In this article, we learn the secrets of Pinterest’s algorithm by revealing the four crucial ranking factors that determine how your creative work rises to the top of searches on Pinterest, starting with Domain Quality. Understanding Domain Quality, and all four factors, can significantly boost your online presence and drive more traffic to your website.
Truth be told, the four key factors that drive Pinterest’s algorithm aren’t a secret but how they are deciphered and described varies depending upon the author. When you know about these factors, what they mean, and how to implement them on Pinterest you will see your web traffic grow.
Let’s start by naming the four key components behind Pinterest’s algorithm: Domain Quality, Pin Quality, Pinner Quality, and finally, Topic Relevance.
The Four Factors That Drive Pinterest’s Algorithm
In a few words, I describe each important aspect of the Pinterest algorithm, below.
1- Domain Quality is how Pinterest determines the quality of your website.
2- Pin Quality is paramount on Pinterest. As a visual search engine, Pinterest considers Pin Quality as a combination of perceptible elements that make up a Pin. They include the caliber of the image and text overlay, along with the Pin size, titles, and descriptions. These aspects contribute to Pin engagement, and therefore, Pin Quality, too.
3- Pinner Quality is about you, the Pinner. Are you pinning consistently, are you interacting with other Pins and users, and are your Pins are being engaged with by other Pinners?
4- Topic Relevance is how Pinterest evaluates interest in your content. Are you posting content that Pinners are searching for? Knowing what is trending on Pinterest using the appropriate short and longtail keywords in your Pin content, and having a board pinning strategy can elevate the relevance of your Pin that lead to your content having better visibility.
This article is the first in a series of four articles that give focused attention to each key component of Pinterest’s algorithm. We’re starting with Domain Quality.
What is Domain Quality?
Quite simply, Domain Quality is the measurement of your online presence in the eyes of Pinterest, as well as on other search engines like Google.
Among several important aspects of establishing Domain Quality on Pinterest is the importance of linking your Pinterest Business Account to your website. Connecting the two properties will not only help drive traffic from Pinterest to your website, but this connection will improve your website’s SEO, a.k.a. Search Engine Optimization, too. How? Because each time you create a Pin with a URL, you are creating a backlink.
What Is A Backlink and Why It Helps Domain Quality
A backlink is defined as ‘one website linking back to another’ and acts as a key ranking signal for Google.
Backlinks from Pinterest, which itself has a high Domain Authority (DA)* positively impact your website’s SEO. It is important to note that backlinks can be do follow or no follow. To understand the distinction between do-follow and no-follow links, and how they contribute to the overall domain authority and searchability of your website, I encourage you to read the following articles in Understanding Backlinks, below.
Understanding Backlinks
Grasping the concept of backlinks and how to use them is an integral part of SEO for your website. Building backlinks from well-respected websites within your niche will, in turn, enhance your own website’s authority and, therefore, garner relevant traffic. It’s akin to word-of-mouth. You’re more apt to visit a restaurant that your foodie-friend (who you trust = authority) has been to. Your friend is the ‘backlink’.
Trust = Authority
Set the Stage for Domain Quality with A Pinterest Business Account
The very first and most important step toward Domain Quality on Pinterest is setting up an optimized Pinterest Business Account.
Claiming your website is part of setting up a new, or converting to, a Pinterest Business Account. Claiming your website connects your Pinterest account to your website. It is akin to how Google verifies ownership of your website. Thus providing you with protections and access to benefits like analytics, Rich Pins, and possibly a verification checkmark. But, it definitely, improved SEO.
In just 7 Steps find out how to claim your website, enable Rich Pins, and set up an optimized Pinterest Business Account, here.
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Domain Quality Summarized
Domain Quality is how Pinterest determines the quality of your website. Showcasing pinnable images of your artwork, or featuring details of your online workshops in a blog with a Pin, are examples of content that can be shared back on Pinterest. Equally, setting up a Pinterest business account and claiming your website initiates the interplay between the two properties; your website and Pinterest. Furthermore, when you establish Rich Pins ensures the content in your Pins (on Pinterest) is always up-to-date.
In short, when you optimize your website for SEO and produce quality content, it is more likely to be found. The Pinterest algorithm notices the popularity of Pins connected to your website, thus demonstrating Domain Quality.
Stay tuned for the next article which unlocks the meaning behind Pin Quality, the next key factor in understanding how to work with the Pinterest Algorithm.
*Domain Authority is different than Domain Quality because DA pertains to your website, Domain Quality pertains to Pinterest.
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