When it comes to Pinterest marketing, images are everything. That’s why I kicked off this three-part troubleshooting series with a deep dive into Pinterest images—because they’re the first thing users see when they open the app. Whether you’re a business owner or content creator, this is where you’ll get the most return on your efforts. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful great visuals can be, and I want to share how I approach creating and auditing my Pinterest images to get the best possible results.

Why Pinterest Images Matter So Much

Let’s go back to basics. When someone opens the Pinterest app—usually on their phone—all they see is a grid of images. There’s no text beneath the images like you might see on Instagram. Those images have to speak for themselves and entice someone to click. According to a Tailwind study that analyzed over 1.2 million pins, more than 60% of saves come from pins that are over a year old. That’s wild, right? It means that what I pin today could keep working for me for months, even years. And since 90% of the most viral pins are image pins (not videos or collages), it’s clear where my time and energy should go.

The Mistakes I’ve Seen (and Made)

I’ve made plenty of image mistakes along the way, and I see others doing the same. The first issue? Fonts that are too small or too decorative—especially those lovely script fonts that just don’t read well on a phone screen (or for anyone over 40, like me, who wears readers!). The second mistake is avoiding text altogether. Yes, the image might be beautiful, but if it doesn’t tell me what it’s about, I’m probably going to scroll past. The third issue is using the wrong dimensions. Pinterest has consistently recommended a 2:3 ratio (1000×1500 pixels). If I go longer than that, my pin gets cut off—and that’s wasted effort. I’ve also learned to be strategic with branding, especially during seasonal shifts. Sometimes a little deviation in color to reflect fall or spring can go a long way in attracting the right audience.

How I Audit My Pins Using Data

I used to avoid looking at my analytics because I didn’t want to face the possibility that my “gut instincts” were wrong. But now I make it a point to dive into my Pinterest data regularly. I look at which of my pins are getting the most saves and outbound clicks—because those are the metrics Pinterest values most. Then, I pin high-performing and low-performing images to a secret board and analyze the visual patterns. Are there too many words? Not enough contrast? Are “how to” phrases getting more traction (hint: they always do for me)? This process has helped me fine-tune my designs and has given me clear direction on what to repeat and what to drop.

The Tools and Tactics That Make It Easier

If designing Pinterest images feels overwhelming, don’t start from scratch—use templates! I rely on Pinterest-specific Canva templates created by the Simple Pin team because they’re designed to convert. I also recommend doing a Pinner Persona exercise to make sure you know exactly who you’re designing for. Once I’ve dialed that in, I create a few different image variations, ask trusted friends for feedback (even if it stings a little), and test them for at least three months. Remember, Pinterest pins can take time to gain traction. Now I audit my images every three to six months as part of my regular marketing check-ins. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be intentional. And it’s been totally worth it.