Pinterest Tips That Actually Work in 2026 (and What to Stop Doing)

If Pinterest feels slower than it used to — or you’re doing all the “right” things and still not seeing traction — you’re not alone.

Pinterest has changed. And it will keep changing. That’s just how platforms evolve. The good news? Once you understand how it’s changed, everything gets a whole lot simpler.

I’m Jen. I help service providers use Pinterest in a calm, realistic way that fits real life — not hustle culture. Today we’re cutting through the noise and talking about what actually works on Pinterest right now, plus what to stop doing so you don’t burn yourself out for no reason.

Over the past year, Pinterest has shifted in a big way. Not scary. More like… clarity. Most frustration I see comes from using advice that worked years ago but doesn’t line up with how Pinterest works today. So let’s reset and focus on what matters now.

Pinterest Tips That Actually Work in 2026 (and What to Stop Doing) on Marketing Strategy Academy with Jen Vazquez

Pinterest Tips That Actually Work in 2026 (and What to Stop Doing)

If Pinterest feels slower than it used to — or you’re doing all the “right” things and still not seeing traction — you’re not alone.

Pinterest has changed. And it will keep changing. That’s just how platforms evolve. The good news? Once you understand how it’s changed, everything gets a whole lot simpler.

I’m Jen. I help service providers use Pinterest in a calm, realistic way that fits real life — not hustle culture. Today we’re cutting through the noise and talking about what actually works on Pinterest right now, plus what to stop doing so you don’t burn yourself out for no reason.

Over the past year, Pinterest has undergone a significant shift. Not scary. More like… clarity. The most frustration I see comes from using advice that worked years ago but doesn’t align with how Pinterest works today. So let’s reset and focus on what matters now.

Stop Treating Pinterest Like Social Media

Pinterest is not Instagram.

Posting more does not equal better results. Posting with purpose does.

What to stop doing:

  • Posting just to post
  • Uploading random graphics with no clear topic
  • Treating Pinterest like a social feed with links slapped on

What works instead is clarity.

Pinterest wants to understand:

  • Who is this pin for?
  • What problem does it solve?
  • Where does it send someone next?

If those three things are clear, Pinterest can actually place your content in front of the right people. Clear topics. Clear visuals. Clear intent. That’s it.

Fresh Pins Still Matter — Just Not Like They Used To

Yes, fresh pins still matter. No, volume is not the goal anymore.

Fresh now means:

  • A new image or layout
  • One clear topic
  • A useful idea

It does not mean logging into Pinterest every single day. You can batch and schedule in advance and still have pins going out daily. That’s actually the most strategic way to save time and get results.

It also doesn’t mean creating constant brand-new content. One of the best strategies is creating new pins for content that’s already working.

Every time I post, I look at my top five to ten blog posts or products in Google Analytics. Those get new pins. I also create pins for whatever new content is going out that week.

Old content + new pins is where the magic is. No trend chasing required.

Saves Matter More Than Clicks

This one is a big mindset shift.

Pinterest is watching saves. Not just clicks.

A save tells Pinterest, “This is useful. This is worth showing again.” If someone saves your pin but doesn’t click right away, that is not a failure. That’s Pinterest learning who to show it to next.

Focus on:

  • Step-by-step lists
  • Clear takeaways
  • Teaching pins

If people save it or click it, you’re doing it right.

Grab the Free Pinterest Resources Vault

If you want simple, no-fluff help with Pinterest, the Resources Vault is packed with free guides and tools to help you get clear, get organized, and stop guessing what to do next.

Pinterest Tips That Actually Work in 2026 (and What to Stop Doing)

Want Pinterest to Feel Simpler Every Week?

If you don’t want to guess what to post, when to post, or whether you’re doing it “right,” The Club is a membership where I help you keep Pinterest simple and consistent. You’ll get clear strategy, easy templates, and ongoing support so Pinterest fits into your real life — not the other way around.

Stop Overthinking Keywords

Keywords are still the most important part of Pinterest success. But they do not need to be complicated.

Use natural phrases. Clear language. The exact words your ideal client would type into a search bar.

An easy way to find keywords? Ask. Put a question box on Instagram Stories and ask, “If you were looking for this, what would you type into Google or Pinterest?”

Simple always wins.

Don’t be cute. Be clear.

“Pinterest tips for service providers” will always outperform something vague or clever. Say exactly what it is. Word for word.

Consistency Beats Intensity

Pinterest rewards steady behavior.

That might look like:

  • One blog a week
  • Five to seven pins a week
  • Staying on the same topic over time

What doesn’t work is a burst of energy followed by disappearing and starting over.

You don’t need to hustle. You need a plan. Pinterest loves rhythm.

And next week, we’re talking about what Pinterest wants from your content in January and how it can work for you all year long.

📌 DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT!

Pinterest Tips That Actually Work in 2026 (and What to Stop Doing)
Pinterest Tips That Actually Work in 2026 (and What to Stop Doing)

Mastering Pinterest SEO: A Beginner’s Guide to Boosting Your Visibility

Pinterest on cell social squares photo

Mastering Pinterest SEO: A Beginner’s Guide to Boosting Your Visibility

When most people think of Pinterest, they picture beautifully curated boards filled with recipes, DIY projects, and outfit ideas. But for businesses and creators, Pinterest is so much more—it’s a visual search engine with massive potential for driving organic traffic to your website. If you’re not optimizing your Pinterest presence, you’re missing out on a key opportunity to grow your audience.

In this guide, we’ll break down the essential strategies for mastering Pinterest SEO, even if you’re just starting out. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to optimize your profile, pins, and boards to enhance discoverability and drive results.

1. Understanding Pinterest as a Search Engine

Pinterest isn’t just a social media platform; it’s a powerful search engine where users actively seek inspiration, ideas, and solutions.

Think of Pinterest users as proactive searchers, not passive scrollers. They’re typing in keywords like “wedding decor ideas,” “easy weeknight dinners,” or “how to start a podcast.” When you optimize your content with the right keywords, you’re positioning your business to be found by these eager searchers.

Key takeaway: Treat Pinterest like Google but with a visual twist—keywords are your best friend.

2. Optimizing Your Pinterest Profile for SEO

Your Pinterest profile is the foundation of your SEO strategy. A well-optimized profile tells Pinterest (and users) exactly who you are and what value you provide.

Profile Name and Bio:

  • Use a clear, keyword-rich profile name.
    Example: Instead of “Jane Doe,” try “Jane Doe | Wedding Photographer in San Francisco.”
  • Write a concise bio that highlights what you do and includes a primary keyword.
    Example: “Helping brides plan their dream weddings with stunning inspiration and expert tips.”

Profile Picture: Choose a professional and branded profile picture that aligns with your business. Remember people buy from people..

Claim Your Website: Claiming your website not only boosts your credibility but also unlocks valuable insights in Pinterest Analytics. Go to Settings > Claim > Enter your website URL to get started.  You can watch my video on how to do it here.

3. Researching and Using Keywords

Keywords are the backbone of Pinterest SEO. They guide users to your content.

How to Research Keywords:

  • Use the Pinterest search bar to explore popular suggestions. For example, type in “meal planning,” and Pinterest will have a drop down menu and you should grab all those phrases (long tail keywords)..
  • Utilize tools like Pinterest Trends, Google Keyword Planner, or Answer the Public for deeper insights.

Where to Use Keywords:

  • Pin titles and descriptions: Add relevant keywords naturally to describe the content.
    Example: Instead of “My Favorite Dinner,” use “Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights.”
  • Board titles and descriptions: Optimize your board names like “Budget-Friendly Home Decor Ideas” instead of “My Home Stuff.”
  • Profile bio and alt text: Incorporate keywords to describe your images and brand.
  • The Name of Your Pin Graphic: People don’t think about this but what you name a pin that you create is also searchable with those keywords. 
  • Text On The Pin Graphic:  Yes Pinterest can read the words on your pin graphic so use keywords there.

FREE Pinterest Marketing Tools

Get Instant Access to 21+ Tools and 8 Masterclasses for FREE!

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4. Creating SEO-Friendly Pins

Your pins are the heart of your Pinterest strategy. Make them count.

Design Tips for High-Performing Pins:

Writing Optimized Titles and Descriptions:

  • Titles should be clear, engaging, and keyword-rich.
    Example: “5 Tips for DIY Wedding Centerpieces” is more effective than “DIY Wedding.”
  • Write descriptions that tell a story and include keywords naturally.

5. Optimizing Pinterest Boards for SEO

Your boards are more than a place to save pins—they’re another opportunity to showcase your expertise.

Name Boards Strategically: Instead of generic names like “weddings,” go for specific, searchable names like “Spring Weddings in California”

Write Detailed Board Descriptions: Describe what users can find in the board using relevant keywords.
Example: “Explore modern kitchen designs with sleek appliances, innovative layouts, and space-saving solutions” And use all the 500 characters you are allowed to use different keywords that will result in more eyeballs on your content.

6. Tracking Your SEO Success on Pinterest

Once you’ve optimized your profile and content, track your progress to see what’s working.

Using Pinterest Analytics:

  • Monitor key metrics like impressions, pin clicks, saves, and the most important for businesses using Pinterest to market their business, outbound clicks. Get your free Pinterest Analyzer here.
  • Analyze your top-performing pins to identify trends.

Adjust Your Strategy:

  • Experiment with different keywords and pin designs.
  • See the pins in analytics that get the most outbound clicks and create more pins to that content with new images and keywords
  • Repin high-performing content (after a few months) to keep it active.  This should be done sparingly. Fresh new content is what Pinterest and Pinterest users crave.

7. Common Pinterest SEO Mistakes to Avoid

  • Keyword stuffing: Avoid overloading descriptions with just keywords. It looks spammy and doesn’t help rankings. Write a description that is something your best friend could read and understand.
  • Ignoring trends: Stay updated on Pinterest Trends to discover what’s popular.
  • Neglecting old content: If you have boards you have’t pinned to in 6 months, make pins for that board or consider merging it with another board that is used often.

Take the First Step Toward Pinterest Success

Pinterest SEO may seem overwhelming at first, but by starting with these basics, you’ll be well on your way to driving organic traffic and growing your audience. Remember, it’s all about consistency—optimize your profile, use keywords effectively, and track your results.

Ready to take your Pinterest strategy to the next level?

 Let’s work together to create a tailored plan that drives leads and saves you time.

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

What Are People Searching For On Pinterest This Week: Falling In Love

What People on Pinterest are Searching For this Week by Jen Vazquez Media

What Are People Searching For On Pinterest This Week: Falling In Love

I’m back with the latest Pinterest trends and this week Pinterest collected insights around the theme: Falling in Love 💘. This week, searches for romantic fall weddings are trending on Pinterest.

If you are a wedding professional, this is such amazing information for you on marketing your business.  Pinterest is telling you exactly what couples are searching for on Pinterest right now!!

Key trends:

  • 20x increase in “cowboy copper hair color”
  • 2x increase in “whimsical engagement ring”
  • 180% increase in “pumpkin spice latte aesthetic”
  • 120% increase in “romantic wedding hair”
  • 35% increase in “personalized wedding gifts” among Gen Y

Behind the Trends

Pinterest is a place to look forward. In fact, more than 463 million* people use Pinterest to find tomorrow’s ideas. By observing current trends on Pinterest, we can glean valuable insights into what may trend elsewhere in the near future. 

Each week, Pinterest Predicts Weekly highlights actionable search trends among Pinterest users across categories, regions and demographic groups. All search queries link to trends.pinterest.com where you can discover insights and create campaigns around popular search queries. 

*Pinterest, Global analysis, Q1 2023.

Wedding Stuff

If you are getting married (or a wedding pro), you can check out my favorite amazon wedding products!

GROWING TREND: A unique touch

People on Pinterest are looking for unexpected wedding themes and features. Growing search terms in the last three weeks compared to the previous three weeks:

2x increase in “whimsical engagement ring

Other growing search terms in the last three weeks compared to the previous three weeks:

AUDIENCE SPOTLIGHT: Make it your own

Gen Y is searching for sultry, seasonal wedding inspiration to make their big day feel extra special. Growing searches by Gen Y in the last three weeks compared to the previous three weeks: 

What Are People Searching For On Pinterest This Week: Falling In Love  pinterest pin for jen vazquez media

PINTEREST PREDICTS TREND: Rust married

The Pinterest Predicts annual trend for all-things rust is trending as searches surge for fall’s favorite hue. This Pinterest Predicts 2023 Trend is proving true! In the last three weeks compared to the previous three weeks: 

MOMENT SPOTLIGHT: Fall Weddings

On Pinterest, people are looking for romantic styling and decor for their autumn wedding. 

Featured Pinterest Board: Wedding Inspo

Check out this board of burnt orange wedding inspiration.

Here is more information that may be helpful!

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

What Are People Searching For On Pinterest This Week: Falling In Love  pinterest pin for jen vazquez media
What Are People Searching For On Pinterest This Week: Falling In Love  pinterest pin for jen vazquez media
What Are People Searching For On Pinterest This Week: Falling In Love  pinterest pin for jen vazquez media
What Are People Searching For On Pinterest This Week: Falling In Love pinterest pin for jen vazquez media
What Are People Searching For On Pinterest This Week: Falling In Love pinterest pin for jen vazquez media

What People Are Searching For On Pinterest This Week: Fun For One

What Peole Are Searching For On Pinterest This Week: Fun For One

What People Are Searching For On Pinterest This Week: Fun For One 

I’m back with the latest Pinterest trends! 

This week Pinterest collected insights around the theme: Fun for One. The seasons are changing and people are looking for fun ways to get organized for fall. You can find these key trends and all of the trends this week on my blog post and Wednesday’s Podcast and YouTube release.

Key trends:

  • 185% increase in “home gym inspiration” for Gen Y
  • 140% increase in “journal prompts for mental health” for Gen Z
  • 85% increase in “money saving techniques”
  • 55% increase in “holistic health”
  • 25% increase in “bulking meal prep for men”

Behind the Trends

Pinterest is a place to look forward. In fact, more than 463 million* people use Pinterest to find tomorrow’s ideas. By observing current trends on Pinterest, we can glean valuable insights into what may trend elsewhere in the near future. 

Each week, Pinterest Predicts Weekly highlights actionable search trends among Pinterest users across categories, regions and demographic groups. All search queries link to trends.pinterest.com where you can discover insights and create campaigns around popular search queries. 

Unlock Your FREE Pinterest Marketing Resources

Dive into the Pinterest Marketing Resources Vault, packed with over 10 game-changing tools, 6 exclusive masterclasses, and exciting challenges. This free vault is your golden ticket to supercharging your marketing strategies on Pinterest. Get instant access to templates and assets designed to transform your marketing game.

Ready to work smarter, not harder? Sign up now and unleash your full potential!

Category Trend: Healthy Routines

People on Pinterest are searching for ways to rise and shine with energy.

Health 

In the last three weeks compared to the previous three weeks:

Food

In the last three weeks compared to the previous three weeks:

Home 

In the last three weeks compared to the previous three weeks:

Audience Trends: Healing habits

Gen Z and Gen Y are looking for self-care tips.

Gen Z

Gen Y

Pinterest Predicts Trend: Cha-ching challenge

The Pinterest Predicts annual trend has proven out! Trends are up for spending and budget tips and resources.  In the last three weeks compared to the previous three weeks:

Moment Spotlight: Labor Day

People on Pinterest are looking for fun ways to celebrate the unofficial end of summer.

Self care ideas for brighter days ahead Pinterest Board

Featured board:  Wellness ideas 

There are 249 pins on this board of self-care ideas and growing! 

Where I Got This Information

I took these stats directly from Pinterest’s weekly report located here

Here is more information that may be helpful!

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

What Are People Searching For On Pinterest This Week_ fun for one pinterest pin for jen vazquez media
What Are People Searching For On Pinterest This Week_ fun for one pinterest pin for jen vazquez media
What Are People Searching For On Pinterest This Week_ fun for one pinterest pin for jen vazquez media
What Are People Searching For On Pinterest This Week_ fun for one pinterest pin for jen vazquez media
What Are People Searching For On Pinterest This Week_ fun for one pinterest pin for jen vazquez media

Why I focus on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn Over Pinterest

Why I focus on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn Over Pinterest by Jen Vazquez Media Pinterest Manager

Why I focus on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn Over Pinterest

I’m sure that title made you think WHAT?!?  The Pinterest Queen is leaving Pinterest? But that’s not true.

Yes, Pinterest is quite literally the single best social media in terms of driving leads and spending very little time for a huge return on your time investment. Still, just like other search engines like Google (blogs) and YouTube, Pinterest takes time to grow that traffic. 

If you’re consistent, you can have pins you created 7 years ago still sending people to my website.

So why am I saying I focus my time on  Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn over Pinterest? 

The Client Journey 

I know for a fact (from my years of using it and from my Pinterest Management client that I pin for) that Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn are part of the buyer’s journey.

People go from Pinterest and/or your blog to social media to find out more, confirm you’re a real person, and see current work, advice, and more about you as a person.

They are stalking you for a day, a week, or months to confirm that they want to work with you. Your social media will attract or repel them before they reach out and that’s good for you!  

You want someone who likes you and your work as they will be an even better client. Plus, a bonus of those platforms is that it’s instant for you to see what works. Stay with me here.

Instant Understanding + Keywords

Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn get pretty instant views. Using keywords and hashtags will help you get discovered by new people also.

This is especially important for finding new keywords that you can implement SEO-wise on Pinterest and Google. Plus it’s an amazing way to pivot your business or test out new services.

Repurposing

I know it’s exhausting to be on so many platforms as a marketer. Still, if you have an amazing repurposing game (and I love a good repurposing game), then it’s almost as simple as posting to just one platform.

I have personally (and also by recommending to my clients) found that repurposing helps you double or even triple your leads.

You know that everyone has a favorite platform and typically they will spend most of their time on that platform. So if you are only on Instagram for instance, you’re missing out on a younger demographic on TikTok. And we know that people on LinkedIn and Pinterest have a higher annual salary from statistics, so it’s a no-brainer!

The algorithms make it harder and harder and almost impossible to see the same video on all the platforms, so you are doubling or tripling your chance to get seen without doing hardly any more work.

Yes, you’ll want to upload the video to each platform and insert a title and hashtags so that each algorithm will take those as keywords to find your ideal client, but it’s not hard at all. It just takes me 10-20 mins extra and it’s well worth the time!

Homework

So I am giving you homework that can change how you market your business. 

When you create an Instagram reel, download it before you publish. Or, better yet, do as I do and record it in BigVu and download it. Then share it on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Pinterest as an idea pin. Bonus points if you share it as a video a few days later.

Definitely let me know how it goes, by sending me a DM on any of the platforms as I’m on them all!!

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Why I focus on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn Over Pinterest by Jen Vazquez Media Pinterest Manager
Why I focus on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn Over Pinterest by Jen Vazquez Media Pinterest Manager
Why I focus on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn Over Pinterest by Jen Vazquez Media Pinterest Manager
Why I focus on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn Over Pinterest by Jen Vazquez Media Pinterest Manager
Why I focus on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn Over Pinterest by Jen Vazquez Media Pinterest Manager