Top Skills Every Pinterest Strategist Should Have 

Introduction

In the dynamic world of digital marketing, the Pinterest strategist has become an essential role for businesses looking to expand their reach and drive high-quality traffic. A skilled strategist doesn't just pin pretty pictures; they are a multi-faceted professional who combines creativity, technical knowledge, and a deep understanding of data to achieve measurable business goals.

For aspiring Pinterest strategists, understanding the right skills to develop is crucial for building a successful career. For business owners and marketers looking to hire, knowing what to look for can be the difference between a successful Pinterest presence and a stagnant one. This article will provide an in-depth look at the top skills every Pinterest strategist should have to succeed on the platform.

Understanding the Role of a Pinterest Strategist

As a quick recap, a Pinterest strategist is a marketing expert who focuses on developing and executing a long-term plan to leverage Pinterest as a visual search engine. Their responsibilities include strategy development, audience and keyword research, content optimization, and performance analysis. The skills a strategist possesses directly impact their effectiveness and, consequently, a brand's success on the platform.

A strategist's toolkit is what allows them to move beyond basic pinning and create a system that drives consistent, high-quality traffic and conversions.

Top Skills Every Pinterest Strategist Should Have

A truly effective Pinterest strategist is a jack-of-all-trades, possessing a diverse set of skills that work in harmony to deliver results.

A. Pinterest SEO & Keyword Research

This is arguably the most critical skill for any Pinterest strategist. Pinterest functions as a search engine, and a strategist must know how to make content discoverable. This includes:

• Understanding Search Functionality: Recognizing that Pinterest users search with future intent, looking for inspiration and ideas.

• Keyword Discovery: Knowing how to find and use relevant keywords to increase a Pin's visibility. This involves using tools like Pinterest Trends, the Pinterest search bar's guided search, and even external tools like Google Keyword Planner to find related search terms.

• Strategic Implementation: A good strategist knows exactly where to place keywords—in Pin titles, descriptions, board names, and even on the brand's profile—to maximize their impact.

B. Content Creation & Design Skills

Pinterest is a visual-first platform, and compelling, high-quality visuals are non-negotiable. While a strategist doesn't need to be a professional graphic designer, a solid understanding of design principles is essential. This skill set includes:

• Designing for Conversion: Creating Pins that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also optimized to drive clicks and conversions.

• Graphic Design Software: Proficiency in tools like Canva, Adobe Photoshop, or Illustrator to create on-brand, vertical-format Pins.

• Visual Strategy: Understanding Pinterest's preferred image formats and styles, and knowing how to create a variety of content types, including Idea Pins and video content, which often see high engagement.

C. Analytical & Data Interpretation Skills

A successful Pinterest strategy is always data-driven. A strategist must be able to move beyond surface-level metrics and understand what the data is telling them.

• Reading Pinterest Analytics: Proficiency in the native Pinterest Analytics dashboard to track impressions, outbound clicks, saves, and top-performing content.

• Using Google Analytics: The ability to use Google Analytics to measure how much traffic Pinterest is sending to a website and, most importantly, what that traffic is doing once it arrives (e.g., conversions, time on page).

• Making Informed Decisions: Using data from both platforms to identify what's working and what's not, and then making strategic adjustments to refine the content strategy.

D. Strategic Planning & Campaign Management

This is the "strategist" part of the job title. It's about building a roadmap for success and managing the execution of that plan.

• Goal Setting: The ability to set clear, measurable, and achievable goals for a brand's Pinterest presence, such as "increase website traffic by 20% in Q4" or "grow email subscribers by 10% this year."

• Content Calendar Development: Creating a structured content calendar that outlines what to post and when, ensuring a consistent and effective pinning schedule.

• Paid Ads Management: Experience with Promoted Pins and the Pinterest Ads Manager to run targeted campaigns that amplify reach and accelerate growth.

E. Copywriting & Communication Skills

The words on a Pin matter just as much as the images. A strategist must be a skilled copywriter and a clear communicator.

• Compelling Copy: Writing keyword-rich Pin titles and descriptions that grab a user's attention and entice them to click.

• Clear Calls-to-Action (CTAs): Crafting effective CTAs that guide users to take a desired action, such as "Read the full recipe," "Shop the look," or "Download the guide."

• Client Collaboration: The ability to effectively communicate progress, report on results, and collaborate with clients to ensure the strategy aligns with their vision.

F. Trendspotting & Adaptability

The digital world is in constant motion, and Pinterest is no exception. A great strategist is always on top of the latest changes.

• Monitoring Trends: A passion for staying current on Pinterest's evolving algorithm and new features. They use tools like Pinterest Predicts to leverage emerging trends before they go mainstream.

• Adapting Strategy: The ability to quickly adapt a strategy based on new platform updates, seasonal trends, and shifts in the target audience's behavior.

G. Project Management & Organizational Skills

Juggling multiple tasks and clients requires strong organizational skills.

• Efficient Workflow: Managing multiple client accounts or campaigns with an organized workflow.

• Automation Tools: Effective use of scheduling and automation tools like Tailwind or Buffer to maintain a consistent posting schedule without manual effort.

• Time Management: The ability to manage time effectively to ensure consistent content delivery and regular reporting for clients.

H. Technical Proficiency

A baseline of technical knowledge helps a strategist troubleshoot issues and set up accounts for success.

• Pinterest Business Account Setup: Expertise in setting up and fully optimizing a Pinterest business account, including claiming a website and social media profiles.

• Rich Pins: A basic understanding of how to implement Rich Pins, which add valuable metadata to Pins and can increase their visibility.

• Troubleshooting: The ability to identify and solve common technical issues related to a brand’s Pinterest presence, ensuring a seamless user experience.