There are a lot of Pinterest myths floating around that keep businesses from fully leveraging the platform. Maybe you’ve heard that Pinterest is only for DIY and recipes, that it doesn’t drive real sales, or that you need to post 35 times a day to succeed. But really, Pinterest is one of the most powerful search engines for business growth, and when used strategically, it can drive consistent traffic, leads, and sales.
As a Pinterest strategist who has helped entrepreneurs, service providers, and e-commerce brands turn Pinterest into a lead-generating powerhouse, I’ve seen firsthand what actually works—and what’s just outdated advice. If you’ve been holding back on Pinterest because of common myths, this post is for you.
In this post, I’m breaking down the biggest Pinterest myths and revealing the truth behind what actually drives visibility, engagement, and conversions.
Table of Contents
Pinterest is a “Cherry On Top” Marketing Strategy (And I Say That As a Pinterest Manager)
Let me back up for a second. I’m not here to tell you that you absolutely need Pinterest to succeed.
In fact, if there’s one thing I wish more business owners understood, it’s that Pinterest is truly a cherry-on-top strategy. That doesn’t mean it can’t have a huge impact — it absolutely can. What I want you to know is that Pinterest is a powerful amplifier.
Pinterest is there to drive traffic and boost what you’re already doing well. It’s not meant to be the foundation of your marketing strategy and it can’t be your only platform. Instead, it’s designed to make your existing content and efforts work harder for you.
And honestly, I love that about it. Shout out to platforms that don’t try to be everything to everyone. We’ve got TikTok, then we’ve got Reels trying to copy TikTok, and now Instagram is just collecting everyone’s features, trying to be this all-in-one platform. So, it’s really refreshing to see something like Pinterest — a platform that knows what it’s good at and stays in its lane.
Myth #1: Pinterest is Just for Recipes and DIY
One of the most persistent Pinterest myths is that the platform is only useful for finding recipes, DIY crafts, or home decor inspiration. While it’s true that those categories perform well, Pinterest is far more than a lifestyle hub—it’s a visual search engine used by businesses in nearly every industry to drive traffic, leads, and sales.
Reality: Pinterest Is a Powerful Search Engine for Business Growth
Pinterest isn’t a traditional social media platform—it operates more like Google, helping users find solutions, products, and ideas through search. People come to Pinterest with intent—whether they’re planning a big purchase, researching a topic, or looking for expert advice. This makes Pinterest a goldmine for businesses in tech, finance, coaching, wellness, and beyond.
Many non-DIY brands are thriving on Pinterest by using the platform strategically. For example:
- Business Coaches & Course Creators: Share educational content, digital products, and lead magnets to attract engaged students and clients.
- E-commerce & Product-Based Brands: Use Pinterest to showcase products, drive traffic to online stores, and convert pinners into buyers.
- Tech & Finance Brands: Create visually engaging infographics, how-to guides, and blog content to educate their audience and build authority.
- Service Providers & Agencies: Use Pinterest to bring in consistent leads, positioning themselves as the go-to expert in their industry.
If you’ve been avoiding Pinterest because you thought it was only for crafts and cooking, it’s time to reconsider. Businesses across all industries are using Pinterest SEO to reach new audiences, generate leads, and grow their brands—all without relying on trending videos or short-lived social media posts.
Myth #2: Pinterest Traffic Doesn’t Convert
A common Pinterest myth is that while the platform might bring traffic to your site, that traffic doesn’t actually convert into sales. Many business owners assume that Pinterest users are just browsing for ideas, not making real purchasing decisions. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Reality: Pinterest Users Are Planners with High Purchase Intent
Unlike other platforms where users mindlessly scroll, Pinterest users are intentional. They come to Pinterest with a purpose—to research, plan, and ultimately buy. These users aren’t just looking for inspiration; they’re actively searching for solutions, products, and services to meet their needs.
So, how do you turn Pinterest traffic into paying customers? It’s all about strategy.
- Optimized Pins: Use compelling visuals, keyword-rich descriptions, and clear branding to attract the right audience.
- Strong Calls to Action (CTAs): Guide users to take the next step—whether it’s signing up for an email list, booking a consultation, or making a purchase.
- High-Converting Landing Pages: Pinterest traffic is cold traffic. These people don’t know you, your brand, or how many Instagram followers you have. So if they land on your blog, that blog needs to lead them somewhere — to another post, your services page, a freebie, your email list — something that helps them take the next step.
You have to be good at capturing cold traffic. If Pinterest is sending people your way but they’re not converting, it doesn’t mean Pinterest isn’t doing its job — it means you’re not doing your half of the Pinterest strategy.
I feel really strongly about this because one of the biggest myths I hear is that Pinterest traffic doesn’t convert. And my response is always: of course it doesn’t — not on its own. It’s not meant to. Pinterest is a top-of-funnel platform. Its job is to bring people in; it’s your job to guide them the rest of the way.
If you want to learn more about how to turn Pinterest traffic into sales, check out this in-depth guide for actionable strategies.
Myth #3: You Need to Post 35x Daily to Succeed (But posting once per day isn’t enough either!)
One of the most outdated Pinterest myths is that you need to pin 35+ times per day to get any traction. This idea stems from older Pinterest strategies that emphasized quantity over quality. Back then, Pinterest rewarded accounts that pinned constantly—including content from other creators. But in 2025, the game has changed.
Reality: Quality Over Quantity Wins on Pinterest
While consistency is still important, Pinterest no longer prioritizes excessive daily pinning. In fact, you don’t need to share other people’s content at all to grow your account. The focus has shifted to fresh, high-quality content that keeps users engaged. It’s not bad to repin other users’ pins, it’s just not required!
So, how often should you post? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but most of our clients see success posting between 8-12 pins per day.
Instead of overwhelming yourself with unrealistic pinning schedules, focus on sustainable content distribution:
- Spread out your pins over time. Instead of posting 10+ pins for a new blog post on the same day, schedule them out over weeks or even months for ongoing traffic.
- Prioritize fresh content. Pinterest values new images and fresh variations of existing content. Instead of just repinning the same pin, create multiple designs for the same link.
- Test and adjust. If 5 pins per day works for you, great! If 15 is more effective, stick with that. The key is to stay consistent and focus on quality over volume.
The days of pinning dozens of times a day are long gone. A strategic, sustainable approach to pinning will not only save you time but deliver better long-term results—without the burnout.
A sneak peak at my own marketing schedule last week.
Myth #4: Pinterest SEO is Just About Keywords
If you’ve ever heard that Pinterest SEO is all about stuffing your content with keywords, you’re not alone. Many people assume that as long as they load their pin titles and descriptions with the right words, they’ll automatically rank higher in search results. While keywords are important, they’re only one piece of the puzzle. In reality, Pinterest’s algorithm considers multiple factors when ranking content—and ignoring these other elements can hold back your growth.
Reality: Engagement, Pin Design, and Board Strategy Matter Just as Much
Here’s what I’ll say about that — Pinterest designs matter more than ever.
Right now, we’re seeing this huge wave of AI-generated design and batch-created Canva templates. And honestly, that means we have to put a little more effort into our pin designs than ever before. Just like how we’ve become experts at scrolling past ads without even noticing them, a lot of those basic, overused templates are starting to have that same effect.
Avoid clickbait tactics, too. Pinterest’s algorithm actually penalizes misleading or low-quality content. If your pin promises something that your link doesn’t deliver, it can hurt your rankings.
Pinterest can detect this through user behavior. It knows that people come to the platform to make decisions, gather information, and plan. So if someone clicks your pin, lands on your site, and immediately bounces off — that’s a negative signal.
One common mistake I see is when creators link directly to a freebie or sales page without making it clear that’s where the pin leads. If your pin says something like “10 Secrets to Instagram Success,” people will assume it’s a blog post unless you explicitly show otherwise.
And like every algorithm, Pinterest’s has gotten much more sophisticated.
It can read the keywords on your graphic, identify what’s in the image itself, and even scan the page your pin links to. If your graphic shows a random coffee cup that has nothing to do with your content, it won’t perform as well as a relevant image.
Pinterest also checks for keyword consistency across your pin title, description, and the page it links to. That’s how it determines whether the content provides real value.
So yes — Pinterest SEO isn’t just about keywords. It’s about your entire presence: your board titles, board descriptions, your profile name and bio — all of it. Those details help Pinterest trust you and your content.
AI & Pinterest
And this goes beyond Pinterest. Across all platforms, your digital footprint matters more than ever. With AI-driven search becoming more prominent, platforms want to know that you — the creator — are a credible, trustworthy source of information.
Unfortunately, this is where one of the biggest myths shows up: people think Pinterest is “easy.” They stuff their pin titles and descriptions with AI-generated keyword soup, throw together basic designs, and then post a couple pins a day for a month before declaring, “Yeah, I tried Pinterest. It didn’t work.”
That mindset might actually break me one day — I’m only half kidding.
That’s why we spent Quarter 1 working with a graphic designer (shoutout to Ellie at Ellie Brown Branding!) to refresh our clients’ pin designs and ensure they’re optimized for engagement. Strong visuals, strategic board placement, and compelling content are just as critical to Pinterest SEO success as keywords.
The takeaway? Pinterest SEO isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how users engage with your content. Prioritize keywords, design, and user experience to create pins that not only rank but actually drive results.
Myth #5: Pinterest is Too Saturated to Grow in 2025
One of the biggest Pinterest myths holding people back is the belief that it’s too late to grow on the platform. Many business owners assume that because big brands and established accounts dominate search results, there’s no room for new creators or niche businesses to gain traction. But here’s the truth: Pinterest is still a huge opportunity in 2025—if you approach it strategically.
Reality: New Accounts and Niche Businesses Can Still Gain Traction
Pinterest isn’t just for massive brands with years of content behind them. Newer accounts and small businesses can absolutely grow—as long as they focus on the right strategies. While competition has increased, so has the demand for fresh, high-quality content.
How to Stand Out and Grow on Pinterest in 2025:
- Lean into Pinterest trends and seasonal content. Pinterest rewards fresh ideas, and new accounts can gain traction faster by tapping into what’s trending now. If you’re unsure where to start, check out my guide to Pinterest trends in 2025 to stay ahead of rising trends and leverage them in your strategy.
- Use Idea Pins strategically. Pinterest continues to push Idea Pins as a key format, and accounts that use them consistently can increase their visibility. Even though Idea Pins don’t link out, they help build brand awareness and engagement, making it easier to convert later.
- Prioritize strategic Pinterest SEO. Instead of just pinning randomly, focus on keyword optimization, board strategy, and consistent posting. Even a new account can rank in Pinterest search when these elements are dialed in.
- Understand that Pinterest takes time. Unlike Instagram or TikTok, Pinterest is a long-game platform. Most successful accounts don’t see instant results—but they do see long-term, compounding growth. Consistently posting 5-15 pins per day (rather than going all-in and burning out) will yield better results over time.
Patience Pays Off—Stick With It for Real Results
Growing on Pinterest doesn’t happen overnight, but the long-term payoff is worth it. It takes multiple touchpoints to turn Pinterest users into buyers, and consistency is key. Instead of expecting instant results, focus on building a sustainable strategy that keeps your content working for you over time.
That’s why we make the process easier for our clients. From refining pin designs to optimizing strategy and streamlining content creation, we help businesses focus on what actually moves the needle. The brands seeing success on Pinterest aren’t just posting—they’re posting with purpose. Stay the course, keep testing and refining, and you’ll see the results stack up.
Final Thoughts: Pinterest Myths vs. Reality
There’s a lot of outdated advice floating around about Pinterest, but the truth is, Pinterest is still one of the best platforms for long-term visibility and traffic. It’s not just for recipes, it absolutely converts, and you don’t have to post 35 times a day to see results. With the right strategy—optimized pins, a smart posting schedule, and a long-term mindset—Pinterest can be a game-changer for your business.
If you’ve been holding back on Pinterest because of these myths, now is the time to rethink your approach. Whether you’re looking to improve your Pinterest SEO, create high-converting content, or develop a strategy that actually works, we’re here to help.
Let’s build a Pinterest marketing system that works for you—so you can focus on what you do best. Reach out today to create a strategy that drives traffic, builds brand awareness, and turns Pinterest into a long-term sales asset for your business.
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