Best Time to Post on Pinterest [A Complete Guide]
Pinterest is a powerful visual search engine that can drive significant traffic to your blog or website. Whether you’re a seasoned content creator or just getting started with Pinterest marketing, knowing the best time to post on Pinterest is crucial for maximizing your reach and engagement. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into Pinterest’s best posting times, why they matter, and how you can optimize your content strategy to see real growth.
Why Posting at the Right Time on Pinterest Matters
Pinterest is not like other social media platforms such as Instagram or Twitter, where posts have a very short lifespan. In fact, the life of a Pinterest pin can stretch over months or even years, which means every pin you post has the potential to drive traffic long after it’s published. However, to give your pins the best chance of being discovered early, you need to post them when your audience is most active. Posting at the best time to post on Pinterest will help ensure that your pins gain initial traction, get re-pinned, and continue circulating for a long time.
How Pinterest Timing Works: Understanding the Algorithm
Before we dive into specific times, let’s understand how Pinterest’s algorithm works. Pinterest uses engagement metrics to determine the relevance and quality of your content. When your pin receives interaction (clicks, saves, and comments), Pinterest interprets it as valuable content and will start promoting it more to other users.
But here’s the catch: your pin needs to get noticed right after posting for the algorithm to kick in. This is where knowing the best time to post on Pinterest comes in handy. If you post at a time when your audience is active, your content is more likely to get early engagement, giving you a greater chance of being promoted by the platform.
The Best Time to Post on Pinterest: General Guidelines
Although every niche and audience has different behaviors, research has shown that there are general times that work well for posting on Pinterest. Let’s break it down:
Best Days to Post on Pinterest
- Saturday: This is one of the most popular days for Pinterest users, as many people have more free time to browse and save content. If you’re looking to capture a broader audience, make sure to schedule your pins for Saturdays.
- Friday: Another high-traffic day on Pinterest is Friday. Many users tend to scroll through Pinterest in the evening after work, planning for their weekend activities.
- Sunday: Sunday is a great day for categories like food, DIY, and home decor. Many people spend their Sundays planning for the week ahead, making it a prime time to share pins that focus on meal planning, crafting projects, or home improvement ideas.
Best Times to Post on Pinterest by Hour
Based on data from several studies, the following time slots are generally considered the best time to post on Pinterest:
- 8 PM to 11 PM: This is the golden window. Most users are winding down for the day and use Pinterest to relax or plan.
- 2 PM to 4 PM: In the afternoon, people take short breaks from work, and Pinterest can be a quick and easy way to decompress.
- 5 AM to 7 AM: Surprisingly, early mornings can be effective too. Many users scroll through Pinterest as part of their morning routine.
Consider Your Audience’s Time Zone
If you have an international audience, it’s important to take time zones into account. The best time to post on Pinterest for someone in New York may differ for someone in London or Sydney. A good strategy is to experiment with different time slots that align with your audience’s time zones, especially if you have a large global following.
How to Find the Best Time to Post on Pinterest for Your Audience
While general guidelines are helpful, the best time to post on Pinterest can vary depending on your niche and target audience. To get the most accurate data for your specific content, consider the following strategies:
1. Use Pinterest Analytics
Pinterest provides built-in analytics for business accounts, which can give you valuable insights into when your audience is most active. Look at the “Audience Insights” and “Overview” sections to identify when your pins are getting the most engagement.
2. Test Different Posting Times
One of the best ways to find your ideal posting times is to experiment. Schedule pins at various times and days, then track which pins perform best. Over time, you’ll start to notice trends and can adjust your strategy accordingly.
3. Use Pinterest Scheduling Tools
Tools like Tailwind allow you to schedule pins in advance and provide recommended time slots based on your audience’s activity. Tailwind’s SmartSchedule feature analyzes your pinning patterns and suggests optimal times for posting.
How Many Pins Should You Post?
Knowing the best time to post on Pinterest is only part of the equation. Consistency is key when it comes to Pinterest marketing. Pinterest experts recommend posting between 5-10 pins per day to keep your content fresh and relevant. While that may sound like a lot, it doesn’t mean you have to create 10 new pins every day. You can re-pin content from others or re-share your older pins that are still relevant.
Additionally, don’t forget to diversify your pin types. Mix static images, video pins, and idea pins to keep your audience engaged and curious.
Key Takeaways for Finding the Best Time to Post on Pinterest
- The best time to post on Pinterest generally falls between 8 PM to 11 PM, but don’t overlook other time slots like early mornings and afternoons.
- The best days to post are typically Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Use tools like Pinterest Analytics and Tailwind to gather data specific to your audience.
- Consistency is important, so aim to pin 5-10 times daily.
- Experiment with different time slots to see what works best for your specific niche.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the best time to post on Pinterest change?
Yes, the best time to post on Pinterest can shift based on changes in user behavior or Pinterest’s algorithm. Keep an eye on your analytics to stay updated.
Q: Do I need a business account to find the best time to post?
While you can post without a business account, having one gives you access to Pinterest Analytics, which is crucial for optimizing your posting schedule.
Q: Is Tailwind the only tool for scheduling pins?
Tailwind is one of the most popular Pinterest scheduling tools, but you can also use Buffer, Hootsuite, and even Pinterest’s native scheduling feature.
Conclusion
Mastering the best time to post on Pinterest can significantly boost your engagement, drive more traffic to your website, and ultimately grow your business. While general guidelines provide a great starting point, the key to success lies in understanding your specific audience and adapting your strategy over time. Test different times, stay consistent, and always keep an eye on your analytics for continuous improvement. By posting at the right times and following the best practices mentioned above, you’ll be well on your way to Pinterest success!