8 Proven Pinterest Travel Marketing Tips to Grow

Are you a travel enthusiast, a globetrotter, or a jet setter looking to boost your travel business? Well, look no further! In travel planning, one social media platform stands out as a visual paradise, a dreamland of wanderlust inspiration – Pinterest!

From scenic landscapes to exotic cuisines and travel tips galore, Pinterest has become a go-to hub for wanderers seeking their next adventure. But it’s not just a visual search engine for Pinterest users. It’s also a powerful marketing tool for travel brands, offering boundless opportunities to grow and flourish.

If you own a tourism-related business, you need to be on Pinterest. Travel and tourism are highly visual experiences (as you know), and Pinterest is the ultimate platform for that. This is a complete guide on how to use Pinterest for tourism companies.

I’ve been a digital marketer and growth hacker through my travel blog, ViaTravelers, and other blogs in different industries. 

I’m a massive fan of building an audience and doing all the hard work to grow websites from idea inception to full-fledged brands. So, let’s discover proven travel marketing tips on Pinterest to grow your business. 

What is Pinterest?

Pinterest is like a magical online bulletin board where creativity and inspiration collide. It’s not like other social media platforms; it’s a visual wonderland filled with Pinterest pins, Pinterest boards, and more!

Here’s the deal: Pinterest allows users to explore, share, and save visual content that tickles their fancy. You’ll find it all on Pinterest, whether mouth-watering recipes, stylish fashion trends, stunning travel destinations, or exciting DIY projects.

So, how does it work? Well, imagine you have a collection of favorite things that you want to keep organized. You create Pinterest boards. Each board is like a virtual scrapbook with a unique theme; you pin your favorite content to these boards. It’s like curating your little gallery of all things you like.

Got a traveling passion? Pin all the dream vacation and traveling tips to your “Wanderlust Adventures” board. Interested in fashion? Pin the latest trends, styling ideas, and fashion hacks to your “Chic and Fabulous” board. The possibilities are endless!

First, you need to create a Pinterest profile to get in on the Pinterest party. Once you’re in, it’s time to unleash your creative genius. Share content from your computer or mobile device, and don’t forget to use the handy Pinterest browser button to add stuff you find on the web.

Engagement is the name of the game on Pinterest. Follow your friends’ and competitors’ boards to see what they’re up to. Show some love by liking and commenting on other people’s pins, and if you come across something that interests you, go ahead and re-pin it to your own boards.

Here’s a little secret: Pinterest isn’t just for personal use; it’s a paradise for marketers too! If you’re a business owner, you’ll want to consider setting up a Pinterest business account.

With this account, you’ll unlock powerful features like Pinterest Analytics (similar to Google Analytics), a visual search tool (think reverse image search), a native video player, activate rich pins, and the option to run Pinterest ads. It’s a marketing dream!

How to Use Pinterest for Marketing

If you’re eager to amp up your marketing game, Pinterest is your secret weapon, and I’m here to spill the beans on making the most of it. Get ready to explore the wonderful possibilities of your Pinterest page.

Visual Content is King

Did you know that 85% of Pinners prefer visual content? That’s right! Pinterest users love to feast their eyes on stunning images, infographics, and other visually appealing goodies.

So, if you have written blog content, why not transform it into eye-catching graphics and share it on Pinterest? Unlike other platforms and search engines, Pinterest allows clickable links, making it a powerful distribution channel for all types of content.

Get Creative with Pinterest Board Categories

Picture Pinterest boards as your personalized scrapbooks, where you can curate and organize your pins by theme, topic, or category. Think of them as the gateway to your content kingdom. Create as many boards as your heart desires, making them a delightful treasure trove for your followers to explore.

Let’s say you’re a travel company. You could have boards like “Exotic Destinations,” “Travel Tips and Hacks,” or “Adventure Getaways.” The possibilities are endless!

Organizing your content into Pinterest for travel makes it easy for your audience to find what they’re looking for and keeps them coming back for more.

Want to turn up the engagement dial? Invite others to join your boards and turn them into “group boards.” It’s like hosting a party where everyone brings their unique contributions.

This way, not only do you get diverse perspectives and content, but you also encourage interaction and collaboration. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Building a Lively Pinterest Community

Picture your Pinterest profile as your virtual playground, where you interact with your followers, share exciting content, and have a blast while doing it. It’s not just about showcasing your brand; it’s about creating a space where users browse Pinterest with joy and enthusiasm.

Remember, millions of people browse Pinterest monthly, hungry for inspiration and engaging content. So, make your Pinterest boards a delightful destination for them. Entice them with captivating Pinterest images, useful information, and creative ideas.

Think of Pinterest as a bustling community fair where people come to explore, learn, and connect. Treating your Pinterest boards as lively two-way streets opens the doors to interaction and engagement. It’s not just about bombarding users with your content; it’s about creating a genuine connection with your audience.

Building a Pinterest Following

So, how do you build your Pinterest following and nurture your Pinterest community? Here are some fun strategies to build brand awareness and help to get you started:

1. Create Your Own Board

First things first, build your own board! It is the heart of your Pinterest kingdom, where you’ll curate a collection of awe-inspiring content that reflects your brand’s personality and values. Get creative with board names and themes, and make them irresistible to potential followers.

2. Harness The Power of Pinterest Keywords

Keywords are the secret sauce for noticing your content on Pinterest. Sprinkle relevant keywords throughout your posts to improve discoverability. Think of it as adding seasoning to a delicious dish; it enhances the flavor and attracts more people to feast on your content.

3. Forge Connections with Others

Building a community means connecting with like-minded Pinners. Seek out accounts that align with your brand’s interests and follow them. Show some love to their pins, and you might just earn some love in return! It’s like a virtual friendship circle where mutual admiration and support rule.

4. Learn from the Best

Want to level up your Pinterest game? Keep an eye on your competitors and see what they do to grow their following. Take inspiration from their techniques and put your spin on things. There’s room for everyone to shine in the Pinterest universe!

5. Call in the Reinforcements

Influencers are like Pinterest superheroes who can amplify your reach and attract followers to your boards. Collaborate with influencers in your niche and ask them to re-post your content. Their mighty influence can work wonders for your brand visibility!

6. Embrace the Power of Pinterest Ads

Sometimes, you need a little boost to skyrocket your visibility. Consider investing in a Pinterest ads account to run ads on the platform. It’s like summoning a marketing genie to spread your message.

Drive Website Traffic and Boost Online Sales

Unlike other platforms, Pinterest is a treasure trove for marketers like you. It allows you to link your stunning visual content directly to your website.

Connect Your Website to Pinterest

Unlike other visual platforms, Pinterest lets you share the magic of written blog articles and captivating visual content. Best of all, you can link these visual delights directly to your travel website! That’s right; every Pin can be a gateway leading users back to your website, where the real adventure begins.

Imagine you run a travel website with excellent blog articles about dreamy destinations. Create visually stunning Pins for each piece and let the users follow the breadcrumbs back to your website with a single click. It’s like sprinkling a trail of stardust that leads them straight to your captivating content.

Mix Inspiration and Product Promotion

Create relevant boards that serve as sources of travel inspiration, peppered with real products from your brand. It’s a powerful combo of enticing users with wanderlust-worthy imagery while subtly showcasing your products.

Think about it – users browsing Pinterest for travel inspiration might stumble upon your pin images and fall in love with your brand’s lifestyle and the idea of purchasing your products. It’s like a magical spell that captivates hearts and opens wallets!

Widgets and Buttons – Your Ticket to Interaction

Integrate Pinterest widgets and buttons to allow your website visitors to interact with your Pinterest page seamlessly. They can view your Pinterest profile, follow you, or explore specific pins and boards with a few clicks.

It’s like creating a portal that bridges the gap between your website and your enchanting Pinterest world. This feature increases engagement and helps you convert leads into loyal followers. After all, the more they see, the more they’ll be drawn to your captivating content.

Why should the tourism industry use Pinterest?

As I already implied, Pinterest is an excellent platform for tourism companies due to the visual nature of travel. 

Pinterest can work no matter what job you operate within the travel industry, including hotels, travel agencies, airlines, tour groups, etc. 

Pinterest now allows video uploads and stories posted to Pinterest so that you can share video walkthroughs and other visual experiences directly to a new audience. 

Let me describe a few examples of how tourism companies can use Pinterest to succeed.

Pinterest Examples for Hotels

Hotels can use Pinterest to showcase their unique branding and make their product more tangible/visual for their customer.

• Showcase key amenities like a pool, lounge, restaurant, spa, etc.
• Have an actual visual depiction that illustrates why your hotel rooms are unique
• Provide short-form videos of a walkthrough of rooms, views, and experiences at the hotel.

If you are a hotel owner or manager, check out these epic digital marketing tips for hotels. 

See Related: Hotel vs. Motel vs. Inn

Pinterest Examples for Travel Agents

If you are a travel agent, you should undoubtedly be on Pinterest. You can market your knowledge and offer better deals to clients.

It’s better if you are a home-based travel agent that works more on a B2C basis than B2B. 

But Pinterest is an excellent visual channel to showcase why someone should work with you.

It’s a great way to build a base of leads as well. 

Proven Steps for Pinterest Travel Success

Let’s take a step-by-step example of how you can succeed on Pinterest. As a Pinterest enthusiast and digital marketer, I want to show you exactly how to use Pinterest to help grow your travel business.

Step 1: Sign-up for a Pinterest Business Account

With a Pinterest business account, you’ll gain access to the coveted Pinterest Analytics. It’s like having your own GPS that guides you through the twists and turns of your marketing performance. You’ll know what’s working, what’s not, and how to adjust your strategy for maximum success.

Your Pinterest profile is like your travel brochure; it entices your audience to hop on board with you. When you have a business account, your profile clearly states that you mean business. It’s like adding a fancy “Travel Experts Inc.” badge to your suit.

Got an existing Pinterest account filled with travel inspirations and beautiful destinations? Fear not! You can easily convert it into a Pinterest business account without losing your precious content or hard work.

If you’re ready to take your travel marketing to new heights, Pinterest Ads are your golden ticket! Upgrading your business account and setting up your payment method can unleash the power of Pinterest Ads Manager.

With Ads Manager, you can target your audience more aggressively and gain access to Pinterest insights like a seasoned travel guide who knows all the best spots to visit. Reach the right people, at the right time, with the right message – and watch your travel success skyrocket!

Step 2: Use Unique Images and Videos

If you’re keen on reaching Pinterest travel success, it’s time to sprinkle a little magic on your visual content. Picture Pinterest as a bustling marketplace of images and videos, all vying for attention.

To soar above the competition, you need to unleash the power of unique visual content. Think of it as your travel passport, making you stand out in the crowd of wanderers.

Create and share branded videos that showcase your travel products and services in all their glory. Pinterest users watch nearly 1 billion videos daily, and you want to be the star of their screens!

Imagine travelers watching your captivating videos and instantly feeling the urge to explore the world with your brand by their side. Show viewers how your offerings can enrich their wanderlust-filled adventures. And here are some helpful tips on how to create unique visual and video content:

• In the canvas of Pinterest, blank space is like an unexplored territory. Avoid excessive empty space in your images, as those with 30% less blank space in the background are pinned most. You want every inch of your canvas to dazzle and captivate.
• When it comes to videos, brevity is the name of the game! Create videos between 30-90 seconds long because they’re proven to have the highest performance. It’s like offering bite-sized travel adventures that leave viewers hungry for more.
• Got some helpful data visualizations and infographics up your sleeve? Share them like treasured maps for your audience! Create specific boards to offer these gems as resources for fellow travelers and businesses.

Think of it as offering valuable travel insights that keep your audience returning for more. They’ll see your brand as a trusted guide in their future travels!

Step 3: Hire a Writer to Publish Blog Posts or Other Content

The secret to Pinterest travel success lies in the power of content – and we’re about to reveal an easy, proven step that will take your journey to new heights.

Creating content is like having a magic wand – it opens doors to endless opportunities! You can promote your travel brand in many ways, reaching a wider audience with each spellbinding piece you publish.

From sharing travel guides to unveiling hidden gems, from revealing insider tips to crafting compelling travel stories – the possibilities are as vast as the universe itself!

A Pinterest strategy like no other involves the power of SEO magic. By conducting keyword research on Pinterest, you’ll unlock the secrets to what travelers are seeking.

No need to wield a magic wand; simply hire a writer to conjure up enchanting content for your Pinterest business. With the help of platforms like WriterAccess, you can easily find a skilled wordsmith who weaves captivating stories perfect for Pinterest. 

See Related: Best Travel Agent Jobs to Consider

Step 4: Outsource Your Graphic Design

I’ve used this gig on Fiverr that seems to work pretty well for my sites. You also get the PSD (Photoshop) source files in the gig, so you now have drag-and-drop templates to make pins repeatedly. I’ll get to why that’s so essential in a bit.

But always have the source files, so no matter the circumstance, you are not “wed” to one designer or the other. 

The good part is that you can use Tailwind to schedule your Pinterest pins for months. So you can front-load all your work daily to reap the benefits for months. 

I’m on Tailwind, and I love the Tribes feature, where you can collaborate and work with other top influencers to grow together.

Step 5: Use Pinterest Trends to Target the Growing Topics

If you buy a big on Fiverr or use someone on 99designs to create 50 pins, you should pin two new pins to your profile daily. That will give you a runway for pinning for 25 days consecutively.

Use https://trends.pinterest.com/ to do keyword research for your pins (you can do this based on the articles you already have to get the correct pins created in advance).

Let’s take a look at an example. 

I first do a Pinterest tends search of ‘Europe travel.’ This segment of travel was impacted significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Okay, let’s layer on some other information.

To do so, I think the “related terms” section at the bottom is very interesting. The Pinterest trends tool is very cool in that you can layer in and compare terms similar to Google Trends information.

What if we want to layer in another related term to this Pinterest trends search related to travel? I like a particular search term that stands out to me. It’s a “ beautiful place.”

That’s remained steady. I wonder why? Check out the image below.

The key indicator here is that despite COVID, people still want to DREAM about travel. That’s crucial.

Many people are stuck at home wishing they could be exploring extraordinary destinations. 

It is extremely valuable information, particularly as it relates to Pinterest. You can remain relevant to your brand if you are a tourist company. Trust me. Other brands are doing this too.  

If someone forgets about you when times are tough, will they remember you when times are good? A free resource like Trends can help you make many decisions about your business. 

Step 6: Use Pinterest Campaigns to Get Insight into Search Volume

Pinterest Tends are great, but you should always get another data source to add your resources.

Cross-check your keyword research on Pinterest Ads. Don’t run a campaign, obviously. Just use their keyword research tool for free.

Here’s how you should do it. First, ensure that you have a business profile on Pinterest. You’ll need this to create a hypothetical campaign on Pinterest.

Then, start creating an ad on Pinterest by clicking this button.

Next, let’s run an example of using Pinterest ad campaigns to get search volume data for particular keywords. It’s not as robust as doing keyword research for Google.

There are tools for keyword research out there for Google that have become multi-million dollar businesses. I’m surprised there isn’t as much out there for Pinterest.

I imagine that only time will tell as Pinterest grows. 

That’s okay. It’s better than no data at all. 

To get to the keyword search section, scroll down to this “keywords” area in the “Ads Manager” of Pinterest. 

Okay, now remember my comments on the trends about “ beautiful places“? This is what we get in the Pinterest keyword research tool:

These suggestions are not entirely helpful, but they can help you plan a better content strategy.

Use these keyword opportunities to create content that is optimized for Pinterest. If it works for Google and SEO, it’s a double win.

These keywords are short and likely very high competition. So, what if we evaluate something a bit more long-tail?

This time I look at the keyword “amazing places in the world” but offer something more specific, including the exact match framework.

You need to add brackets around the keyword. So it looks like this “[amazing places in the world].”

Check it out here.

As you can see, there is much opportunity to mix in different variations. This isn’t precisely for hotels or travel agents per se. But think of all the possibilities. 

Mix in the suggestions with the keyword that you are searching for. An optimal combination would be “20 Amazing Places in the World to Visit” or “20 Stange and Interesting Places You Need to Visit.”

That’s just a start, but the combinations are infinite, providing you with more and more opportunities to gain exposure as a company in the travel industry.  Now that you have some results get some content with WriterAccess going and some pins designed from Fiverr for those specific pins. 

Wait for the results of top-performing pins and reuse top-performing templates to recreate pins for new articles/keywords.

Step 7: Leverage Relevant Keywords

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, a travel blogger, or a travel gear seller looking to skyrocket your business, leveraging relevant keywords is the way to go!

Picture this: You’re selling suitcases and want to be the go-to choice for all those wanderlusts out there. The key is to sprinkle those juicy keywords and phrases like “travel” or “going on a trip” throughout your profile and Pins. By doing this, you’ll magically appear in users’ feeds and searches.

But where do you find these magical keywords? Pinterest itself is your treasure map. Start by searching for terms related to your travel niche on the platform. 

Pinterest will shower you with related keywords at the top of the screen, giving you insights into what users are questing for. 

But wait, there’s more! The adventure doesn’t stop there. A secret plugin called “Keywords Everywhere” lets you gauge the search volume for terms on Pinterest.

This little gem helps you understand the demand for your chosen keywords, ensuring you’re riding the wave of popular search trends. It’s like having a travel guide who knows all the secret spots!

You can strategically insert keywords in several locations to improve your chances of being discovered:

1. Bio and Profile: Your bio should be a magical portal that captivates users and lets them know about your enchanting adventures. Sprinkle those keywords wisely to attract like-minded travelers.
2. Pin Descriptions: Each Pin should be a captivating tale that entices users to click and explore further. Add relevant keywords to guide them to your website or blog.
3. Board Titles: Your boards are like different chapters in a storybook. Give them alluring titles incorporating keywords to attract the right audience and keep them spellbound.
4. Board Descriptions: Unveil the secrets of each board with descriptive texts woven with keywords. This helps users find your boards amidst the vast Pinterest landscape.
5. Image-Alt-Text: Even the images you share can be optimized for search. Add keyword-rich alt-text to them, making them more accessible and discoverable by search engines.

And for those seeking an extra boost, there’s an exciting option for adventurers willing to invest a little more. Pinterest ads! 

With the platform’s keyword targeting tool, you can aim your ads precisely at the right audience. It’s like having a magical compass that directs you straight to your dream travelers.

Step 8: Evaluate the Analytics to Work Smarter and Analyze Results

Imagine each pin as a powerful silver bullet that propels your business to new heights. But to hit the mark, you need to wield the analytics sword and analyze the results of your Pinterest marketing endeavors. 

Through Pinterest Analytics, you’ll unlock four types of invaluable information:

1. Insights about your Profile: Gain a bird’s-eye view of your entire profile’s performance. It’s like having a crystal ball that reveals how well your enchanting boards and captivating pins work together.
2. Save and Re-pin Metrics: Delve into the minds of your audience and understand how many people are saving and re-pinning your magical content. It’s like having the ability to read your audience’s thoughts and desires.
3. Platform Metrics: Unravel the mysteries of how people interact with your content on both desktop and mobile devices. Discover the preferred pathways of your audience as they embark on their Pinterest adventures.
4. Popular Pins Data: Unveil the secrets of your most popular pins that cast a spell on your audience’s hearts. Learn what makes them stand out, and use that knowledge to create more captivating content.

But here’s the ultimate spell for Pinterest success: Always be optimizing! Just because a few pins didn’t work their magic doesn’t mean your journey is over. Embrace the mantra of creating more of what people love and less of what they don’t.

You can monitor robust analytics for free through the Tailwind app. They’ll show you the top engaging posts and boards for your Pinterest account – once you think about it through that lens.

It will get easier and easier as you go. You need to analyze the data, as that will show you where you need to go and where you need to focus your efforts. 

Final Step: Repeat Your Efforts.

Pinterest is all about consistency. You need to feed Pinterest with high-quality imagery continually. If you think Pinterest is a resource where you will instantly gain traffic and revenue, you’ll be in for a rude awakening. But, you will see results if you think about the long-term and maintain repetition.

Follow the data and listen to your audience. Over time, you’ll be rewarded.

Plus, your followers, over time, will love your consistency and imagery with your posts. You’ll stand out and increase your reach if they are visually appealing.

Follow us on Pinterest to see how we grow our Account.

Benefits of Pinterest for Travel Planning

1. Curated Travel Guides and Tips

Pinterest is a haven for travel enthusiasts who love to share their experiences and expertise. Travel bloggers and experts curate boards with destination-specific guides, insider tips, and off-the-beaten-path recommendations.

Whether you’re a luxury traveler or a budget explorer, you’ll find tailored advice that suits your style. It’s like having a team of seasoned travel advisors at your fingertips.

2. Organize Your Wanderlust

Create your magic with Pinterest boards! You can categorize and organize your travel aspirations by creating boards for specific destinations, bucket-list adventures, travel packing lists, and more.

It’s like crafting a personalized vision board that fuels your passion for exploration. With Pinterest, your travel dreams take tangible form, making planning an enchanting experience.

3. Discover Hidden Gems

Unearth hidden gems and secret spots with the help of Pinterest’s vast community of travel enthusiasts. Beyond the typical tourist attractions, you’ll find captivating pins that reveal lesser-known places and cultural experiences.

Dive into the local scene, savor unique traditions, and uncover the heart of each destination. Pinterest opens the door to authentic and unforgettable travel discoveries.

4. Collaborative Travel Planning

The magic of Pinterest doesn’t stop with solo exploration. It’s a fantastic platform for collaborative travel planning with friends, family, or travel buddies.

Share boards, pin ideas together, and engage in lively discussions about your upcoming adventure. Pinterest turns travel planning into a delightful group activity, ensuring everyone’s interests and preferences are considered.

5. Access to Expert Advice and Reviews

Before packing your bags, gathering insights from fellow travelers is crucial. Pinterest provides access to user-generated content, including travel reviews, itineraries, and accommodation recommendations.

Benefit from the firsthand experiences of other travelers and make informed decisions for a smooth and enjoyable journey.

6. Time-Saving Travel Research

With the vast amount of travel information on Pinterest, it acts as a time-saving travel research hub. You can quickly find comprehensive guides, suggested itineraries, and packing checklists in one place. Say goodbye to endless web searches and hello to a streamlined planning process!

7. Customized Travel Inspiration

Pinterest’s algorithm is your travel genie, tailoring recommendations based on your interests and searches. As you engage with travel-related pins, Pinterest learns your preferences and offers more personalized inspiration. Get ready for a magical journey curated just for you!

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