Ahhh, Pinterest: a dreamy corner of the internet full of pretty pictures, DIY inspiration, and endless possibilities. But when it comes to marketing on Pinterest, many entrepreneurs and creators feel like they’re wandering in a maze without a map.
If you’re a beginner, Pinterest can feel intimidating—like a platform you “should” use but don’t fully understand. The good news? Once you know how Pinterest actually works (spoiler: it’s not like Instagram or Facebook!), you’ll stop secretly wondering “Why is Pinterest so difficult?” and discover it can become one of your most powerful tools for driving traffic, growing your email list, and even boosting sales.
Why is Pinterest So Difficult?
I’ll never forget the first time I looked at my Google Analytics and saw that Pinterest was our top organic traffic driver, sending thousands of visitors to our website and blog every single month with very little work. Content I had created months, even years ago, was still bringing new visitors to my site. That’s when it clicked for me: Pinterest isn’t just a platform to share pretty things—it’s a machine for driving long-term results.
So, why does Pinterest feel like such a mystery to so many people? It’s because Pinterest isn’t a social media platform; it’s a visual search engine—and that changes everything.
What is Pinterest Used For?
Pinterest is where people go to find solutions, dream big, and plan their next steps. Whether it’s wedding inspo, recipe ideas, or how-to guides, people are actively searching for answers. And guess what? That makes it the perfect place for your business to shine—if you approach it strategically.
Here are just a few ways people use Pinterest:
- Event Planning – Wedding inspiration, baby shower themes, birthday party decor ideas
- Recipes & Meal Prep – Quick weeknight dinners, healthy meal planning, seasonal recipes
- DIY & Home Improvement – Home decor ideas, furniture makeovers, organization hacks
- Fashion & Style – Outfit inspiration, capsule wardrobes, seasonal trends
- Beauty & Wellness – Skincare routines, makeup tutorials, self-care tips
- Business & Marketing – Social media tips, branding inspiration, content planning guides
- Travel Planning – Bucket list destinations, travel itineraries, packing guides
- Parenting & Education – Kids’ activities, homeschooling resources, parenting hacks
RELATED: The Comprehensive Guide to Using Pinterest for ANY Business Type
The Challenges of Using Pinterest for Business
Pinterest isn’t like Instagram, where personal connection takes center stage. Instead, it’s all about delivering value to your audience. Your pins need to solve problems or inspire action. This is why creating content that aligns with what your audience is actively searching for is so important.
The Slow Burn Effect: Patience is Key
One of the most common frustrations people face on Pinterest is the “slow burn” effect. Unlike TikTok or Instagram, Pinterest doesn’t offer instant gratification. Pins don’t go viral overnight. Instead, they build momentum over time—sometimes over weeks or even months. But the magic lies in that evergreen potential. A single well-optimized pin can keep driving traffic for years, bringing visitors to your content long after you hit “publish.”
Pinterest takes time, but the power is in the long game. Unlike the quick dopamine hits that social media delivers, Pinterest’s results are steady and enduring. If you’re willing to be patient and play the long game, I promise it’s more fun—and more impactful—than you think.
Pinterest is a Search Engine, Not a Social Media Platform
If Pinterest still feels like a mystery, here’s the truth: it’s not because you’re doing it wrong—it’s because no one told you how to do it right. Pinterest is a visual search engine, not a social media platform, and that’s where many people go wrong. They treat it like Instagram or Facebook, focusing on followers, likes, and engagement instead of creating valuable, searchable content that answers their audience’s questions.
Once you start thinking about Pinterest like Google—and start creating pins that solve problems and answer questions for your audience—you’ll unlock Pinterest’s true potential.
Fun Fact: 97% of Pinterest searches are unbranded, meaning users are open to discovering new businesses—like yours! Source
Consistency: The Secret to Pinterest’s Success
Consistency also plays a big role. Pinterest thrives on regular activity, so posting new pins consistently is crucial. But that doesn’t mean you have to work harder or spend all day creating pins. Use tools like Tailwind to batch and automate your pinning schedule. This allows you to create a week or month’s worth of content all at once and let the tool handle the rest.
All it takes is just one pin a day to start seeing results. Over time, that consistency adds up and compounds into meaningful traffic growth.
Pro Tip: Stay patient and consistent! My Ultimate Pinterest Guide is packed with strategies to help you maximize your efforts and results!
Making Pins That Work: Design Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
Creating pins can feel daunting, especially if you’re not a graphic designer, but don’t worry—you don’t need fancy design skills. Canva is a great tool to get started with. Stick to Pinterest’s preferred 2:3 ratio (1000×1500 pixels), use bold fonts, bright colors, and make sure your pins clearly communicate the value of your content. Your goal is to make your pins so compelling that people want to click through to learn more.
RELATED: How to Create and Upload a Pin in Pinterest
Turning Traffic Into Sales: The Power of Strong CTAs
Pinterest users tend to come for inspiration, not to make a purchase right away. But the key is to guide them gently toward the next step with strong calls-to-action (CTAs). Link to optimized landing pages that speak directly to the Pinterest traffic you’re getting, and make sure your website is ready to convert those visitors into customers.
Fun Fact: 80% of weekly Pinners have purchased something they found on Pinterest. That’s right, your dream clients are out there scrolling and planning their next purchase. Source
Bonus Tip: Rich Pins and Lead Generation
Don’t forget about Rich Pins! These are Pinterest’s special pins that can include extra details like pricing or product availability, making your pins more attractive and clickable.
One of the best things about Pinterest is that it’s a great tool for building your email list. Use it as a lead generator by linking to your lead magnets, free downloads, or webinar sign-ups, and watch as your audience grows over time.
Pinterest Isn’t Hard—It’s Just Different
The hardest part is getting started, but once you do, Pinterest becomes one of the easiest marketing platforms to manage. When I became a mom and realized my time was no longer my own, I didn’t have hours to spend showing up on every platform every day. What changed the game for me was realizing that Pinterest works for me while I’m offline. Content I create once can keep working behind the scenes for months, even years.
The Ultimate Pinterest Guide is here to help you every step of the way. It lays everything out visually so you can see exactly how to approach Pinterest and connect your pinning efforts to real results. No more guessing! You’ll have a clear roadmap that takes the overwhelm out of the process and helps you use Pinterest with purpose.
Imagine this: a few months from now, your pins are out there working behind the scenes, sending consistent traffic to your website, email list, or shop. You’re finally seeing results, and Pinterest doesn’t feel like a mystery anymore. It feels like an asset—a powerful, creative tool that aligns perfectly with your goals.
You’ve already taken the first step just by reading this. Now, let’s take the next one together. Your Pinterest breakthrough is just around the corner, and I can’t wait to see what you’ll create.
