Pinterest Image Tips: Design for Clicks & Saves

Ever pinned something that looked gorgeous but got zero clicks? You're not alone. After designing over 200 Pinterest images for my own blog, I've learned that the secret isn't just beauty—it's strategy. Let me share the exact tweaks that tripled my outbound clicks.

Start with a Scroll-Stopping Vertical Format

Pinterest is a vertical platform, so your image should be too. The ideal aspect ratio is 2:3—think 1000×1500 pixels. Why? Because vertical images take up more screen space in the feed, making them impossible to ignore. I remember when I first started, I used horizontal photos from my blog, and they got lost among the tall pins. As soon as I switched to 1000×1500, my saves jumped by 40% in a month.

But don't just stretch a horizontal image—that leads to awkward cropping. Instead, design from scratch with a vertical mindset. Use the extra space to include a bold headline and your branding. If you're using Canva, they have a 'Pinterest Pin' template that's already 1000×1500. Just search for it.

Take a moment: look at your last five pins. Are they vertical? If not, try resizing one and see how it feels. Small changes, big impact.

Use Text Overlays That Pop (and Are Readable)

Most people scroll Pinterest with their thumb, often on mute. So your image needs to communicate the value instantly—through text. But not just any text: it must be readable at a glance. I learned this the hard way when I used a thin, script font over a busy background. The pin got clicks, but people commented that they couldn't read it. Oops.

Aim for a font size of at least 60pt for headlines and 40pt for subheadings. Choose a clean sans-serif like Montserrat or Lato. And always, always add a semi-transparent overlay (like a black rectangle at 30% opacity) behind the text if your background is busy. This ensures contrast.

Here's a mindfulness prompt: when you design, step back and squint. Can you still read the text? If not, increase the size or simplify. Your future viewers will thank you.

Choose Colors That Stand Out (Without Clashing)

Pinterest's feed is a sea of reds, whites, and pastels. To stand out, you need a color palette that contrasts with the platform's dominant tones. I've found that deep blues, greens, and even black backgrounds perform well because they're less common. But don't just pick random colors—they should match your brand.

Use a tool like Coolors to generate a palette. Stick to 2-3 main colors. For example, my brand uses navy, blush pink, and gold. Every pin I create uses at least two of these, making my content instantly recognizable. This consistency builds trust and recall.

Ask yourself: if someone saw your pin without your logo, would they know it's yours? If not, it's time to refine your palette.

Add a Clear Call-to-Action (and a Reason to Click)

A beautiful pin without a CTA is like a store with no sign—people might peek, but they won't come in. Your CTA should tell people what to do next: 'Read the full guide,' 'Get the free checklist,' 'Shop the sale.' But more importantly, it should hint at the value they'll get. Instead of 'Click here,' try 'Learn 5 easy SEO tips' or 'Download your free meal plan.'

I tested this on my own pins: one set had 'Read more' and the other had 'Get the 10-minute dinner recipes.' The latter got 3x more clicks. Why? Because it promised a specific outcome. So be specific and benefit-driven.

Place your CTA near the bottom of the pin, but not too close to the edge—leave a little breathing room. And make it stand out with a contrasting color or a button shape.

Optimize for Mobile (Because That's Where Everyone Is)

Over 85% of Pinterest users access the platform on mobile. So your image must look great on a small screen. That means avoiding tiny details, thin lines, and small text. I once designed a pin with a detailed infographic—it looked amazing on my desktop, but on my phone, it was a blur. Lesson learned.

Test your pin by viewing it on your phone before publishing. Zoom out. Can you still grasp the message? If not, simplify. Use larger elements, fewer words, and high contrast.

Also, remember that mobile users scroll fast. Your pin has about 1.5 seconds to make an impression. So make that headline count.

Don't Forget the Alt Text and Description

While the image is crucial, the text that accompanies it—alt text and description—is what helps Pinterest's algorithm understand and distribute your pin. Alt text is for accessibility, but it also feeds the algorithm. Describe your image accurately: 'A vertical graphic with a navy background and gold text that says "5 Pinterest Tips" and a photo of a woman using a laptop.'

Your pin description should include relevant keywords naturally. For example, if your pin is about healthy recipes, mention 'easy healthy dinner ideas' in a sentence. But don't stuff keywords—write for humans first. I've seen a 20% increase in impressions just by optimizing descriptions.

Take a mindful pause: after writing your description, read it aloud. Does it sound natural? If not, tweak it.

How to Do It, Step by Step

1. 1Design in 2:3 aspect ratio
   Use 1000×1500 pixels to maximize feed real estate and avoid cropping.
2. 2Use large, readable text
   Headlines at least 60pt, subheadings 40pt, with a contrasting overlay.
3. 3Stick to 2-3 brand colors
   Create a recognizable palette that stands out from Pinterest's default reds and whites.
4. 4Include a benefit-driven CTA
   Tell users exactly what they'll get, like 'Get the free checklist' instead of 'Click here'.
5. 5Test on mobile before publishing
   View your pin on a phone to ensure readability and visual impact on small screens.
6. 6Write keyword-rich alt text and description
   Describe the image accurately and weave in relevant keywords naturally.

A Pinterest image isn't just a pretty picture—it's a silent salesperson that must communicate value in a split second.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should a Pinterest image be?

The ideal size is 1000×1500 pixels (2:3 ratio). This vertical format takes up more screen space and performs better in the feed.

How much text should I put on a Pinterest image?

Keep it minimal—just a headline and maybe a subheading. Too much text overwhelms viewers and becomes unreadable on mobile.

Do Pinterest images need alt text?

Yes, alt text improves accessibility and helps Pinterest's algorithm understand your pin. Describe the image accurately and include keywords naturally.

What's the best call-to-action for Pinterest pins?

A specific, benefit-driven CTA like 'Get the free guide' or 'Learn 5 easy tips' works best. Avoid generic phrases like 'Click here'.

How can I make my Pinterest images stand out?

Use a consistent brand color palette that contrasts with Pinterest's dominant reds and whites. Also, ensure your text is large and readable.