Scaling Smarter: How to Build a Life-Focused Business Without Burning Out with Courtney Terrant

With Guest Expert Courtney Tarrant on the Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast

What if scaling your business didn’t mean working harder or chasing goals that don’t align with your life? That’s exactly what Jen Vazquez explores in her powerful conversation with Courtney Tarrant, COO and co-owner of The Ad Girls.

Courtney’s journey is anything but conventional—filled with odd jobs, a stint as an English teacher in Europe, and eventually a DIY leap into entrepreneurship. From that spark, she built not one, but three successful businesses, all anchored by her commitment to profitability, freedom, and a results-only work environment.

The Myth of Scaling = Overworking

Courtney busts the myth that scaling requires long hours and sacrificing your life. Her boutique agency runs on a system where team members are evaluated by results, not hours. This unique culture creates sustainability, boosts retention, and keeps everyone focused on value—not busywork.

Define Your Own Success

“I just wanted to order wine without checking the price,” Courtney admits, reminding us that personal goals are just as valid as revenue milestones. She encourages entrepreneurs to reverse-engineer their business based on the life they want—not a cookie-cutter model.

Profit First, Always

Courtney reveals her golden ratio: Delivering client results should cost no more than 35% of your total package price, plus another 15% for internal leadership support. The remaining 50% fuels profitability and client delight. This clear structure makes surprise bonuses and premium experiences possible—without draining the business.

Avoiding Burnout Starts with Boundaries

From not taking Friday calls to building buffer time into every project, Courtney emphasizes intentional scheduling. And when burnout looms, she urges entrepreneurs to act early rather than wait for the breaking point.

Top Tools and Tactics

Ad Funnels: 90% of their growth came from a scalable ad system.
Grit: Success isn’t about speed—it’s about staying in the game.
EOS System: The Entrepreneurial Operating System provided the structure to grow creatively, not chaotically.

Get the Free Calculator

Want to know exactly how much revenue you need to live the life you actually want? Courtney’s free calculator lets you plug in your ideal hours, lifestyle, and team structure to build a custom path forward.

👉 Download the free calculator now

Where can you find Courtney Tarrant

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Scaling Smarter: How to Build a Life-Focused Business Without Burning Out with Courtney Terrant on Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with Jen Vazquez

Pinterest for Photographers: Turn One Photo Session into 10+ Pins That Attract Dream Clients

Marketing, Pinterest

Pinterest for Photographers: Turn One Photo Session into 10+ Pins That Attract Dream Clients

If you’re a photographer tired of watching your hard work disappear into the Instagram feed abyss, it’s time to level up with Pinterest. More than just a social platform, Pinterest is a visual search engine that works 24/7 to bring your dream clients straight to your website.

Imagine turning one photo session into a dozen optimized pins that work like mini-marketers for your brand. Here’s how to do it, step-by-step.

Step 1: Choose the Right Session to Feature

Start with a session that aligns with the type of photography you want to book more of. Want to shift from weddings to brand photography? Highlight a recent branding session instead of another wedding gallery.

Pro Tip: Make sure you’ve blogged the session first. Pinterest favors fresh links, and directing traffic to a specific blog post boosts engagement and keeps visitors on your site longer.

Step 2: Create a Weekly Pinterest Workflow

Batch your Pinterest tasks weekly. Use your latest blog post, a high-performing older blog (check Google Search Console), and 1-2 freebies that lead to your email list.

Consistency is key — even one weekly batch can drastically improve your long-term results.

Ready to Get Booked AF?

Join us in Northern California for the retreat that’s part Pinterest power-up, part content creation party, and 100% focused on getting you booked out with a plan that actually works.

📸 Walk away with fresh brand photos, a marketing workflow you’ll love, and the confidence to scale. ✨ Only a few spots available – join the waitlist now and be the first to get all the juicy details!

Get On The Waitlist

Step 3: Design 10+ Pin Graphics Using Canva

Use a simple Canva brand template that you can duplicate and customize quickly. Create at least 10 different pins using images from one session:

3 pins with standout images
2-3 pins with image variety and keyword combos
2 pins linking to your blog post
2 pins promoting a relevant freebie
1 behind-the-scenes or video pin

Create a folder for easy access and future use.

Step 4: Write Keyword-Rich, Location-Specific Pin Titles

No vague titles allowed. Use clear, searchable phrases that your dream clients are typing into Pinterest.

Example: Instead of “Beautiful Brand Photography,” say “Bay Area Brand Photographer – Clean & Modern Photos for Coaches.”

Pro Tip: Ask your audience what they’d search for via Instagram Stories. Their answers might surprise you — and give you valuable keyword insights.

Step 5: Add the Right Link & Call to Action

Each pin should link directly to your blog post or landing page. Include a strong call to action like “Click to See the Full Gallery” or “See More Images.” This boosts clicks and conversions.

Step 6: Schedule Pins with Tailwind

Tailwind allows you to schedule pins across weeks and boards. You can load 10+ pins from one session and stretch them over 4-5 weeks, using different titles to reach more audiences and improve SEO.

Bonus: Repurpose Pins for More Visibility

Use your pins as content across platforms—turn them into Instagram carousels, newsletter graphics, Facebook posts, and more. And don’t forget to add those pins at the end of your blog post for easy saves (which boost your Pinterest analytics!).

Bottom Line

Pinterest doesn’t require daily content creation. With the right strategy, you can create a full month of marketing content in just a few hours. One session, 10+ pins, and endless reach.

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Fun Marketing News: Pinterest’s Record-Breaking Q4 2024 And What It Means for Your Business

Marketing, Pinterest, Podcast

Pinterest’s Record-Breaking Q4 2024 And What It Means for Your Business

Pinterest has achieved an incredible milestone, breaking records in Q4 of 2024. As marketing professionals and business owners, understanding why this matters and how it can impact your business is essential.

In this post, we’ll break down the key highlights from Pinterest’s latest performance report and explore how you can leverage this momentum to drive growth for your own brand.

Pinterest’s Q4 2024 Performance Overview

Pinterest’s performance in Q4 2024 was nothing short of impressive. Here are the key stats that caught everyone’s attention:

Revenue Milestone: Pinterest hit $1.15 billion in revenue for Q4 2024, an 18% increase from the previous year.
User Growth: Global Monthly Active Users (MAU) reached 553 million, an 11% year-over-year increase.
Net Income Boost: GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) net income soared to $1.85 billion in Q4, driven by a $1.6 billion tax benefit.

Why This Matters for Your Business

You might be thinking, “So what if Pinterest made more money?” Here’s why it matters:

More Ad Spend = More Visibility
The increase in revenue is a direct result of more companies investing in Pinterest ads. This means Pinterest is driving the kind of traffic that businesses want — targeted and actionable.
Higher Engagement from Real Users
Unlike other platforms that report total user registrations, Pinterest’s 553 million monthly active users represent people actively engaging with the platform — not just signing up and disappearing.

Less Competition, More Opportunity
While Pinterest’s user base is smaller than platforms like Instagram and TikTok, that’s actually an advantage. Less competition means greater visibility for your content and a higher chance of driving targeted traffic.

CEO Insights and Market Confidence

Pinterest’s CEO, Bill Reddy (formerly with Google), highlighted that user engagement is growing, and the platform’s focus on actionable content is benefiting both users and businesses. Following the announcement, Pinterest’s stock jumped over 18%, showing that investors have strong confidence in the platform’s future.

What does this mean for you?

More ad spend from big companies means more users on the platform.
More users searching for solutions = more potential customers for your business.
Pinterest’s projected revenue for Q1 2025 is between $837 million and $852 million, indicating continued growth momentum.

Pinterest’s Long-Term Value for Your Business

Pinterest operates more like a search engine than a social media platform, which means your content has a longer shelf life. Unlike Instagram and TikTok, where posts disappear quickly, Pinterest pins can continue driving traffic for months or even years after they’re posted.

According to a study by Tailwind (a third-party Pinterest scheduling tool), pins reach their peak performance after one year — not three months, which was the previous average. This means the time you invest in creating pins today could pay off for years to come.

How to Capitalize on Pinterest’s Growth

To take advantage of Pinterest’s growing momentum, focus on the following strategies:

✅ Use Keywords Strategically

Just like SEO for blogs, Pinterest relies heavily on keywords. Research and use targeted keywords in your pin descriptions, titles, and boards.

✅ Consistency is Key

Regularly pinning high-quality content increases your visibility and engagement over time.

✅ Invest in Tailwind

Tailwind’s enhanced pin scheduler and new tools (currently in development) are designed to maximize your Pinterest strategy with minimal effort.

The Power of Search Marketing

Pinterest functions like a search engine, similar to YouTube and Google. Unlike Instagram or TikTok, which have short lifespans for content, Pinterest pins remain searchable and effective long-term.

If you’re already investing time into SEO and blogging, Pinterest is a natural extension of that strategy. By creating consistent, keyword-rich content, you can drive evergreen traffic to your website or online store.

Why Now Is the Time to Get Serious About Pinterest

The surge in Pinterest’s performance is a signal that businesses are recognizing its potential as a powerful marketing platform. With more companies investing in ads and the platform showing consistent user growth, now is the time to build your Pinterest strategy.

Small business owners and content creators have a unique opportunity to gain visibility and drive traffic with less effort compared to other platforms. Start pinning, stay consistent, and watch your traffic grow.

Bottom Line

Pinterest’s record-breaking Q4 2024 results reflect a growing trend in search-driven content. The combination of increased ad revenue, rising user engagement, and long-term content value makes Pinterest a smart investment for business owners and marketers.

If you’ve been thinking about adding Pinterest to your marketing strategy, now is the time to dive in. Want help?

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How to Make Money with Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest (Even If You’re New)

Content Creation, Marketing, Pinterest

pink brick background with women's fingers creating an OK sign with a red suit code

How to Make Money with Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest (Even If You’re New)

Affiliate marketing on Pinterest isn’t just possible—it’s a total game-changer for bringing in extra income while helping your audience find products and services they’ll love.

I’ve been using Pinterest for years (since it was invite-only!) to grow my photography and marketing businesses, and let me tell you—adding affiliate links was a no-brainer once I realized how easy and effective it is. If you’re already pinning content and driving traffic to your site, why not monetize it?

In this post, I’m breaking down how you can use Pinterest to make money through affiliate links—without feeling salesy or spammy. Let’s dive in!

What is Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest?

Affiliate marketing = sharing a product or service through a unique link and earning a commission when someone makes a purchase through that link.

Pinterest is perfect for affiliate marketing because it’s not social media—it’s a search engine. People go on Pinterest to look for solutions and discover ideas. That means they’re already in the mindset to take action when they come across your content.

Pinterest also has a long shelf life. Unlike Instagram or TikTok posts that disappear after 24 hours, pins can continue driving traffic (and sales) for months or even years.

How to Choose the Right Affiliate Programs

Not all affiliate programs are created equal. The key is to choose products and services that align with your audience and niche.

Here are some of my go-to affiliate programs:

Amazon Associates – Great for almost any niche because Amazon has literally everything.
LTK (formerly RewardStyle) – Perfect for fashion, home, and lifestyle content.
Service-Based Affiliate Programs – If you love a business tool (like Tailwind, Canva, or my Pinterest membership), see if they have an affiliate program (I do!)! It’s an easy way to earn while helping others grow their business.

✨ Pro Tip: Only recommend products or services you’ve actually used and love—your audience will trust you more when they know you’re not just selling to make a quick buck.

How to Create Pinterest Content with Affiliate Links

➡️ Option 1: Direct Pinning

This is where you link directly from your pin to an affiliate product. It’s fast and easy, but there’s a catch: Pinterest gives more reach to content that leads to your website (not directly to a product).

Best Practices:
✅ Add a clear disclosure in the pin description (e.g., “This post contains affiliate links”).
✅ Use high-quality images that match Pinterest’s vertical format (2:3 ratio).
✅ Include a compelling call-to-action (CTA) like “Click to see why I love this!”

➡️ Option 2: Indirect Linking

This is where the magic happens. Instead of linking directly to the product, you create a blog post or landing page that talks about the product.

Why this works better:
✅ You can provide context and personal insight—this builds trust.
✅ Your audience gets more value from the post itself.
✅ Pinterest prefers links that lead to helpful content (aka, your blog).

Example Strategy:

Write a blog post about a product you love.
Share why you love it, how it helped you, and what your audience will gain from using it.
Include the affiliate link within the blog post.
Create a pin that links to your blog post, not directly to the product.

This method feels more organic and converts better because people are already in the mindset to trust your recommendations.

Affiliate Marketing Compliance (Super Important!)

Affiliate marketing comes with some legal stuff you need to follow (but don’t stress—it’s easy).

✨ If you’re linking directly to an affiliate product or servicet, add a disclosure in the pin description.
✨ If you’re linking to a blog post, include an FTC disclosure in the blog (but you don’t have to disclose it on the pin).
✨ Transparency builds trust—and trust = more clicks and sales.

Track Your Results (So You Can Do More of What Works!)

Pinterest gives you all the data you need to adjust and improve your strategy. Keep an eye on these key metrics:

Impressions: How many people see your pin.
Clicks: How many people click through to your blog or product page.
Saves: How many people save your pin (this increases visibility).
Outbound Clicks: How many people click through to the actual affiliate link and potentially make a purchase.

If a certain type of pin or product is performing well—create more of it!

TIP: You can download my Pinterest Analyzer for free to start tracking your numbers here.

Example Strategy in Action:

Let’s say you’re a photographer who loves a certain camera bag. Here’s how you could create an affiliate strategy around it:

Write a blog post about the camera bag—why you love it, how it’s improved your workflow, etc.
Create 3-5 different pins for the post, using varied headlines and designs.
Optimize the pin description with keywords like “best camera bag for photographers.”
Track the results in Pinterest Analytics.
If it’s working well—create similar content for other camera gear you love!

Why Pinterest + Affiliate Marketing Works So Well

Pinterest isn’t just another platform—it’s a search engine. That means your content doesn’t disappear after a day; it keeps working for you.

People on Pinterest are planners—they’re looking for products and solutions. That means they’re more likely to buy when they find helpful content through your pins.

Affiliate marketing on Pinterest is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make passive income—once you have a strategy in place, it becomes a set-it-and-forget-it system.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Scale Big

Affiliate marketing on Pinterest doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with one or two affiliate programs, focus on creating helpful content, and track what works.

Once you start seeing results, you can scale by creating more pins, testing different designs, and expanding to new affiliate programs.

✨ If you’ve been wondering if affiliate marketing is worth it—this is your sign to start!

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

Content Creation, Marketing, Pinterest, Podcast

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.

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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:

Use high-quality images with clear, bright visuals. Use1000x1500 pixels for your pin size. Note that Canva has templates with that sizing to make it easy. I have 10 free pinterest pin templates you can completely customize here.
Add text overlays with your main keyword to immediately convey the pin’s purpose.

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.

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