Is It Time to Invest in SEO or Pinterest? How to Know What Comes First

SEO and Pinterest photo for the blog Is It Time to Invest in SEO or Pinterest? How to Know What Comes First from Marketing Duo Podcast with Cinthia and Jen.

If you’ve ever thought “Should I hire help for SEO or Pinterest?” or “When should I invest in marketing?”—you’re not alone. We’ve both been asked this question hundreds of times. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are some key things to think through before you make the leap.

In this episode of the Marketing Duo Podcast, we’re unpacking the timing, mindset, and money questions behind outsourcing your SEO or Pinterest marketing. So if you’re stuck wondering when to go all-in—or if you should wait—this is your permission slip to get clarity and take action.

Do You Need a Blog Before You Outsource Pinterest?

Let’s clear this up first: If you don’t have a blog, it might not be time to outsource Pinterest just yet.

Yes, you can pin freebies, services, and YouTube videos. But the real magic of Pinterest happens when you have blog content that leads your audience to your site. That’s where they get to know you, sign up for your email list, and (eventually) buy from you.

“The magic with Pinterest is having a blog.” — Jen Vazquez

We’ve both had clients hire us without blogs—but only when they had plans to start one right away. So if you’re serious about Pinterest, make sure a blog is part of the plan. No shame if it’s not—just know you’ll get better ROI when it is.

When Are You Financially Ready to Outsource?

Outsourcing is an investment. Whether you’re hiring a Pinterest manager, an SEO strategist, or both—you need to know it fits into your budget. Here’s our simple filter:

✅ Can you afford it from your business revenue?
✅ Are you willing to invest because you value your time?

We’ve had clients invest upfront when they were just starting out, and others who waited until they had steady income. Both are valid—but either way, you need to plan for a 6-month commitment if you want real results.

“You either have time or money. If you have money, you save time. If you don’t, you need to spend the time learning.” — Cinthia Pacheco

And whatever you do—don’t go into debt to outsource Pinterest. It takes time to see results, and we want you to feel good about your investment, not stressed.

Are You Ready to Let Go?

This one’s huge. Are you ready to trust someone with your marketing?

Many business owners say they’re ready to outsource, but when the time comes, they struggle to hand things off. That’s totally normal. This is your business, and letting go is vulnerable.

But here’s the thing—if you’re spending hours every week trying to figure out SEO or Pinterest, that’s time you’re not spending on your genius zone.

“You can live with your garbage in the house if you want to—but at some point, someone’s gotta take it out.” — Jen Vazquez

Whether you’re looking to reclaim time with your family, focus on higher-level tasks, or just stop Googling every five minutes… outsourcing is your shortcut.

Want help with Pinterest?

Pinfluence Power Clean is a 21-day Pinterest refresh that transforms your account into a lead-generating machine. You’ll get SEO-rich profile updates, 10 optimized boards with branded covers, a custom keyword bank, 10 Canva pin templates, and 30 pins scheduled to start driving traffic. We’ll wrap with a 60-minute coaching call so you’re confident, organized, and ready to convert. Click to see the full breakdown and grab your spot.

SEO vs. Pinterest: Which Should Come First?

It depends on your industry:

  • E-commerce? SEO is non-negotiable. You need traffic and conversion-ready pages.
  • Service-based? Pinterest is amazing for lead generation and list-building—especially when paired with great content.

Think of it this way: SEO helps people find you on Google. Pinterest drives traffic to your freebies and blogs. Together, they grow your list, audience, and bookings.

“If you’re selling from your website, SEO is your bread and butter.” — Cinthia Pacheco

But if you’re asking which to outsource first—it comes down to what your goals are. Want more site traffic or email signups? Pinterest is a great driver. Want more Google visibility and conversions? SEO is your starting line.

Outsourcing Isn’t Just a Time Saver—It’s a Strategy Upgrade

Let’s be honest: experts do this stuff all day. We don’t just “set it and forget it.” We test. We pivot. We look at what’s working and what needs tweaking.

That’s the difference between DIY and done-for-you.

When you hire a pro, you’re not just paying for tasks—you’re paying for strategy, efficiency, and deep platform knowledge. We spot problems before they happen. We know when Pinterest or Google changes their algorithm. We pivot in real-time—so you don’t have to.

“If you don’t know what you don’t know… that’s where outsourcing shines.” — Jen Vazquez

The Mindset Shift That Makes All the Difference

This one’s sneaky.

A lot of business owners want to outsource but freeze at the moment of decision. Suddenly, they’re unsure. They push the decision six months down the line.

And you know what that does? It delays their results by six months.

“You have to be all in—mentally, financially, and time-wise—before you outsource.” — Cinthia Pacheco

We’re not saying jump in without thinking. But if your gut is telling you that it’s time—it probably is. The people who succeed are the ones who take action—even when it feels scary.

So… Should You Outsource?

Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:

  • You have a blog (or plan to start one soon)
  • You can afford the investment for 4–6 months
  • You’re willing to collaborate and hand off the work
  • You know your goals and how this helps you reach them
  • You want to get found (and stop relying only on Instagram)

If you’re not ready to outsource yet, no stress. Start learning. Pick a platform. Watch videos. Join a course. Just start somewhere.

“Even if you’re not ready to outsource, you still need to be doing it.” — Jen Vazquez

Because waiting doesn’t get you results—action does.

Final Thought

Whether you’re team SEO, team Pinterest, or both—just know this: you deserve to be found.

Your business is worth being seen. And whether you hire help or go DIY, getting visible is part of building something real.

You’ve got this.

DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT!

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How to Monetize Your Blog as a Service Provider

soft neutrals home office with northern california beach vibes with Pinterest on the macbook pro.  How to Monetize Your Blog as a Service Provider by Jen Vazquez Media Pinterest Expert

Hey there! Have you ever hit publish on a blog post and thought, “Okay… now what?”

Maybe you’re getting some Pinterest traffic (yay for that 🎉), or maybe you’re writing regularly but still not seeing the leads or income you were hoping for. Today, we’re going to fix that.

This post is all about how to monetize your blog as a service provider—whether you’re a photographer, coach, wedding pro, yoga teacher, or any other creative female entrepreneur. And don’t worry—none of these tips are pushy, sleazy, or gross. Let’s turn that blog of yours into a 24/7 lead machine!

Your Blog Is Your Silent Salesperson

Here’s something people don’t always say out loud: Pinterest drives traffic, but your blog is where the conversions happen.
Your blog isn’t just for sharing tips—it’s your content home base. The only one you own. It’s your most loyal employee, working even when you’re off playing with your kids or watching your favorite show.

But… if you don’t tell people what to do next, that traffic goes nowhere.

Tip 1: Add Clear Calls to Action (CTAs)

Every blog post should tell your reader what to do next—like booking a discovery call, grabbing your freebie, joining your newsletter, or hopping into your Facebook group.

Pro tip: Don’t just drop a CTA at the bottom. Sprinkle it throughout—

  • One up top
  • One in the middle (especially after a juicy tip!)
  • One at the end
  • Maybe even a polite little popup (but test it on phones so it’s not annoying!)

Tip 2: Promote Your Services Like a Story

Instead of turning your blog into a billboard, weave your services into the post.

Example: If you’re writing about planning a stress-free wedding, mention a real client who avoided chaos thanks to your help. Then add a CTA for your services. When you show how you helped someone, it feels natural—not pushy.

Want to stop guessing and start growing on Pinterest?

Join the Pinterest Strategy Club, where smart service providers like you get weekly strategy drops, monthly trend breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes peeks at what’s actually working.

Get the clarity, confidence, and consistency you need—without doing it alone. Start pinning with purpose!

Tip 3: Use Affiliate Links (But Keep It Real)

Only promote what you actually use and love. No random Amazon lists.
For me, that looks like:

  • Tailwind (for Pinterest scheduling)
  • Canva (for everything design)
  • RecurPost (for repurposing content like a boss)

If tools are part of your workflow, share them honestly. Your readers will thank you.

Bonus Tip: Start with What’s Already Working

Pull up your top 3 blog posts in Google Analytics.
Ask:

  • Do they have CTAs?
  • Are they linking to a freebie, service, or another blog post?
  • Can you add a testimonial or a case study?

One of my wedding photographer clients did this and added a lead magnet to one post and a client story to another. In just a few months, she grew her email list by 40+ and booked two new clients—all from blog traffic.

You don’t need a huge audience. You just need to guide the traffic you already have.

Your Homework (You Know I Love Homework!)

✅ Audit your top 3 blog posts
✅ Add calls to action
✅ Link to services, freebies, or other helpful blog posts
✅ Create a new post on a similar topic from a fresh angle

Marketing is just saying the same thing in 85,000 different ways until people take action. So start where the traffic already is.

And if all of this feels like a lot? You’re not alone. Inside my Pinterest Strategy Club, we cover blog strategy, repurposing, and how to guide traffic into leads. Or if you want to hand it off, check out my Pinterest Management Services—I’ll handle the strategy, give you blog ideas, and keep your Pinterest working for you.

Let me know in the comments: is this something you’re going to try? And come back to tell me how it went! I’ll be cheering you on 💪

DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT!

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Do You Need to Be a Workaholic to Succeed in Business? Honest Insights from Two Female Founders

Do You Need to Be a Workaholic to Succeed in Business? Honest Insights from Two Female Founders Marketing Duo Podcast with host Jen Vazquez and Cinthia Pacheco

Do You Need to Be a Workaholic to Succeed in Business?

Is it really necessary to be a workaholic to run a successful business? In this candid and powerful conversation, Cynthia and Jen dive deep into the myths and truths surrounding workaholism, especially among female entrepreneurs. From their own corporate pasts to building thriving businesses, they share what it really takes to succeed—without sacrificing your health or happiness.

The Workaholic Myth

Many people think that in order to succeed, especially in entrepreneurship, they must work around the clock. The glorification of hustle culture, often portrayed in media and by successful figures, can make it seem like being constantly busy is the only way forward.

But Cynthia and Jen disagree. Success doesn’t mean exhaustion. They both left high-stress corporate jobs in search of more fulfilling, balanced lives. And while they admit to moments of hustle, they emphasize that consistent overworking leads to burnout, not sustainable success.

Passion Over Pressure

One key takeaway from their discussion is the importance of doing something you love. Passion keeps you going through tough times. However, even passion has limits—especially when it begins to overtake your life.

Loving your work doesn’t mean you should work all the time. Cynthia shared how loving a corporate job still led her to unhealthy hours after having a baby. Jen opened up about reaching a point of burnout that forced her to create better systems and boundaries.

Do You Need to Be a Workaholic to Succeed in Business? Honest Insights from Two Female Founders Marketing Duo Podcast with host Jen Vazquez and Cinthia Pacheco

Creating Space for Success

Rather than working more, both women advocate working smarter. They’ve built businesses that allow them time with family, days off, and moments to breathe. It starts with discipline—blocking off your calendar, protecting your downtime, and learning how and when you work best.

They emphasize the need to plan your lifestyle first, then build your business around it—not the other way around. Whether it’s scheduling reading days or limiting podcast recordings to certain hours, they’ve crafted routines that serve both their business and their well-being.

The Role of Boundaries and Systems

Systems and boundaries are the backbone of a sustainable business. Jen discusses how blocking her schedule and batching similar tasks together increased her efficiency dramatically. Cynthia shares her approach to movement and health—recognizing that unless something is scheduled and structured, it often gets pushed aside.

Both founders agree that having supportive people around you, like coaches, team members, or family, can help keep you accountable to rest and recovery.

Do You Need to Be a Workaholic to Succeed in Business? Honest Insights from Two Female Founders Marketing Duo Podcast with host Jen Vazquez and Cinthia Pacheco

Know Yourself and Work With It

Understanding your personality type—whether through human design, Enneagram, or other assessments—can help you tailor your work habits in a way that plays to your strengths. Cynthia and Jen explore how knowing themselves has improved their productivity and helped them avoid burnout.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be a workaholic to succeed. In fact, the most sustainable businesses are often built by those who prioritize ease, balance, and joy. Dedicate time to what matters, create space for rest, and align your business with the lifestyle you truly want.

Are you a workaholic or a recovering one? What’s worked for you? Share your tips with Cynthia and Jen on Instagram—they’d love to hear from you!

DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT!

284 | Effortless Testimonial Gathering for Service Providers: Boost Your Marketing with Kris Jones

284 | Effortless Testimonial Gathering for Service Providers: Boost Your Marketing with Kris Jones on Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host Jen Vazquez

Effortless Testimonial Gathering for Service Providers

How to Get Testimonials That Sell: A Simple System for Service Providers

Are you skipping testimonials because asking feels awkward? Or maybe the ones you do get sound more like vague compliments than reasons to hire you? You’re not alone—and today we’re fixing that. In this episode, I sat down with Kris Jones of Red Door Designs to talk about how to collect client stories that actually convert. Whether you’re a photographer, coach, or creative service provider, these tips will help you create a repeatable system to gather, refine, and use testimonials to attract more of the right clients—without sounding salesy or generic.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through them—at no additional cost to you. I only rec

Why Most Testimonials Fall Flat (And What to Do Instead)

So many service providers rely on word-of-mouth or referrals—but those can be inconsistent. When you use storytelling and social proof the right way, your testimonials become your best marketing tools. Kris shared that the most powerful testimonials aren’t about you being “great”—they’re about your client’s transformation. Think: “I went from zero leads to booking 4 clients in two weeks” instead of “She’s amazing to work with.”

The key? Ask the right questions that guide your client to tell the story—from struggle to success.

The 3-Step Testimonial Gathering Formula

Kris recommends asking your client these three questions via email (or Zoom, if you’re recording video):

  1. What were you struggling with before we worked together?
  2. How did that struggle make you feel?
  3. What happened for you as a result of our work together—and how did that make you feel?

Bonus question: What would you say to a friend who was on the fence about working with me?

This simple framework invites emotion, detail, and proof—all the elements that make a testimonial feel real and relatable. Pro tip: Always ask permission to use it in your marketing, and pair testimonials with a photo whenever possible.

Where and How to Use Testimonials in Your Marketing

Once you’ve got them, don’t let those golden words sit in your inbox. Kris suggests:

  • Adding testimonials directly on your website at key decision points (right before a CTA)
  • Embedding video testimonials into your emails or sales sequences
  • Turning strong testimonials into social media graphics and captions
  • Repurposing them as mini case studies on your blog

A short, two-sentence testimonial with a clear before-and-after is often more powerful than a long-winded paragraph. Less is more—as long as it’s specific.

Storytelling: Your Secret Weapon for Standing Out

Tired of blending in? Kris reminded us that your story is your biggest differentiator. You might be in a saturated market, but no one else has your journey. Position yourself as the guide—not the hero—and show your clients what’s possible for them.

When your story is clear, client-focused, and repeated across platforms (yes, repetition matters), your brand becomes memorable and magnetic.

Where to Find Kris:

Links Mentioned:

  • Descript: an AI-powered platform that combines transcription, audio editing, and video editing capabilities into a single, user-friendly tool
  • Storybrand book: New York Times bestselling author Donald Miller uses the seven universal elements of powerful stories to teach readers how to dramatically improve how they connect with customers and grow their businesses.

DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT!

284 | Effortless Testimonial Gathering for Service Providers: Boost Your Marketing with Kris Jones on Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host Jen Vazquez
284 | Effortless Testimonial Gathering for Service Providers: Boost Your Marketing with Kris Jones on Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host Jen Vazquez
284 | Effortless Testimonial Gathering for Service Providers: Boost Your Marketing with Kris Jones on Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host Jen Vazquez
284 | Effortless Testimonial Gathering for Service Providers: Boost Your Marketing with Kris Jones on Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host Jen Vazquez

Do You Really Need to Be an Influencer to Grow Your Business?

Do You Have to Be an Influencer to Succeed?

If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I need to be an influencer to grow my business?” — you’re not alone. We hear this question all the time from service providers and business owners just starting out. It’s a big one. And the short answer? Nope, you don’t. But let’s break it down.

Why Video Still Matters (Even If You’re Camera-Shy)

In today’s marketing world, video is key. That doesn’t mean you need to be dancing on Reels or going viral every week. But people want to see real humans doing real things. That could be you—or someone else showing your product or service. Even faceless videos with voiceovers can build connection and trust.

The truth is, video gives your audience context. A clip of your product in use or someone sharing how your service helped them? That goes way further than just a static image.

What If I Hate Being on Camera?

We get it. Not everyone wants to be the face of their brand. And that’s okay! You can still create content that connects. Here are a few ways:

  • Use a voiceover with B-roll footage (your hands, your desk, your product)
  • Ask a friend or happy client to create a video for you (hello, UGC!)
  • Do a camera-facing video using a teleprompter app like BigVu—it makes things way easier

Just like learning to drive to a new place, showing up online feels awkward at first. But it gets easier the more you do it. You don’t need to post every day—you just need to start.

Pick the Type of Marketing That Lights You Up

If Instagram makes you cringe, try podcasting. If writing’s your jam, lean into blogging. You get to choose. Your only job is to make sure people can find you, and feel connected when they do.

And don’t forget: you can reuse content. One blog post can become a week’s worth of Reels. One client video can be repurposed across your site, email, and Pinterest. Content is a tool—use it in a way that works for you.

You’re Not a Full-Time Creator—You’re a Business Owner

At the end of the day, you’re not trying to go viral—you’re trying to get leads and grow your business. Influencer-style marketing isn’t required. But creating helpful, relatable, or inspiring content? That’s non-negotiable.

If your goal is connection, sales, and growth… then yes, you need content. But no, you don’t need to be an influencer.

DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT!

28 Do You Really Need to Be an Influencer to Grow Your Business on Marketing Duo Podcast
two cell phones one with instagram and one with tiktok 28 Do You Really Need to Be an Influencer to Grow Your Business on Marketing Duo Podcast
28 Do You Really Need to Be an Influencer to Grow Your Business on Marketing Duo Podcast
two cell phones one with tiktok and one with instagram 28 Do You Really Need to Be an Influencer to Grow Your Business on Marketing Duo Podcast
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YouTube vs. Podcasting: The Real Truth About Which One Grows Your Business Faster

YouTube vs. Podcasting The Real Truth About Which One Grows Your Business Faster on Marketing Duo Podcast Episode 24 with Jen Vazquez and Cinthia Pacheco

YouTube vs. Podcasting

As a business owner trying to boost your visibility, the question often comes up: should you launch a YouTube channel or start a podcast?

What if the answer is… both?

In this episode of the Marketing Duo Podcast, Cynthia and Jen break down their real-world experience using both platforms—and why choosing just one might be limiting your reach and revenue.

Why You Don’t Need to Choose Between YouTube and Podcasting

If you’re already creating content, repurposing your audio or video can give you massive exposure with minimal extra effort.

  • Record once. Publish everywhere.
  • Audio becomes a podcast.
  • Video becomes a YouTube upload.

Some people prefer to watch. Others love to listen. Either way, you’re reaching more people with the same content.

Start Simple—You Don’t Need Fancy Gear

You don’t need a high-end mic or studio. Cynthia and Jen both started with Zoom and laptops. You can:

  • Record solo or interview-style
  • Use static images or light animation for YouTube if you’re not ready for on-camera content
  • Use the same podcast episode as your YouTube video by extracting audio or uploading the video directly

Free Pinterest Visibility Masterclass: Market Smarter, Not Harder

Struggling to get seen on Pinterest? Join my free Pinterest Visibility Masterclass and learn how to turn one piece of content into dozens of lead-generating pins that keep working around the clock. I’ll walk you through the top three mindset shifts—why Pinterest isn’t like social media, my simple one-hour-a-week workflow, and the repurposing strategy that fuels evergreen visibility. Ready to ditch the content treadmill and finally attract dream clients? Reserve your spot now!

Where Clients Are Finding You Matters

Both platforms can lead to leads—but YouTube has the advantage of searchability and SEO. Cynthia and Jen have both had clients find them through YouTube, even though their podcast was the original content. Publishing on both platforms means you’re meeting people wherever they are.

Consistency Over Perfection

  • Don’t wait for the perfect mic or branding.
  • Don’t get stuck on your name or podcast art.
  • Your content doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be published.

You can always rebrand later. You can always improve your cover art or change the name. Growth only happens when you start.

What to Do If You Feel Stuck:

  • Use guest interviews to keep yourself accountable and show up consistently.
  • Use ChatGPT or other tools to brainstorm names or write descriptions.
  • Use a template or Canva design for podcast covers or video thumbnails.

Podcast or YouTube? The Final Verdict

The best strategy isn’t podcast vs. YouTube. It’s podcast and YouTube. Use both. Use them in a way that fits your time and energy right now. Start with what you can do today, and scale up later.

DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT!