Pinterest Saves Grew My Audience 10.5x Faster—and stopped me hustling on Instagram
Let me cut straight to it: Pinterest saves are the secret weapon for growing your audience faster, with way less hustle than Instagram. By focusing on creating save-worthy pins, I boosted my audience growth by 10.5x—and yep, it’s all thanks to the exponential reach Pinterest saves create. (More on that later.)
Here’s the thing: Pinterest isn’t about chasing followers; it’s about crafting binge-worthy content that compels people to save, share, and spread your pins far and wide.
But let’s rewind for a sec—does this sound familiar? You’re tired of showing up on Instagram every day, churning out content for fleeting likes that vanish into the void. You’ve tried “everything” to grow your audience, but the burnout is real, and your reach feels stuck on a hamster wheel.
Deep down, you crave a strategy that works while you sleep, brings you leads effortlessly, and—dare I say it—feels sustainable.
That’s where Pinterest saves change the game. In this blog, I’ll walk you through 6 simple Pinterest saves strategies to grow your audience organically, plus I answer you’re FAQ about Pinterest saves:
Why Pinterest saves matter more than followers (spoiler: they’re the key to scaling).
How to rank on Pinterest so your pins are seen and saved.
How to stop the scroll with visuals that demand attention.
What makes pins binge-worthy, so they rack up saves like crazy.
The power of asking for saves (yup, you can totally do this without being pushy).
Why consistency beats randomness when scheduling your pins.
Pro strategies for exponential Pinterest saves that grow your reach on autopilot.
Quick answers to FAQs about Pinterest saves, so you’re never left guessing.
Here’s the short answer to the title: Pinterest saves work because they don’t just grow your reach—they multiply it. Every time someone saves your pin, their audience sees it too, creating a ripple effect that Instagram can’t match. Want the full story (and my best tips to make this work for you)? Keep reading, my friend.
With over 30 years of business strategy experience and two online businesses, I’ve helped countless entrepreneurs ditch the grind, simplify their strategies, and scale their online growth. This blog isn’t just theory—it’s the exact approach I used to stop hustling for likes and start getting real results with Pinterest. Let’s do this!
Full disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission from.
Don’t forget to save this image!
Alright, my friend, let’s get real for a second. Pinterest followers are nice—they give your profile a little street cred. But Pinterest saves? That’s where the magic happens.
Think of Pinterest saves as breadcrumbs your audience leaves behind, telling the algorithm, “This pin is worth sharing with more people.” Saves multiply your reach in a way followers never could. *Yay!*
Here’s the kicker: followers don’t guarantee engagement. You could have a thousand followers and still feel like you’re shouting into the void. But a single save? That’s someone saying, “This is gold—I want to keep it for later.”
And guess what? Every save gives Pinterest a nudge to show your pin to even more people. It’s like a ripple effect of visibility, without you lifting a finger.
Get ready to see notification popping up of Pinterest results on your phone like mine below—or to turn off those notifications, haha!—not only with saves, but also with email list sign-ups (what you’re after for leads that convert)! That’s what the boost of reach and visibility saves will get you, my friend.
Dare I say it… Isn’t that way better than just hoping someone follows you?
My client, Jen, was convinced Pinterest wouldn’t work for her—‘Does anyone even look at stuff like mine?’ Spoiler: They do. After uploading her infographic, she called me screaming, ‘Girl, I just got 50 sign-ups in 3 days! I’m officially Pinterest’s biggest fan.’ File under: Winning.
So let’s stop obsessing over follower counts and start focusing on what really matters—creating pins that get Pinterest saves by your dream audience. Deal?
Peak below into the Pinterest analytics of one of my pins, and see the love Pinterest throws at my pin, as people keep on saving it. Lots of impressions and traffic, and it will keep on working for me for months and months! Let’s get into how you can achieve the same!
Use Pinterest keywords to unlock visibility
Here’s the truth: Pinterest isn’t just a social platform; it’s a search engine.
And like any search engine, it thrives on keywords. Think of them as the secret passcodes that unlock visibility for your pins. When you sprinkle the right keywords in your pin titles, descriptions, and even your boards, you’re giving Pinterest all the clues it needs to put your content in front of the right people.
Oh, and don’t stop at just the pin! Add those keywords everywhere—your profile bio, board names, and even image file names. It’s like breadcrumbing a trail for the algorithm to follow, leading it straight to your content.
Once you nail your keywords, you’re not just creating pins—you’re planting seeds that can sprout into saves, shares, and massive reach. All from a few well-chosen words. Cool, right?
Here is a super simple video I’ve recorded for you as an example of how to find keywords for Home Designers (no audio):
Boost your ranking with trending Pinterest pins
You know that moment when a song gets stuck in your head because it’s everywhere? That’s exactly how trends work on Pinterest. When you tap into what’s already buzzing—seasonal ideas, holiday vibes, or the latest “Pinterest Predicts” trends—you’re riding a wave that’s already carrying tons of traffic. And guess what? That wave can carry your pins straight to the top.
I said it, my friend, start picturing top ranking on Pinterest for lots of online reach, Pinterest saves and traffic.
But here’s the trick: trends aren’t just about timing—they’re about execution. Your pin needs to be visually irresistible. Think fresh, clean designs or a striking before-and-after image that makes people stop mid-scroll. Pair that with a trending topic, and you’ve got a recipe for Pinterest gold.
Here is a handy short video I’ve shot for you showing you the Pinterest Trends tool.
Combine what you’ve learned so far.
Here’s a table of tailored examples for each niche, showing how to use Pinterest keywords to boost rankings with trending pins:
These examples connect directly with niche-specific trends while using Pinterest keywords that maximize visibility and appeal. Here are another set of example for different niches:
Don’t miss this opportunity to watch your free Pinterest tutorial here:
The power of striking visuals for more saves
Pinterest is like walking into a gallery—you stop for the art that grabs you. That’s why your visuals have to be show-stoppers. Think simple yet stunning designs, vibrant colors, or bold text that practically shouts, "Save me!" If your pins blend into the background, well, they're invisible. And invisible pins? They don't get saves.
Here’s the gist, my friend: Pinterest users save pins they want to refer back to. Imagine you're a healthy food YouTuber sharing meal prep ideas. A clean, vibrant image of colorful mason jar salads (with perfect lighting, of course) beats a cluttered kitchen shot any day. It’s not about fancy equipment—it’s about understanding:
what feels visually inspiring,
it’s easily actionable and
brings a ton of value.
So, here’s your homework:
Here is an example of a top-performing pin in the health and fitness niche I’ve selected for you that’s a perfect impactful visual by Ironwild Fitness:
Now, let’s talk about on-brand vibes. Your pins should feel like you.
If you're a mindset coach, maybe it’s soothing pastels with calming fonts. A fitness coach? Energizing colors like green and yellow with dynamic layouts. What’s essential is the consistency that makes your audience say, "Oh, that’s definitely her pin!"—that will help with brand recognition going forward.
Don’t believe that a niche requires certain brand style. Here are 3 examples in the same niche, health and fitness, with very different brand visuals. They will attract different sections in the niche:
Hook them instantly with bold, scroll-stopping hook
Let’s be real—Pinterest is the definition of a “scroll-till-you-drop” platform. If your pin doesn’t grab attention faster than a Black Friday sale, it’s just going to get swiped past. The hook you choose—whether it’s in your pin title, graphic text, or video opener—needs to scream, “Stop! You need this!” Think of it like a virtual handshake. Make it bold, make it clear, and make it irresistible.
Here’s an example.
Hooks work best when they address your audience’s fears or desires directly. Say you’re a travel blogger: “This one travel hack saved me $500 on flights to Bali!” Bam. Specific, emotional, and totally envy-worthy. Now they need to know what that hack is.
The secret is to use language your audience is already thinking. They’re probably muttering things like, “Why doesn’t this work for me?” or, “If only I knew a shortcut.” Your hook should feel like you’ve read their mind.
Here is another example, for bloggers this time, on one of my pins that appeals directly to the fear of whether blogging can still make money and how you can shortcut thee process.
By the way, don’t miss the blog: How to make money using a blog in 2025 (with proven examples).
Create Pinterest video pins with irresistible visual hook as an opening
Pinterest videos are like a secret weapon—but only if you hook your audience in the first 3 seconds. Yep, that’s all you’ve got. Whether it’s a dramatic transformation, a satisfying step-by-step, or a wow-how-did-they-do-that moment, your opening has to make them stop and stare. No fluff, just immediate value or curiosity.
Your audience is on Pinterest looking for inspiration or solutions, so your opening visuals should feel like, “That’s exactly what I need!” Think about showing the “end result” right at the start—whether it’s a before-and-after, a time-lapse of your process, or a peek at the outcome they’re craving.
Here is a perfect example of a Pinterest video pin that achieves exactly that. The Pinterest saves drives plenty of reach and it ranks top on Pinterest. A great example from Sourav tips.
Match your visuals perfectly with your pin content
Imagine clicking on a pin that promises “Quick DIY Home Office Hacks,” but the visuals show a high-end, fully-furnished workspace. Cue the eye-roll, right? Misaligned visuals feel like false advertising—and on Pinterest, that’s the fastest way to lose trust (and saves). Your visuals need to deliver exactly what your pin promises.
Here is a top ranking Pinterest pin example by Azure Glam which perfect reinforces the target audience with the kid and clear keyword, “Mom hairstyles”. The style aren’t overly complicated and look chilled and doable, so the visual hook works perfectly.
Matching visuals also reinforce credibility. A mindset coach sharing “3 Journaling Prompts for Self-Doubt” should pair it with a serene, cozy image of a journal and pen—nothing flashy, just vibes that scream calm reflection. The visual cues help set expectations and build anticipation for what’s inside. Here is a great pin example directly from Caleidoscope.co.
This alignment isn’t just for your audience—it’s crucial for the Pinterest algorithm too. When your visuals match the Pinterest keywords in your pin’s description, title, and image, the algorithm picks up on it and knows exactly what your pin is about. This signals to Pinterest that your content is relevant and worth showing in search results for related keywords.
So, if your pin says “7 Quick Kitchen Organization Tips” and features a cluttered kitchen that’s being transformed into a tidy, organized space, Pinterest will connect those visuals with keywords like “kitchen organization,” “declutter tips,” and “home organization ideas.” This boosts your chances of showing up in the right searches and getting more eyes (and saves) on your content.
Here is another specially picked top ranking Pinterest example of perfectly aligned keywords, visuals and hook from Womensfitclub.com. Plus look at the second example with a hook that addresses both the fear of fitness exercises taking too long (just 10-minutes) and highlights the outcome of taking action (lose fat fast) by KarmenRozsa.com. Notice hoow in both cases the women are clearly at home.
Do you want your Pinterest marketing the get a kickstart for online traffic on autopilot? I’ve created this FREE cheat sheet for you: The 7 Essential Steps to Kickstart Your Pinterest Traffic on Autopilot.
Inspire with trends your audience can’t ignore
My friend, have you noticed how people love to be "in the know"? They want to stay ahead of the curve—whether it’s the latest social media strategies or interior design trends. You can make your pins irresistible by tapping into what’s trending, like “Top trends to grow your social media fast in 2025” or “How to create a tiny home office makeover that’s Instagram-worthy”.
These types of trends spark curiosity, get people thinking, and leave them wanting more. People love following what’s new, especially when it’s practical and they can instantly implement it. So, when you share the newest insights in your niche, your pins become that must-see content they’ll keep coming back to—and save to refer to later.
Take my advice: Keep an eye on what’s trending, whether it’s in your niche or Pinterest-wide, and get ahead of the game. Share the “how-to’s” and “what’s next” in a way that speaks to your audience’s need for growth or solutions. They’ll save your pin, share it with others, and come back for more inspiration. Keep it fresh and top of mind, and watch those saves skyrocket.
Here are a couple of Pinterest saves ideas I’ve selected for you for strong home decor trends for tiny spaces. Notice like one of them doesn’t have an overlay title. I always recommend including one, but with some very strong visuals it can be fine not to include one.
Use infographics to pack a punch of value directly on the pin
If you’ve ever scrolled through Pinterest and stopped dead in your tracks, it’s likely because of an infographic that instantly grabbed your attention. Infographics are golden for delivering bite-sized, actionable value that your audience can’t help but save. Imagine this: “10-Minute Pilates for a Flat Belly in 6 Weeks” or “7 Simple Steps to Start Your Online Business”. These types of pins don’t just inform—they get straight to the point and give your audience something they can take away and use immediately.
Here is an example of one of my infographics for Pinterest saves:
You see, people don’t want to waste time figuring out what your pin’s about. They want value, and they want it fast.
Infographics show them exactly what they’ll get, so they’ll save it to revisit later. Take the “7 Simple Steps to Start Your Online Business”—that pin immediately tells someone exactly what they can expect and why it matters to them. They’ll save it not just for later, but to pass on to others.
When Kate started with me, she was doing the ‘post and hope’ thing—zero traction. After tapping into a trending topic and creating her first infographics, she texted me: ‘Um, my pins are getting more saves than views on my Insta. Am I dreaming or did we just unlock Pinterest gold?’ Nope, Kate, that’s just your audience finding you.
Create that “aha” moment with a step-by-step video tutorial
You know that feeling when something clicks? That aha moment when you realize, "Wait, I can actually do this!"
A step-by-step video tutorial is like holding your audience’s hand through the process, making them feel like, “Okay, I get it now.”
Whether it's showing how to create the perfect home office setup or how to nail that Pilates move, video tutorials let you break things down into easy-to-follow steps that make your audience feel empowered.
Here is a Pinterest video pin very simply recorded that gives a step-by-step tutorial that is a perfect example of pins that drive Pinterest saves.
Use visuals with calls to action that encourage saving
My friend, sometimes all you need to do is ask. That’s right—ask your audience to hit “save” on your pins! A strong call to action (CTA) doesn’t have to be pushy; it just needs to be clear.
Think of it like inviting someone to your favorite café with a simple “Let’s grab a coffee!” When you use a CTA in your visuals, you're gently guiding them to take that action, like “Save this for later” or “Pin this idea for your next project.”
This is a great step-by-step visual pin by JonekryAhen that will attract plenty of saves on Pinterest. However, as there is no CTA, the audience might decide to leave a reaction or a comment. Those Pinterest engagements aren’t bad, yet, if you want to be intentional about your Pinterest saves strategy, a CTA on the pin asking for a Pinterest save will maximise the outcome you’re after.
Speak directly to your audience in your Pinterest video pins
Okay, my friend—here’s a little secret: your Pinterest audience loves to feel like you’re talking just to them. When you're creating a video pin, imagine you’re speaking to your best friend. What would you say to grab their attention and offer them something they can’t resist?
Speak their language, acknowledge their struggles, and make them feel like they need to hit that save button.
Have a look at this very simple looking pin that directly talks to niche needs and objections. So spot on.
Why pinning consistently beats random posting every time
Let me tell you something, my friend—consistency is a game changer. Think of Pinterest like a garden. You wouldn’t expect your plants to grow by tossing a seed in every once in a while, right? You’ve got to plant and water them regularly. It’s the same with your pins. When you post consistently, you build momentum, and Pinterest starts to see you as a reliable source of fresh content. You don’t need to post 100 pins a day, but showing up regularly? That's the secret sauce.
Check out my blog about this: Discover My Secrets To Maximise Your Website Traffic With Tailwind For Pinterest And Be Super Productive
Analyze your most-saved pins and do more of what works
Okay, here’s the thing: you’ve been creating pins, hitting "publish," and hoping for the best—but what if you could actually learn from your own successes?
That’s right, my friend. Pinterest gives you all the data you need to see which pins are getting the most saves, and that’s where the magic happens. It’s like looking at a recipe and realizing the secret ingredient that makes everything taste better. Once you spot what works, you double down on it and make it even better.
This is one of my pins that is super performing for Pinterest saves. That’s why I’ve double down on this infographic and created different pin design variations and why I pin them regularly. See how I:
call out the target audience specifically (people who want to make money from home and are starting out on Pinterest),
remove one of their key objections (the belief they need a website) and
reinforce the keyword with the visuals (money in the hands, Pinterest logo).
Research your niche’s top-performing pins for inspiration
Sometimes, the best way to learn is by looking at what others are doing.
If you’re scratching your head, wondering how to get those Pinterest saves, look no further than your niche! Dive into Pinterest search, type in keywords that resonate with your audience, and take note of the pins that pop up in the top results. These are the pins your ideal followers are engaging with, and there’s a ton you can learn from them.
And to go the extra mile for your niche research on Pinterest, not only look at the top performing pins but also the Pinterest boards.
To level up your Pinterest SEO and Pinterest traffic, don’t miss this blog I’ve done for you: The only Pinterest board names you need to explode your Pinterest views for online leads
Experiment with fresh approaches to engage your audience
Sticking to the same old formula might feel comfortable, but it’s not always the way to keep your Pinterest audience hooked. If you really want to boost your saves, try shaking things up a little!
Experiment with different formats, like carousel pins, videos, or even interactive story pins. You might just stumble upon something that resonates with your audience in ways you didn’t expect.
Don’t miss this blog for plenty of ideas for your pins: 127 Winning Ideas For Pinterest To Skyrocket Your Reach And Sales
Make saving easy by adding the Pinterest Save Extension to your website
Here’s a simple pro move that can seriously boost your Pinterest saves: adding the Pinterest Save Extension to your website. It's like rolling out the red carpet for your audience to save your content with just a click. No hassle, no confusion—just a straightforward way to make sure your pins are being saved right from your blog posts or landing pages.
Plot this: Someone’s reading your post about "5 Tips to Grow Your Online Course," and they’re loving it. With the Pinterest Save Extension in place, all they have to do is click the Save button, and boom, your content’s saved to their Pinterest board. It’s like a mini victory for you—and them!
What are Pinterest saves?
Pinterest saves are like digital sticky notes for your favorite ideas. When someone clicks “Save” on your pin, they’re tucking it away on their board for later—whether it’s “Dream Home Decor,” “Recipes to Try,” or “Business Tips I’ll Actually Use.” Think of it as your content earning a permanent spot in their personal inspiration stash.
And here’s the real magic: saves tell Pinterest, “Hey, this pin is worth sharing!” The algorithm takes note (literally) and starts showing your pin to more people who might also love it. It’s a ripple effect—more saves mean more visibility, which means more chances to grow your traffic or leads. (Yup, Pinterest saves are that powerful.)
Pssst...
Are Pinterest saves private?
Ah, the question of privacy—totally fair, my friend! By default, Pinterest saves aren’t private. When someone saves your pin to their board, anyone who follows them or stumbles across their board can see it. It’s like putting a photo on a community fridge—visible to anyone who stops by.
But here’s the twist: Pinterest does offer a private option. If someone saves your pin to a “Secret Board,” only they (and anyone they invite) can see it. So, while most saves are public and work to amplify your pin’s reach, secret saves stay in the “eyes-only” category.
Does Pinterest tell you when someone saves your pin?
Short answer: Yes! Pinterest gives you a little nudge of validation when someone saves your pin. You’ll see these updates in your Pinterest notifications or Analytics—it’s like getting a gold star for creating something someone loved enough to keep.
But—and here’s the catch—it doesn’t spill the tea on who saved it. No usernames, no profiles, just the feel-good metric that your content is resonating. It’s Pinterest’s way of keeping things focused on creativity rather than snooping.
Who can see my Pinterest saves?
When it comes to who can see your Pinterest saves, it depends on where you’ve saved them. If you pin to a private board, it’s just you and maybe a collaborator (if you’ve added one) who can see those saves. Think of it like your secret stash—perfect for brainstorming or saving ideas you’re not quite ready to share with the world.
On the flip side, saves on public boards are visible to anyone. Your followers, random Pinterest users, even that friend who swears they’re “not into Pinterest” but somehow knows every trend—it’s all fair game. And here’s the exciting part: public saves can create huge ripple effects. When someone else saves your pin, it gets shared with their followers, and then their followers’ followers, turning one little save into an exponential reach machine. (I mean, how cool is that?)
Where can I find my saved collages on Pinterest?
Finding your saved collages on Pinterest is super simple, my friend. Head over to your profile page and tap on the “Saved” tab—it’s where all your boards and pins live. If you’ve created a collage or Moodboard-style pins (think layered images, text, or stickers), they’ll be stored in the board you saved them to.
Not sure which board? Use the search bar on your profile to type a keyword or phrase you remember from your collage. Pinterest will show you related boards or pins in no time. It’s like a treasure hunt, but way faster!
What about exploring more Pinterest blogs:
How To Easily Make Your Ideas Pin Irresistible Every Time | Idea Pins For Business
How To Delete Pins From Pinterest To Boost Your Pinterest SEO And Not Get Suspended
How To Get Followers On Pinterest: 51 Strategies To Grow Fast
The Ideal Pinterest Cover Photo Size To Boost Your Email List In 2024 + Free Canva Profile Templates
There is nothing like taking action. Choose one single aha moment you got from this blog and apply it this week. Plus:
I love to have you here, my friend.
A BIG hug for being here with me until the end.
Don’t forget to watch my FREE Pinterest training here:
Hi! I’m Isabel
For years and years I have created and produced content, in particular visual content. You can find me very often with my cameras and tripod out and about!
My passion is to help solopreneurs and small business owners like you grow your online audience and biz using Pinterest. Yes, I’ll show you hacks and tools, but I believe that you need more than that to be successful. That’s why I combined my Pinterest expertise with powerful content marketing, business and mindset strategies to get your online presence to the next level! 🥳
Ah, I have also worked for 24+ in the corporate world, leading quite a mix: transformation, marketing, coaching, sales, productivity, programme management, investments and product management.
I love sharing all these skills with you in my blog.
I am also founder of Agavea Properties, our family holiday rental business. My husband and I lead it with the passion with one goal in mind: serving our customers to create a memorable holiday experience for them.
So there you have it, that’s me! Ah... I almost forgot, my happy place is by the sea.
Thanks for being here with me!