Pinterest is a visual platform, but that doesn’t mean just any visuals will work. What it does mean is that the right look can make all the difference. I’ve seen some ups and downs with impressions in the past few weeks, so I decided to experiment with pin style and branding this week during my 100-Day Pinterest for Authors Challenge.
If you’ve been following along, you might notice a difference between these two sets:
New Style (Examples 1 & 2): Bolder colors, cleaner fonts, and a more consistent brand look.
Old Style (Example 3): Softer colors, a more whimsical design, and a mix of text styles.
I decided to change things up because of three things: visibility, clarity, and consistency.
Why I’m Testing a New Pin Style
To Increase Visibility:
Pinterest is a vast ocean of content. What stands out is what gets clicked. My first goal is to see if my new, bolder designs catch the eye faster than my old, softer style.To Improve Readability:
One of the biggest mistakes I see (and have made) is trying to cram too much text onto a pin. My new designs are simple, with clean, clear text. Less clutter means a quicker message. I want to grab potential readers fast.To Create a More Consistent Brand Look:
A lot of my old pins are a mix of styles—some magical, some whimsical, and some sophisticated. The new style leans more into a consistent brand aesthetic, which could make my pins more recognizable over time.
Here’s What I Want to Learn:
By the end of this experiment, I want to know:
Do the new pin styles get more clicks?
Do they generate more saves (meaning people find them valuable)?
Are they easier to create and replicate, saving me time?
Which design elements (colors, fonts, layout) perform best for my audience?
This process is about testing. I want to learn, grow, and adapt, which means pinning with purpose, not ‘just because’. Sometimes this means experimenting and changing things up.
What I Want You to Take Away
If you’re an author using Pinterest, here’s what you can learn from my testing week:
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Your first pin style won’t be your final style.
Track what works. Don’t just make pretty designs—check your analytics. Which pins get clicks? Which ones get ignored?
Evolve as you learn. Always remember that Pinterest is a long game. I believe your visuals can and should change as you understand your audience better.
Next Steps in My Experiment:
➤ I’ll keep pinning both new and old styles for at least two weeks (but I’ll report back on Friday with some preliminary info).
➤ I’ll compare the results (clicks, saves, impressions) to see which style performs better.
➤ I’ll keep you updated—and share the lessons I learn.
One of the things I love most about Pinterest is that it’s not static. It’s a place where you can test, learn, and refine, which is exactly what I’m doing this week.
Have you ever changed up your design style on Pinterest? Did it make a difference?
Here’s to experimenting and learning!
~Melissa
📌 Catch up on the full Pinterest Challenge here
📌 Ready for a deeper Pinterest strategy? Check out Pinterest Power for Authors