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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25 Must-Know Pinterest Marketing Answers for Service Providers Who Want More Leads

Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Pinterest Marketing—Answered in One Place

Hey, hey! If you’ve ever found yourself Googling how does Pinterest marketing even work? or wondering why your pins aren’t doing anything, friend, this one’s for you.

I’m sharing the top 25 questions I get asked constantly—by clients, students, and curious service providers sliding into my DMs. And I’m giving you the real answers, with zero fluff, so you can finally start using Pinterest to bring in traffic, grow your email list, and make your marketing actually work for you (even when you’re off sipping margaritas).

Let’s dive in. Grab your fave drink—coffee, tea, tequila… no judgment here!

1. Is Pinterest a social media platform?

Nope! It’s a visual search engine—think Google or YouTube. It’s designed for discovery, not engagement. That means your content has a much longer shelf life. I’m talking years of traffic from one pin.

2. How long does it take to see results?

Anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months depending on your niche and consistency. It’s a long game like blogging, but so worth it.

3. How often should I pin?

Start with one pin a day. That’s all you need. Consistency beats volume, every time.

4. What does pinning consistently mean?

It means fresh, valuable content going out daily—either scheduled with Pinterest or Tailwind. You don’t need to be online every day, but your pins should be.

5. Can you pin too much?

Yes! More than 30 pins a day could trigger Pinterest’s spam filter. Stick to intentional, helpful, keyword-rich content.

6. How much third-party content should I pin?

A little is fine—especially when you’re just starting. But long-term, focus on pinning your own content.

7. Should I re-pin my own pins?

Not really. Instead, make a new pin with a fresh image for the same link. Pinterest loves new content.

8. What time of day should I pin?

Use Google Analytics to see when your site gets traffic, or let Tailwind choose optimal times for you. Bonus: update your schedule every few months.

9. Should I start pinning even if I don’t have much content?

YES. Start now. Every client I’ve worked with says they wish they started sooner. Even 3–5 blog posts is enough to get going.

10. Do I need a blog to succeed on Pinterest?

No—but it helps. You can pin podcasts, YouTube videos, freebies, and more. If you hate writing, repurpose your video or podcast into a blog post.

✨ Need help turning all this Pinterest info into an actual strategy?

That’s exactly what we do inside Pinterest Strategy Club! It’s my cozy little corner of the internet where I go live three times a month to teach, answer questions, and help service providers like you finally make Pinterest work without the overwhelm.

Think: smart strategies, done-with-you support, and a marketing plan you can actually stick to. You don’t need to figure this out alone—and you definitely don’t need to spend hours Googling. Come join us!

11. What are monthly viewers?

That’s how many people saw your pins. It’s a vanity number. Focus on outbound clicks and saves instead.

12. How many boards should I have?

Start with 10 niche boards. Aim for 3–5 relevant boards per blog or content piece so you can pin each post multiple times.

13. Do followers matter on Pinterest?

Not really. Most traffic comes from search, not followers. But followers don’t hurt either!

14. Should I niche down my Pinterest account?

Absolutely. Keep your boards and pins aligned with your niche so Pinterest knows who to show your content to. Secret personal boards!

15. What is Pinterest SEO?

It’s keyword optimization—using the words your audience searches for in your pins, boards, profile, and even file names.

16. Where do I use keywords?

Everywhere! Profile name, profile description, board titles, board descriptions, pin titles, pin descriptions, website copy—yep, even the name of the image file you upload.

17. How do I find Pinterest keywords?

Use Pinterest search, guided bubbles, Pinterest Trends, and even the Ads tool for keyword ideas. I also have a free keyword builder at learn.jenvazquez.com/resources!

18. Should I use hashtags?

Nope. Pinterest doesn’t use or prioritize them anymore. Focus on writing keyword-rich descriptions that feel human.

19. What are group boards and should I join them?

They’re shared boards with multiple contributors. Only join niche-relevant, active boards with good SEO. Skip spammy or catch-all boards.

20. How many group boards should I join?

No magic number—just be picky. Quality over quantity, always.

21. What size should my pins be?

Pinterest recommends a 2:3 ratio like 1000x1500px. Avoid square or landscape pins—they get lost in the feed.

22. Where can I find images for pins?

Use your phone (near a window!), hire a brand photographer, or use paid stock. Avoid free stock images—they’re overused and don’t stand out.

23. Can I still grow on Pinterest without ads?

YES! I’ve never paid for ads on either of my accounts. Organic growth is totally doable with a smart, consistent strategy.

24. How do I know if my pins are working?

Check Pinterest and Google Analytics monthly. Track outbound clicks, pin clicks, saves, impressions, and followers. I use my own Pinterest Analyzer to make this easy!

25. Should I be using Tailwind?

YES if you want to save time. I save 5+ hours per client weekly by batch-scheduling with Tailwind. It helps with consistency, analytics, and strategy.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—25 answers to the questions I get every dang week. Pinterest works if you work it smartly.

Want to make Pinterest your lead-gen machine? Join me in Pinterest Strategy Club—where I go live 3x a month and help you finally figure this thing out.

Which tip was your fave? Comment below or message me—I’d love to hear it!

Don’t Forget To Pin It!

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Jen Vazquez holding a mirophone wearing a black shirt that is shoulderless talking about pinterest marketing
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Jen Vazquez holding a microphone in a black shirt shoulderless talking about Pinterest SEO Basics by Jen Vazquez Media on Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast
Jen Vazquez in a black and white striped sweater holding a cell phone talking about. Can You Use Pinterest Without Blogging_ by Jen Vazquez of Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast

5 Ethical Marketing Tips Every Service Provider Should Know

If you’re a female entrepreneur with too little time and too many marketing tasks, you’re not alone. We help female founders turn chaos into clarity. I’m Jen Vazquez, and today, I’ll guide you through a simple yet powerful strategy using Pinterest and content repurposing. These tools will help you grow your business without working around the clock. 

1. Overcoming Marketing Overwhelm

Marketing can feel like spinning many plates. You may feel stuck, not sure what to do next or where to spend your time. The key is simplicity. Stop juggling everything and start focusing on two things that move the needle: Pinterest and repurposing your work.

2. Why Pinterest Works for Your Business

Pinterest is more than just a mood board—it’s a powerful search engine. Ideas on Pinterest live a long time. Unlike some platforms that show your post for just a few hours, a single pin can bring evergreen traffic for months. If you’re short on time, that makes it a game changer.

3. Repurpose Like a Pro

Do you have a podcast, blog, or social post? Don’t let it sit there. Turn one piece of content into many:

  • Pin graphics from your blog post
  • Short video clips from your podcast
  • Quote posts from your content. This multiplies your reach without doubling your effort.

Want help with Pinterest Marketing?

Pinterest Strategy Club (PSC) is your go-to membership for turning Pinterest into a lead-generating machine—without the overwhelm. Whether you’re just getting started or want to finally be consistent, PSC gives you monthly strategies, Pin templates, and content prompts tailored to service providers like you. If you want to grow your email list, drive more traffic, and get seen by dreamy clients—this is for you.

4. Build a Simple System

Here’s a 3‑step plan you can start today:

  1. Plan one main piece: e.g., a podcast episode.
  2. Create 3–5 pins: use Canva templates to save time.
  3. Repurpose that same content for Instagram, blog, or email.

You’ll soon have multiple platforms working for you with minimal extra work.

5. Tips to Stay Consistent

  • Batch your work: Set aside one hour weekly to plan and create.
  • Use templates: For Pinterest, blog graphics, and social media.
  • Track results: Check Pinterest analytics monthly. Double down on what works.

Conclusion

You don’t need to do it all. Focus on Pinterest + repurposing and build a simple, easy-to-manage system. Consistency + strategy = growth. Let me help you simplify your marketing—so you can grow your business without burnout.

 I was totally inspired by The Savvy CMO’s about ethical marketing.

DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT!

Grow Without Ads Using Pinterest by Jen Vazquez Media
Market Your Business With Heart with Jen Vazquez Media
Ethical Marketing Tips That Work by Jen Vazquez Media
Connect With Clients Who Get You by Jen Vazquez Media
Be Real, Build Trust, Book Clients by Jen Vazquez Media

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

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

Don’t Forget To Pin It

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

Photographer putting her camera in her camera bag

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!

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.

Don’t Forget To Pin It!