How I Use Pinterest to Drive Traffic to My Pattern Shop!

If you're a surface pattern designer like me, you probably know how important it is to get your work seen. But with social media algorithms always changing and competition on marketplaces like Etsy or POD sites growing every day, how do you consistently bring in fresh eyes (and potential customers) to your shop?

Enter: Pinterest — the quiet powerhouse of visual discovery.

In this blog, I’m sharing exactly how I use Pinterest to drive consistent traffic to my pattern shop, grow my audience, and ultimately increase sales. Spoiler alert: Pinterest isn’t just for DIYs and recipes anymore — it’s a game-changer for creative entrepreneurs.

Why Pinterest Works for Pattern Designers

Unlike Instagram or TikTok, where content is fleeting, Pinterest is more like a visual search engine. Pins can circulate for months or even years, continuing to bring traffic to your shop long after you post them.

It’s perfect for pattern designers because:

• It’s highly visual

• It caters to people actively searching for inspiration and products

• Pins link directly to your website or shop

• It has a long content lifespan (hello, passive marketing!)

Step 1: Set Up a Pinterest Business Account

If you haven’t already, switch to or create a Pinterest Business Account. This gives you access to:

• Pinterest Analytics

• Rich Pins (which pull extra info from your site)

• Better visibility in search results

Claim your website (or Etsy shop) so Pinterest knows you're legit, and upload a branded profile picture and cover image that reflect your style.

Step 2: Optimize Your Pinterest Profile

Think of Pinterest as a visual Google — keywords matter.

✔️ Write a keyword-rich bio that explains what you do (e.g. “Surface pattern designer sharing colorful seamless patterns for fabric, stationery, and home decor”).

✔️ Use keywords in your display name too (like: “Jane Smith | Surface Pattern Designer”).

✔️ Create boards around your niche — not just “My Work” — but also categories that relate to your audience (e.g. Floral Patterns, Boho Aesthetic, Kids Room Decor, Patterned Wallpapers, etc.)

Step 3: Create Pin-Worthy Graphics

This is where the magic happens.

I create 3–5 different pin designs for each product or pattern collection I release. This helps me test what design performs best.

Tips for High-Performing Pins:

• Use vertical dimensions (1000 x 1500 px works great)

• Add overlays with text like:

  • “Download Seamless Pattern Files”

  • “Shop Fabric Prints”

  • “Perfect for Kids’ Room Decor”

• Keep branding consistent with your style and fonts

• Include a subtle watermark or your logo

I use Canva to batch-design my pins — they even have Pinterest templates to get you started.

Step 4: Write Keyword-Rich Pin Descriptions

When you upload your pin, don’t skip the description! Use searchable keywords that your ideal customer might be typing in.

For example:

“Download this hand-drawn floral seamless pattern for fabric, wallpaper, or printables. Perfect for spring decor or DIY craft projects. Available in high-res JPEG + vector formats.”

Add relevant hashtags like #surfacepatterndesign, #floralpatterns, #digitaldownloads, and so on.

Step 5: Link Back to Your Shop (Strategically)

Every pin should have a purpose — whether it’s to:

• Lead to a product listing

• Drive traffic to a blog post

• Promote your newsletter or freebie

Make sure the link goes exactly where the user expects. If the pin says “Download Seamless Patterns,” link directly to that product, not your homepage.

Step 6: Stay Consistent with Scheduling

I pin about 3–5 times a day, mixing my own content with related pins from others. This keeps my account active without being overwhelming.

I use Tailwind to schedule everything in advance, so I’m not manually pinning every day. It also helps me identify top-performing pins and trends.

Step 7: Analyze, Tweak & Repeat

Pinterest analytics show you:

• Which pins are getting the most clicks or saves

• What boards perform best

• Your monthly view count and engagement rate

I check in weekly and double down on what’s working — for example, I’ve found that my boho-inspired patterns do especially well in spring and fall.

Bonus Tip: Use Idea Pins to Show Your Process

While standard pins drive traffic, Idea Pins help boost engagement and grow your Pinterest following. I sometimes use them to:

• Share time-lapse videos of my design process

• Show pattern mockups in real-life products

• Tell short stories about my collections

Although they don’t link out (yet), they’re great for visibility.

Real Results: What Pinterest Has Done for My Shop

Since leaning into Pinterest:

• I’ve tripled traffic to my Etsy shop

• One pin about printable patterns still brings in daily clicks months later

• I’ve attracted wholesale inquiries from people who found me via Pinterest!

And all of this happens in the background while I focus on creating — that’s the beauty of this platform.

Final Thoughts

Pinterest is hands-down one of the most powerful tools in my marketing toolbox as a surface pattern designer. It’s free, evergreen, and designed for visual inspiration — basically made for artists like us.

Whether you sell digital downloads, physical products, or license your work, Pinterest can help you grow your audience and make more sales without having to show up daily like other platforms.

So if you’ve been sleeping on Pinterest, now’s the time to start pinning with purpose!

💛