | [Your Name]’s Books.”

Grab my free book marketing checklist to plan and prioritize the right tasks for long-term book sales and visibility

The Art of Creating Pins That Convert to Sales

Creating pins that sell books is about striking the perfect balance between artistry and marketing. Your pins need to stop readers mid-scroll while also compelling them to click through to learn more about your book. Let’s break down the essential elements of successful book pins.

Types of Pins That Work for Authors:

Book Cover Variations:

• Standard cover display
• 3D mockups
• Flat lay compositions
• Lifestyle shots with readers
• Seasonal themed versions

Quote Pins:

• Character dialogues
• Memorable moments
• Descriptive passages
• Review quotes
• Author insights

Behind-the-Scenes Content:

• Writing process updates
• Research highlights
• Character development
• Setting inspiration
• Author events

Design Best Practices:

• Use a 2:3 ratio (1000 x 1500 pixels is ideal)
• Include your book title and author name on every pin
• Maintain consistent branding elements
• Use easily readable fonts
• Include a clear call-to-action

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The Science of Pinterest Keywords and SEO

Pinterest SEO isn’t just about stuffing keywords into your descriptions – it’s about understanding how your readers search for their next great read. The platform works similarly to Google, but with its own unique visual focus.

Here’s how to develop your keyword strategy:

Research Methods

• Use Pinterest’s search bar suggestions
• Study related terms at the top of search results
• Analyze competitor pins in your genre
• Monitor trending book-related topics

Popular Long-tail Keywords for Authors:

• “books to read in 2024”
• “best fantasy books for young adults”
• “romantic comedy books for summer reading”
• “must-read thriller novels”
• “book recommendations for [your genre] lovers”

Apply these keywords naturally in:

• Pin titles and descriptions
• Board names and descriptions
• Your profile bio
• Alt text for images
• Rich Pin information

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Building a Strategic Pinterest Presence

Unlike other social media platforms where posts disappear into the void after a few hours, Pinterest content can drive traffic to your books for months or even years. This means developing a sustainable, long-term strategy is crucial.

Essential Components of Your Pinterest Strategy:

Consistent Posting Schedule

• Aim for 5-10 pins daily
• Space content throughout the day
• Mix promotional and value-added content
• Use a scheduling tool like Tailwind

Content Calendar Considerations

• New book launches
• Seasonal reading trends
• Genre-specific events
• Reader interests throughout the year
• Industry events and book fairs

Engagement Activities:

• Respond to comments
• Join group boards
• Collaborate with other authors
• Share pins from your target readers
• Participate in Pinterest trends

Advanced Pinterest Marketing Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to explore advanced strategies that can significantly boost your book sales.

Pinterest Ads Strategy

Pinterest advertising can be a powerful tool for authors when used strategically. Start with a small budget and test different approaches. Focus your ads on:

• New book launches
• Series promotions
• Holiday gift guides
• Reader magnet offers
• Back catalog promotions

The key to successful Pinterest ads lies in precise targeting. You can reach readers based on their interests, search behavior, and engagement patterns. Test different audiences and monitor your results closely.

Measuring and Improving Your Pinterest Performance

Success on Pinterest requires regular monitoring and adjustment of your strategy. Pay attention to these key metrics.

Core Analytics to Track:

• Pin impressions
• Engagement rates
• Click-through rates
• Website traffic
• Book sale conversions
• Follower growth
• Save rates

Monitor these metrics monthly and adjust your strategy based on what the data tells you. Remember that Pinterest success is often about long-term growth rather than overnight victories.

Get my free list of ChatGPT prompts made specifically for authors—perfect for writing pin descriptions, headlines, and more

Looking Ahead: The Future of Author Marketing on Pinterest

The platform continues to evolve, offering new opportunities for creative book marketing. Video pins and story pins are becoming increasingly popular, providing new ways to share your author journey and book content.

Keep your Pinterest strategy fresh by:

• Experimenting with new pin formats
• Adapting to platform changes
• Following Pinterest’s best practices
• Staying current with reading trends
• Engaging with emerging features

Final Thoughts – Pinterest For Authors

Remember that your Pinterest journey is unique to you and your books. The most successful authors on Pinterest aren’t just sharing their books – they’re creating an experience around their stories. They’re building a visual world that draws readers in and keeps them engaged long enough to become true fans.

Start implementing these strategies today, but don’t feel overwhelmed – begin with one board and five pins about your latest book. Test different pin styles and track what resonates with your audience. Before you know it, you’ll have a thriving Pinterest presence that consistently drives readers to your books.

The beauty of Pinterest marketing is that it combines creativity with strategy, perfect for authors who already understand the power of showing rather than telling. Your pins can work as silent salespeople, continuously promoting your books while you focus on what you do best – writing your next masterpiece.

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30-Day Planner for Authors to Boost Online Presence & Promote Books

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Need extra support beyond the content?

I also offer Pinterest management services, so while you’re writing your next book, I’ll be handling your Pinterest strategy, pin design, scheduling, and traffic growth behind the scenes.

Let your pins do the promotion—so you can stay focused on storytelling.

In addition to helping authors grow through strategic pinning, I also offer beta reading, book line editing, proofreading, and developmental editing services. Whether you’re polishing a draft or getting ready to publish, I bring clarity, structure, and reader-focused feedback to every manuscript I work on.

Visit my Services page to see how we can work together to bring your book to its fullest potential.

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