How to Use Pinterest to Make a Vision Board

Pinterest can be both a goldmine and a rabbit hole. With so much inspiration available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by endless ideas but when you know how to use it, it can be a powerful tool for communicating your ideal branding to your designer. The key to creating a helpful brand vision board is knowing what to search for and how to use some of Pinterest's lesser known features. Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding the right content and keeping your vision clear:

Step 1: Start with a Clear Idea of Your Brand’s Personality

Before you start searching, think about how you want people to think and feel about your brand . Ask yourself:

What words describe my brand? (e.g., playful, elegant, earthy, bold)
What do I want people to feel when they interact with my brand?
Who is my target audience, and what styles would resonate with them?

Write these ideas down. They’ll serve as a guide when you start searching on Pinterest.

Step 2: Use Specific Keywords

Pinterest works best when you use focused search terms. Instead of searching for generic terms like "branding," try combining keywords that reflect your brand’s aesthetic and industry. For example:

If you want your brand to feel cozy and approachable: Search for terms like "neutral color palette," "handwritten logo," or "soft textures."
If you want your brand to feel modern and bold: Look for "minimalist design," "geometric branding," or "bold color combinations."
If you’re in a specific industry: Add your niche to your searches, like "boutique logo design" or "cafe branding inspiration."

Pro Tips for Effective Searching: Use Descriptive Adjectives: Combine words like "modern," "vintage," "playful," or "elegant" with terms like "branding", "color palette", or "logo." You can also try searching for Color Palettes: If you’re starting with colors, search for "[color/feeling] palette" (e.g., "earth tone palette", "soft color palette").

Step 3: Explore Related Searches

When you see a pin you like, be sure to save it! Then, if you click on it and scroll down, Pinterest will show you related content based on that pin’s style. This is a great way to uncover more focused inspiration without starting new searches.

TIP: I often prefer to open pins in a new tab when possible so that I don't lose my original search.

Step 4: Save Pins with Context

Pinterest recently added the ability to add notes to pins. This is a great way to help communicate what exactly you like about a certain idea. You can do this by clicking on the little edit pencil on the bottom right hand corner of a saved pin.

Some examples for notes you could write are:

“I love the clean lines of this logo.”
“This color palette feels soft and inviting.”

These notes will help your designer understand your thought process and what specifically resonates with you.

Step 6: Avoid Overwhelm by Setting Limits

It’s easy to keep pinning endlessly, but too many ideas can become overwhelming and difficult to sift through. Set a goal to collect 15-20 pins that truly reflect your brand’s personality. Quality over quantity is key.

Step 7: Look for Patterns

As you review your saved pins, take note of recurring themes. Are there specific colors, fonts, or styles that stand out? Share these observations with your designer to give them a clear direction.

Step 8: Have Fun!

Creating a Pinterest vision board should be an enjoyable process. Embrace the opportunity to dream big and get excited about your brand’s potential. Let the process inspire you as you build a board that reflects your unique vision.