This May Be Why Your Pinterest Traffic Dropped & What You Can Do About It

If your Pinterest traffic has suddenly dropped and you’re wondering what happened, you’re not alone. A recent platform update has caused many creators to experience fewer outbound clicks despite having the same impressions and saves.

Thanks to expert insights from Kate Ahl of Simple Pin Media (my mentor and an official Pinterest educator), we now understand exactly what changed and how to fix it.  Let’s dig in.

What Changed with the “Visit Site” Button?

In the past, users could click on a pin, view the close-up, and then click again on the image to go directly to your site. Now, the pin image is no longer clickable.

Instead, Pinterest has introduced a small “Visit Site” button located below the pin image. On mobile or desktop, if this button doesn’t appear, users have no way to access your content.

This added friction has led to a decrease in click-through rates (CTR) and outbound traffic for many users.

Pinterest Pin Graphic saying "What Happened to the Visit Site Button on Pinterest? by Jen Vazquez Media"

No, Pinterest Isn’t Removing Links

Some creators feared that Pinterest was removing links altogether. But Malik Ducard, Pinterest’s Chief Content Officer, reassured users in an interview with Kate Ahl that links are “here to stay.”

However, for a small percentage of pins that don’t meet Pinterest’s evolving quality guidelines, the “Visit Site” button might be moved to a dropdown or hidden entirely. That’s the key issue here—and it’s one you can fix.

Why Pinterest Might Be Hiding Your Link

Pinterest stated that when a pin’s landing page is considered “low quality,” the Visit Site button becomes less visible. While the link isn’t removed, it’s no longer front and center, which drastically impacts traffic potential.

So what does Pinterest consider “low quality”? Let’s look at how to keep your pin (and your link) in good standing.

How to Get Your Pinterest Traffic Back

If your clicks are down, these are the actions Pinterest recommends—straight from what Kate Ahl shared in her recent mastermind sessions and podcast interview:

1. Enable Website Scraping

Make sure Pinterest can crawl your content by allowing its bot access via your robots.txt file. Blocking Pinterest’s crawler can prevent it from properly evaluating your site, and that can flag your pins as lower quality.

2. Avoid Broken or Redirected Links

Always double-check your links before publishing. A 404 page or broken redirect is an instant red flag. You should also test existing pins regularly to ensure that the links still work.

3. Match Your Pin Image to the Landing Page

The image(s) on your pin should appear on the page it links to (i.e. the blog). This visual consistency reassures Pinterest (and users) that the content is trustworthy and aligned.

Pro Tip: If you only have one main image on your blog, try using that same image for all your pins. We don’t know if this is exactly what’s intended by what Kate was told, but I’m testing right now to see if this gets better results.  if you have multiple images on the page, rotate between them—but try to not use unrelated visuals that may confuse Pinterest’s algorithm, especially AI photos which may not get as much reach.

4. Use Matching Keywords

The keywords used in your pin’s title and description should also appear on the linked page. Pinterest wants alignment between the content you’re promoting and where you’re sending users. If there’s a disconnect, Pinterest might hide your link button.

5. Provide Helpful, Valuable Content

If your blog post or landing page doesn’t deliver on the promise of your pin (e.g., misleading title or weak content), users will bounce—and Pinterest sees that. Bounce-back behavior tells the platform that the pin may not be helpful or trustworthy.

6. Improve Your Site Speed

Aim for a page load time under 4 seconds. This is especially critical on mobile, where slower speeds feel even more frustrating. If your site is sluggish, Pinterest may deprioritize your pins and hide your links.

7. Maintain a Safe, Trustworthy Domain

Follow Pinterest’s Merchant Guidelines, even if you’re not an e-commerce brand. That means:

  • No spammy ads
  • Clear contact information
  • Legitimate, user-friendly design
  • No clickbait

A “sketchy” or cluttered design, even unintentionally, could be penalized.

8. Submit a Support Ticket if Needed

If you’ve done everything right and your “Visit Site” button is still hidden, Pinterest’s system may need time to recheck your content. There’s currently no appeal process, but you can submit a support ticket to flag the issue.

A Quick Note on Pinterest Advice

My insights here are based on Kate Ahl’s blog and podcast, which offer some of the most up-to-date guidance available. That said, Pinterest is an ever-evolving platform, and changes can happen quickly—so nothing is ever truly set in stone.

I always hesitate to present things as black and white because Pinterest’s algorithm and business goals are fluid. What works today may shift tomorrow. But this is the most accurate and helpful information we have right now, and I wanted to make sure you had it.

As with all marketing strategies, treat this as a series of micro tests—observe what resonates, adapt to what the platform favors, and refine your approach to get the best results, whether that’s in traffic, engagement, or ROI (including the time you invest). Keep testing, keep adjusting, and keep marketing your business with intention.

Bottom Line

Pinterest’s latest update isn’t about punishing creators—it’s about making the platform better for users. They want people to find helpful, high-quality, and trustworthy content.

If your traffic is down, don’t panic. Review your recent pins and ensure:

  • Your links work
  • Your landing pages are fast and aligned
  • Your pins use accurate images and keywords
  • Your domain gives off “good vibes” (trust and quality)

Pinterest and Google both prioritize helpful content. Align your content strategy with what’s valuable to users, and the traffic will follow.

Don’t Forget To Pin It!

Pinterest pin with text: Why Your Pinterest Traffic Dropped Suddenly by Jen Vazquez Media
Pinterest Pin Graphic saying "What Happened to the Visit Site Button on Pinterest? by Jen Vazquez Media"
Pinterest Pin with these words: How to get Pinterest Clicks Back After the 2025 update by Jen Vazquez Media

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

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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:

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!

Pinterest’s Growth in 2024: What It Means for Your 2025 Organic Marketing Strategy

magazine, plan and coffee with a tablet with pinterest on it

Pinterest just made history. In its latest Q4 and full-year 2024 earnings report, the platform revealed some major wins—its first-ever billion-dollar revenue quarter and a strong increase in active users. If you’ve been on the fence about using Pinterest for your business, now is the time to pay attention.

This growth isn’t just good news for investors—it’s a game-changer for businesses leveraging Pinterest as a lead generation powerhouse. Let’s break down the key takeaways from the report and what they mean for organic marketing (plus a quick note on ads).

Pinterest’s Q4 2024 and Full-Year Performance: The Big Wins

On February 8, 2025, Pinterest released its Q4 and full-year 2024 earnings report, highlighting the company’s biggest financial milestones yet. Here’s a snapshot of the major highlights:

  • First-ever $1 billion revenue quarter – Q4 2024 revenue hit $1.15 billion, an 18% increase from the previous year.
  • 11% growth in Monthly Active Users (MAUs) – Pinterest now has 553 million monthly users, meaning more people are actively using the platform to find inspiration and make purchasing decisions.
  • U.S. & Canada remain the biggest revenue drivers, contributing $700 million to Q4 earnings.
  • Global growth is surging, with international revenue increasing by 26% year-over-year.

Why This Matters for Organic Marketing

These numbers confirm one thing: Pinterest is growing—fast. More users mean more potential customers searching for ideas, products, and services. As Pinterest continues to expand, it becomes an even bigger opportunity for businesses using organic marketing strategies to get seen.

Now, let’s dive into how you can use Pinterest’s growth to your advantage without relying on paid ads.

How to Maximize Organic Marketing on Pinterest in 2025

Pinterest is unique among social platforms because it’s a visual search engine—meaning content stays discoverable for months (or years!) rather than disappearing within hours like on Instagram or TikTok. Here’s how to take full advantage of the platform’s growth without spending money on ads:

1. Focus on SEO-Optimized Pin Titles and Descriptions

Pinterest’s search function works just like Google, so make sure your content is optimized with relevant keywords.

  • Use clear, keyword-rich titles. Example: Instead of “Spring Wedding Ideas,” try “Spring Wedding Decor Trends 2024 | Elegant & Budget-Friendly”
  • Add longer descriptions (2-3 sentences) that naturally include keywords people would search for.
  • Don’t skip the alt text—this helps with both SEO and Pinterest’s new accessibility features.

2. Create Fresh Content Regularly

Pinterest rewards consistency. Instead of posting one pin and calling it a day, aim for:

  • 5-10 fresh pins per week (this doesn’t mean brand-new designs every time—slight variations of the same content work).
  • A mix of static images, and video Pins to keep engagement high.
  • Seasonal content 3-4 months in advance (Pinterest users plan ahead, so if you’re posting holiday content in December, you’re already too late!).

3. Use Videos

Pinterest is leaning into short-form video content, and it’s paying off. The platform saw a big boost in video watch time in 2024, which means more engagement opportunities for your brand.

Here’s how to take advantage:

  • Post behind-the-scenes clips (packing orders, service highlights, client testimonials).
  • Repurpose Instagram Reels & TikToks as Pinterest Idea Pins.
  • Add text overlays with clear CTA (e.g., “Click below to get the full guide!”).

4. Build a Pinterest Strategy That Feeds Your Funnel

Pinterest isn’t just about getting traffic—it’s about converting that traffic into leads.

  • Pin your blog posts and lead magnets (Pinterest loves valuable, evergreen content).
  • Use landing pages instead of your homepage to send traffic straight to your offers.
  • Create a Pinterest-optimized freebie to capture emails and grow your list.

Pinterest’s growing audience means more opportunities to drive traffic to your business—without spending a dime.

What About Pinterest Ads?

While we’re focusing on organic growth, it’s worth noting that Pinterest Ads are evolving. The report highlights new AI-driven ad tools and Performance+, a smart targeting system that helps brands optimize their ad spend.

💡 Takeaway: Even if you’re not using ads, Pinterest’s overall ad growth means more businesses are investing in the platform—which can drive more users to organic content as well.

Final Thoughts: Why 2024 Is the Best Time to Double Down on Pinterest

Pinterest’s record-breaking growth proves that the platform is far from slowing down. With more users, more engagement, and stronger SEO potential, businesses that invest in organic Pinterest marketing now will see the biggest long-term gains.

If you’re not on Pinterest yet—or if your strategy needs a refresh—this is your sign to get started. 🎯

Ready to make Pinterest your top traffic driver?

If you need help creating a Pinterest strategy that works, check out my Pinterest Marketing services or join my Pinterest Strategy Club for ongoing tips, templates, and strategy support! 

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

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Maximize Earnings: A Step-by-Step Guide to Amazon Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest

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Affiliate marketing on Pinterest offers a unique opportunity to monetize your content by sharing products that genuinely benefit your audience. You can create another stream of income for your business by focusing on providing value and strategically utilizing platforms like Amazon Associates, which anyone can sign up for or as you grow your following for your Amazon store!.

Understanding Pinterest Affiliate Marketing

Pinterest serves as a visual search engine where users actively seek inspiration and solutions. This intent-driven behavior makes it an ideal platform for affiliate marketing. By creating engaging pins that link to valuable content, you can guide users toward products and earn commissions on resulting sales.

Struggling to get leads from Pinterest? Let’s change that!

If you’ve been pinning without seeing real results, it’s time to take a strategic approach! My Pinterest Trends Challenge will show you exactly how to use trending content to boost your visibility, drive more traffic, and turn Pinterest into a lead-generating machine—without paid ads!

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Stop guessing and start pinning with purpose! Join the challenge now and watch your Pinterest traffic soar!

Best Practices for Using Amazon Affiliate Links on Pinterest

  1. Create Valuable Content: Instead of directly pinning affiliate links, develop high-quality blog posts or landing pages that discuss the benefits and uses of the products you’re promoting. This approach provides context and builds trust with your audience.

  2. Design Engaging Pins: Craft visually appealing pins that capture attention and encourage clicks. Use tools like Canva to create professional graphics that align with your brand and the content you’re promoting.

  3. Optimize for Search: Incorporate relevant keywords into your pin descriptions to enhance discoverability. Think about the terms your target audience might use when searching for solutions related to your content.

  4. Disclose Affiliate Relationships: Transparency is crucial. Clearly state that your content contains affiliate links to maintain trust and comply with guidelines.

  5. Monitor Performance: Utilize Pinterest Analytics to track the performance of your pins. Pay attention to metrics like click-through rates and conversions to understand what’s resonating with your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Implementing the Strategy

Start by identifying products that align with your audience’s interests and needs. Create informative blog posts highlighting how these products can solve specific problems or enhance certain aspects of their lives. Within these posts, include your Amazon affiliate links. Then, design pins that link back to these blog posts, providing a pathway for Pinterest users to discover your content and the products you recommend.

By focusing on delivering value and maintaining authenticity, you can effectively leverage Pinterest for affiliate marketing, creating a win-win situation for you and your audience.

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5 Easy Pinterest Strategies for Service-Based Businesses to Skyrocket Traffic in 30 Minutes Weekly

5 Easy Pinterest Strategies for Service-Based Businesses by Jen Vazquez Media

5 Easy Pinterest Strategies for Service-Based Businesses to Skyrocket Traffic in 30 Minutes Weekly

Hey there, service-based business owners! I get it—your time is precious, and marketing can sometimes feel like just another overwhelming task on that never-ending to-do list. But here’s the good news: You don’t need hours of effort to see results. What if I told you that by dedicating just 30 minutes a week to Pinterest, you could significantly boost your online presence and drive more traffic to your website? Sounds too good to be true? Well, it’s not. And I’m here to show you how.

In this guide, we’re diving into five quick and easy Pinterest strategies that will help you maximize your results in minimal time. Whether you’re new to Pinterest or looking to streamline your efforts, these tips are designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule. Ready to skyrocket your traffic without the stress? Let’s get into it!

1. Consistency is Key: Schedule Your Pins

Consistency is the magic sauce on Pinterest. It loves seeing fresh content, and so do your potential clients. Instead of spending hours pinning away, use a scheduling tool like Tailwind (yep, I’ll drop a link below) or Pinterest’s own scheduler to spread out your content over the week.

Give this just 10 minutes each week to schedule your pins for the upcoming days. Keep that profile active, and you’ll stay top of mind effortlessly.

Quick Tip

Aim to pin at least 5-10 times a day, mixing your content with other valuable resources your audience will love.

2. Leverage Pinterest Trends for Maximum Impact

Pinterest Trends is an underutilized goldmine. Spend five minutes exploring what’s trending in your industry and create pins that fit those hot topics. When you tap into what’s buzzing, your content is more likely to get noticed and shared.

Quick Tip

Include trending keywords in your pin titles and descriptions to increase visibility in search results.

3. Optimize Your Pin Descriptions for SEO

Pinterest is not just a social media site; it’s a search engine! Spend five minutes optimizing your pin descriptions with the right keywords. Think about what your ideal client is searching for and weave those terms naturally into your descriptions.

Let AI help if you to make this process fast and also to create different titles and descriptions that are different for every pin you create for your blog or other content.  You can use this prompt: “Please act like an SEO strategist and create 5 Pinterest pin titles and descriptions (475-500 characters and no hashtags) for this blog <insert the whole blog>.”

Quick Tip

Focus on long-tail keywords and make sure your descriptions are clear, engaging, and action-oriented.

4. Create Eye-Catching Pin Designs

No need to be a graphic designer to create stunning pins. Tools like Canva or Tailwind Create make it super easy. Set aside 10 minutes to design a few eye-catching pins that reflect your brand’s personality and message.

High-quality visuals attract clicks, so make sure your pins stand out.

Quick Tip

Stick to a consistent color palette and font style across all your pins to build brand recognition.

5. Engage with Your Audience

Engagement is the secret sauce that most people overlook. Pinterest isn’t just about pinning and forgetting. Spend the last five minutes of your weekly Pinterest routine engaging with your audience. Respond to comments, follow relevant accounts, and repin content that aligns with your brand.

Quick Tip

Engage with content that inspires you and reflects your business values to attract like-minded followers.

Conclusion: Make Pinterest Work for You!

By dedicating just 30 minutes a week to these five quick wins, you’ll see more traffic flowing to your website and more eyes on your content. The best part? You’ll be doing it without feeling overwhelmed. So, let’s get this Pinterest party started!

Bonus: Want to keep the momentum going? Download my Free Pinterest resources to stay on track and make the most out of your Pinterest efforts!

 

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Skyrocket Your Website Traffic with 5 Easy Pinterest Tips by Jen Vazquez Media
Quick Pinterest Wins for Service-Based Businesses_ Grow Traffic in 30 Minutes by Jen Vazquez Media
Grow Your Business_ 5 Pinterest Tips for Service-Based Entrepreneurs by Jen Vazquez Media
5 Pinterest Strategies to Boost Traffic for Service-Based Businesses by Jen Vazquez Media
5 Time-Saving Pinterest Strategies for Busy Service Providers by Jen Vazquez Media

Here is more information that may be helpful!