Earlier in my series on Growing Your Blog with Pinterest, I recommended that in order to get more incoming traffic to your blog from Pinterest, you should optimize your Pinterest profile.
Remember: the point of that was to provide an interesting blurb about you that makes new readers want to check out your blog.
At the time I wrote that post, adding the URL to your blog would add a cute little “globe” to your profile, which linked out to your blog:
Thankfully, Pinterest now has a better option for us.
If you have just five minutes (okay, ten minutes if you have to install an FTP client on your computer), you can get some new bling for your blog: the full URL, written out under your profile, that is a more obvious link to your home on the web.
Take a look:
In case you’re not convinced that it’s worth those five minutes, I checked out my Analytics stats this morning and since I verified my blog with Pinterest 24 hours ago, I’ve had eight (8) new visitors to my site from my profile. For a huge blog, this might be just a drop in the bucket…but for others who are just getting started, 8 new visitors each day could be huge.
Ready to do this?
This tutorial video applies to people who are blogging on self-hosted WordPress, where you have access to all your files. If you’re on Blogger, check out this tutorial, and wordpress.com (not self-hosted WordPress) users can verify their blogs by following these instructions.
How to Verify Your Blog on Pinterest
Note: Don’t forget to adjust the video’s image quality so you can see things better! Just click on the little “gear” symbol at the bottom of the video player and select 720px, or the HD (high definition) option.
Step By Step: How to Verify Your WordPress Website on Pinterest
- Install an FTP client like FileZilla on your computer.
- Configure the FTP client to give you access to your site and log in. Note: Where it says “Host,” you’ll probably be entering the URL of your website or blog.
- Navigate to the folder called public_html, which has your WordPress files inside. Hold that thought.
- Open Pinterest in your web browser and navigate to your profile page, found under Settings.
- Scroll down until you see the box for URL. If you haven’t already entered the URL of your blog, do that now. Then click Verify Site to the right.
- Where it says Step 1, download the HTML file to your desktop.
- Reopen FileZilla, double checking that you’re in the right folder (public_html).
- Drag the Pinterest file from your desktop into the folder, making sure to place it among the other files, and not inside a different folder.
- Go back to Pinterest and click Verify.
- Once you’re verified, you can remove Pinterest’s file from your server.
Questions or Tips to Share?
Please leave them in the comments below!
Do you know a blogger who would benefit from this video?
Please share this post and make them happy. 
Twitter: SimplyDesigning
says:
Hi!
I used to be at a .blogspot and yes, I figured out a way to verify my blog through Pinterest. However, I just changed to a .net. My .blogspot auto directs to my new .net. I am wondering if I should re-verify using my .net or keep it at a .blogspot. Pros, cons etc?
Thanks!
Ashley
Twitter: theblogmaven
says:
For the purposes of getting people to your blog, the .blogspot address works fine, since Blogger redirects them. But if you’d like it to say .net after your name (perhaps it’s more professional looking?), I think you’d want to re-verify your blog after entering your new URL in the URL box on your profile page.
Twitter: AllHeartandHome
says:
Love this! Thank you…I have a question, I’m lost when it gets to “enter the information that your host has given you”
My host is HostGator (my SIL does that for me) I’m just not certain what info. I need from the host. Sorry, I bet it’s obvious but I’m clueless… :0
Thanks~
Robin
Robin recently posted..Decor Trend: Air Plants
Twitter: theblogmaven
says:
Hi Robin, you’ll look in the welcome email HostGator sent you initially. It should have FTP access information like a username and password, and possibly a port number. If you don’t have it, try logging in to your account and checking the left hand sidebar on your account information page. And if all else fails, call HostGator and tell them what you need – it’s something they should be able to provide you in just a few minutes. Hope this helps!
Twitter: AllHeartandHome
says:
Thanks ! I’m off to figure it out! xo
Robin recently posted..Decor Trend: Air Plants
Just watched this and successfully verified my blog on Pinterest! Thank you so much for walking me through it!
Kim Christensen recently posted..Caring for Cast Iron
Wow, thank you!
Great tips.
I’m looking froward to following you now…Thanks so very much.
~Chris
Chris C recently posted..Try A New Recipe Tuesday: Bailey’s Irish Hot Cocoa
the tute for blogger was perfect and actually worked this time….is there one for getting the pin it button to hover over pics in blogger? thanks so much!
kelly thompson recently posted..Command from your kitchen- Do It!
Twitter: theblogmaven
says:
I’m not sure about that, Kelly. I know WordPress pretty well, but I haven’t done much work in Blogger.
Twitter: skinnyseahorse
says:
All done! Thanks mucho for the tute.
Twitter: SimplyFreshVint
says:
Thank you so much for your awesome tutorial! I’m a new blogger and chose to start with a self-hosted WordPress site. It’s been quite a learning curve and one of my biggest “fears” was working with an FTP. Not only was I able to verify my pinterest account, but now I have no fear of Filezilla either! I’ll definitely be spending lots of time reviewing all your information. You’ve been a great help
Have an awesome day!
Twitter: theblogmaven
says:
That’s great to hear, Lani. FTP isn’t so scary after all.
With time, I’m sure you’ll get really comfortable with it. Great work!
Twitter: DelightfulHome
says:
Thanks, Jeni! I just did this while following along with your video. Glad to have a nice little url instead of a globe in my profile.
Stacy recently posted..10 Homemade Natural Hair Treatments
Hi Jeni,
When I go to find Public_Html it isn’t there. Any ideas?
A local company is my host on my wordpress but I am not sure if that has anything to do with it.
Murissa recently posted..Vogalonga 2013: Paddling Venice
Twitter: theblogmaven
says:
Hi Murissa, on some hosts that folder is called “www” – is that one there? Basically, you’re looking for whichever folder includes the wp_content folder.
Twitter: wandertraveler
says:
Hi Jeni,
I have found the file wp-content under the file httpdocs.
However, when I drag and drop the file and after it says transfer file complete. I click verify on my Pinterest account and it says “your server responded with a status code 404 (file not found) We tried to visit http://www.thewanderfulltraveler.com/pinterest-c19e5.html.
Twitter: theblogmaven
says:
Hmm…I’m really not sure what’s happening then. If you’re sure that the file went into the httpdocs folder (and not into a subfolder), that should have done it. Underneath the 1-2-3 steps on the “Verify your site” page, there’s an alternative method for verifying your site, I believe. See if you can walk through the other method. Sorry this isn’t working out for you!
Twitter: AllHeartandHome
says:
I did it!!! Whew! Must have watched your video 10 times
You did a great job instructing someone like me…not so good with technology!
Thanks Bunches!
Robin
Robin recently posted..Spring Mantle
Twitter: CookingBride
says:
Just found your blog! I can’t wait to read more of your posts.
I can personally vouch for doing this. I did it a few weeks ago just out of curiousity and my followers doubled relatively quickly. I am starting to notice a lot more traffic as well.
Lisa recently posted..Twice Baked Rutabagas
Twitter: womenabiding
says:
Hi Jen!
I feel like such an idiot… I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I’ve entered in the host domain name in the Site Manager: http://www.bluehost.com. Have changed the setting to Normal as you suggested. Entered in the username and password that Bluehost assigned to me, and it just keeps giving me a message on FileZilla that says: Could not connect to server.
Am I doing something wrong?
Thanks so much and many blessings!
Tehila recently posted..Warning: Don’t Read if Your Life is Perfect
Twitter: theblogmaven
says:
Hi Tehila, in the domain name, you should have http://www.womenabiding.com. It needs the “host name” of your specific account. Let me know if you’re still having trouble – hope this helps!
Twitter: theblogmaven
says:
Oops! WordPress added something extra. No http needed; just the w w w part
Twitter: womenabiding
says:
Thanks so much, Jen. I simply could not get this to work, so I eventually called Bluehost, and they helped me. Turns out my port number, the one that was automatically put in there when I downloaded FileZilla was incorrect.
So it wasn’t technically my fault that I was such a slow coach
… Whew!
Blessings always…
Twitter: 2oldandrusty
says:
Hi Jeni. Thanks so much for the tutorial. I’m ashamed to say that it took me a couple of hours, but I was finally successful. I had several FTP accounts to sort through, and was also a bit uncertain about the information to enter in the Site Manager. But I learned lots along the way!
Brenda recently posted..4 Simple Steps to Sewing a Zipper
Twitter: theblogmaven
says:
Hi Brenda, congrats on getting that done! Sorry I wasn’t a little more clear on that in the video. I’m going to add a little note in the post that tells people that the info for “host” is your URL. That’s caused a couple of other folks confusion as well. Sometimes it’s hard for me to look at things with fresh eyes (as someone who’s never seen it before), since I use tools like FileZilla every day. But 10 points to you for pressing on and getting it done!
Twitter: theblogbutler
says:
Should probably note that this option is not available on the “new look” yet. You need to revert to the “old look”, complete the verification then switch back to the “new look”.
the Blog Butler recently posted..WordPress 3.1 Released – What you Need to Know
Twitter: theblogmaven
says:
Thanks for the tip, Chris. I’ll add that in.
Twitter: fun_a_day
says:
Just wanted to thank you for this helpful tutorial. I’m still a newbie and am just breaking into more of the specifics behind my blog. I verified my blog easily, thanks to you! I will be sure to share it. Hope this finds you well.
Mary Catherine recently posted..Pictures for Marines
Twitter: theblogmaven
says:
Glad you enjoyed it, Mary Catherine.
Twitter: BrightBeautLife
says:
Hi Jeni. Thank you for the tutorial. I’m trying to work through your video for verifying my blog on Pinterest and I’m stumped near the beginning. I’m using Dreamhost.com and I’m not sure how to find the FTP information. I am so new to all of this and maybe I’m just not looking in the right place. Can you help? Thank you.
Lori recently posted..Put a Smile on Your Face
Twitter: theblogmaven
says:
Hi Lori, it’s something they would have sent you with one of your signup emails. If you can’t locate that, just call Dreamhost and ask a rep – it’s something they should be able to give you in just a few minutes. Hope this helps!
Twitter: BrightBeautLife
says:
Hi Jeni,
OK. I’m back. I put this on hold for a week or so until I had some time to address it. I’ve entered my host, username, and password but when I click on connect I get the message of Error: Connection timed out/Error: Could not connect to server.
Thank you, Lori
I’m sorry to bother you with this but I’ve tried it several times and receive the same error message. Any ideas?
Lori recently posted..Liebster Award ~ Triple Nomination
Twitter: theblogmaven
says:
Well, error messages are no good! If you try again tomorrow and still can’t connect, you might try logging in to your Dreamhost C-panel and locate the File Manager. You can navigate to the same directory there (public_html or the equivalent) and upload the Pinterest file to that folder. It might save you some headaches. Let me know if you can’t get this worked out and I’ll look into it for you.
Twitter: kamigray
says:
I’ve tried this a bunch and my hosting service doesn’t use a public folder. They use a folder called HTdocs, but when I paste the pinterest file there, it won’t verify. Any ideas?
Twitter: theblogmaven
says:
Hi Kami, Make sure that when your Pinterest HTML file appears, it’s showing up in the same folder with “wp-admin,” “wp-content” and “wp-includes.” I’ve had a few people accidentally drop the file into those sub-folders. And if all else fails, I’d call your host’s customer support line – this is something they should be able to walk you through in less than 5 minutes. Hope this helps!
Twitter: CulinaryWannaB
says:
Success! Thank you Jeni.
Laura recently posted..2013 Canadian Culinary Championships ~ The Grand Finale
Twitter: RealFoodRecipes
says:
Thanks so much for this, Jeni! I stumbled a little but got it done with the help of Hostgator’s live chat. I was making up a new password for Filezilla but it was actually looking for my cpanel password.
Annemarie recently posted..Four Free Kindle Cookbooks
Twitter: cindymeltz
says:
Thanks, Jeni! This is a great tutorial. Tip: I was able to upload the Pinterest file via my Hostgator cpanel rather than having to use an FTP client. I actually tried the FTP route first and couldn’t get it to work, and then I saw a file management area in my cpanel with an “Upload” button. Worked like a charm.
Cindy Meltzer recently posted..3 Desktop Twitter Clients to Replace the Old TweetDeck AIR
Twitter: theblogmaven
says:
Thanks for the tip, Cindy. I’m sure other Hostgator folks will be glad to hear how easy the other method is.
Twitter: mammanatty
says:
Thanks Jen, I never knew this was an option
Love learning!! Have a great day!
Twitter: MyselfBetter
says:
I couldn’t get FileZilla to work. It wasn’t connecting correctly so I went onto my file manager on Blue Host and just uploaded it (and then deleted it) there. Thanks so much for the how-to!
DB Landes recently posted..Site Under Construction
Twitter: wmwebdes
says:
Hi Jeni
Loved the video – super easy to follow.
I’ve done this already but I get very little traffic from Pinterest.
Most of my traffic is via the bots then twitter and a small amount from Facebook.
What sort of traffic do you get from Pinterest?
Keith Davis recently posted..Genesis people – WordPress Web Designers Deep in the Heart of Texas
Twitter: theblogmaven
says:
My Pinterest traffic goes in cycles: when I first release a new post, the traffic from Pinterest will spike and then wane for awhile…until people rediscover a post (usually what I’ve put in my sidebar) and pin it, which starts a new cycle of visitors and more pins. I haven’t written a post in the last 45 days or so (too busy!) and my Pinterest traffic right now is between 700-1,000 visits per day. As a service based business, I think it’s worth it to spend the extra time writing high quality, pinnable content that will keep people coming to check it out. 95% of my clients have found me through Pinterest, and most start out with blog coaching and do designs later. The other 5% or so are from word of mouth referrals. And *that’s* why I love Pinterest.
Twitter: wmwebdes
says:
“my Pinterest traffic right now is between 700-1,000 visits per day”
Think I’d settle for that Jeni and if 95% of your clients are from Pinterest it obviously works for you.
Looks like I need to work harder on Pinterest.
Keith Davis recently posted..WordPress security – Sucuri Malware Monitoring Alerting and Cleanup
Twitter: thetiniesttiger
says:
Thank you so much! I just verified our Pinterest account too! You made this so easy.
Twitter: Lindsay_Stewart
says:
When I go to find the Public_html on the remote site, it isnt there? I host with Dreamhost and have installed the wordpress and that is what I blog with – I am just not sure what I haven’t done right yet?
Twitter: theblogmaven
says:
Hi Lindsay, different hosts have different file structures. What you want to find is the directory that has these folders in it: wp-admin, wp-content, and wp-includes. You’ll put Pinterest’s HTML verification file in the same directory as those folders (but not inside the folders – just out beside them). Hope this helps!
Twitter: classyclutter4
says:
Thank you!!!! Worked great!
Mallory recently posted..Spotlight Saturday Link Party
Thanks so much for this post! Helped me out a lot. Like A LOT!