Are you a pet retailer looking to reach more animal lovers, boost store visits, and grow your online presence? Pinterest could be the opportunity you’re looking for! Whether your shop is brick-and-mortar, fully online, or a blend of both, Pinterest for pet retailers opens doors to a highly engaged, visually-driven audience actively searching for inspiration and pet solutions.
In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to get started, best practices for optimizing your presence, and actionable tips to bring more pet lovers into your community. Let’s get Pinning!
Why Pinterest Should Be in Every Pet Retailer’s Toolkit
Pinterest isn’t “just another social media site”—it’s a visual search engine with over 460 million monthly users, including millions of pet owners and enthusiasts. People use Pinterest to research products, get inspiration, and even plan purchases. For pet retailers, that means your products can show up exactly when someone is searching for “best dog toys,” “cat enrichment ideas,” or “healthy treats for rabbits.”
Google and AI overviews also value well-optimized, helpful content. When you use Pinterest as a retailer, you’re creating evergreen assets that show up in both Pinterest searches and increasingly in Google—driving traffic over the long term.
Step 1: Set Up/Optimize Your Pinterest Business Profile
- Go to Pinterest and sign up for a free business account, or convert your current one.
- Fill out every detail: Brand logo as your profile image, a clear, benefit-rich business description with the focus keyword (“Dallas holistic pet shop” or “organic pet treats for dogs”), and your website link.
- Claim your website (Pinterest provides instructions). This unlocks analytics, rich Pins, and more.
- Add your email and location, helping local pet owners find you.
SEO Tip:
Include relevant keywords throughout—your location, core products (e.g., “reptile supplies”), services, and your unique selling points.
Step 2: Create Boards with Purpose and Search Intent
Boards are Pinterest’s way of organizing topics for pet lovers and buyers. Think of each board as a “window” into a specific need or solution.
- Start with 5–8 boards targeting your main customer interests: “Best Dog Supplies,” “Cat Care Essentials,” “Pet Nutrition,” “Pet Wellness Tips,” “Cute Dog Outfits.”
- Each board should have a descriptive title AND a keyword-optimized description.
Example: “Pet Hydration Tips” could have a description: “Simple, evidence-based tips to keep your pets hydrated year-round—vital info for dogs, cats, birds, and more!”
- Niche boards can showcase your expertise: “Holiday Gift Ideas for Pets,” “Senior Dog Care.”
- Mix educational, inspirational, and product-focused boards.
SEO Tip:
Boards rank both on Pinterest and in Google—use primary and related keywords naturally.
Step 3: Pin High-Quality, Relevant Content Consistently
Pinterest rewards fresh, helpful content. You don’t need studio photography–smartphone photos work if they’re well-lit and vertical (1000×1500 pixels is optimal).
- Pin your products, but also pin educational content: how-tos, infographics, checklists, tips, and seasonal advice.
- Every Pin should feature a compelling image, a short, benefit-rich overlay text, and a keyword-optimized description.
e.g., “5 Safe Chews for Small Dogs – Available now at [Your Shop Name]!”
- Link Pins right to the relevant product or advice page, not just your main homepage.
- Include a call-to-action like “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” or “Book a Free Discovery Call.”
AI Optimization:
Write descriptions as if answering a question someone might ask a chatbot or voice-search. Natural, clear, and specific language wins.
Step 4: Engage Beyond Products—Deliver Value and Build Community
Not every Pin needs to push a sale! Share:
- Care guides for different pets
- Seasonal pet safety checklists (summer, winter, holidays)
- Inspirational rescue stories or customer reviews (with permission)
- User-generated content—ask your community to share photos using your products, then Pin their images (with credit)
- Collaborative boards: Partner with local vets, trainers, or groomers to co-create valuable boards
Step 5: Use Descriptions and Hashtags Wisely
- Use 2–3 relevant hashtags per Pin (#DogToys, #PetCareTips, #CatLovers).
- Write clear, benefit-focused Pin descriptions that answer “why should I click?”
e.g., “Prevent boredom and encourage healthy play with these staff-recommended puzzle toys for cats.”
SEO Tip:
Think like your customer: What would they search for? Use those phrases in your descriptions, not just in hashtags.
Step 6: Leverage Pinterest Analytics and Refine Your Strategy
- Track your most popular boards, Pins, and keywords.
- Adjust your strategy—post more of what’s working, test new topics in low-performing categories.
- Look for audience trends: Are you attracting local traffic? Which Pins get saves vs. clicks?
Step 7: Promote Your Presence Off Pinterest
- Add Pinterest “Save” buttons to your website product pages and blog posts.
- Cross-promote your Pinterest profile in your emails, signage, and social profiles.
- Share popular Pins directly to Facebook, Instagram, and your e-newsletter.
- Invite customers to follow you on Pinterest for exclusive offers and early access to sales.
Beginner FAQs for Pet Retailers on Pinterest
How often should I Pin?
Aim for 2–5 new or repinned Pins per day to start, but quality matters more than quantity.
Do I need professional photos?
No! Use bright, natural lighting and clean, uncluttered backgrounds. Photos showing pets using your products are especially effective.
How long until I see results?
Pinterest is a long-term game—expect at least 2–3 months before major traction, though some Pins can go viral more quickly.
Ready to Boost Your Store’s Findability with Pinterest?
Pinterest rewards steady, value-driven effort. By setting up your business profile, optimizing boards and Pins, and regularly delivering fresh, helpful content, you’ll cultivate a new community of loyal pet owners who love what you offer.
Looking for tailored help? Book a free discovery call and let’s map out your Pinterest success plan together!
