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10 Mistakes Business Owners Make on Pinterest and How to Fix Them
Pinterest is an incredible platform for driving traffic, generating leads, and making sales—but only if you use it the right way.
Many business owners dive in without fully understanding how Pinterest works, leading to frustration when they don’t see the results they expected. I’ve been there! I made plenty of mistakes before I cracked the Pinterest code.
So, let’s go through the 10 most common Pinterest mistakes business owners make and, more importantly, how to fix them.
Mistake #1:
Treating Pinterest Like a Social Media Platform
Many business owners think Pinterest is just another social media site like Instagram or Facebook, but it’s actually a search engine. That means you don’t need to post daily or engage with followers the same way you do on social media.
How to Fix It:
Approach Pinterest with an SEO mindset. Focus on creating searchable content, using relevant keywords, and optimizing your pins so they show up in searches.
Mistake #2:
Ignoring Pinterest SEO
If you’re not optimizing for Pinterest search, you’re missing out on massive traffic potential. Keywords matter just as much here as they do on Google.
How to Fix It:
Do keyword research using Pinterest’s search bar. Type in a topic related to your business and see what suggestions pop up—that’s what people are searching for! Use these keywords in your pin titles, descriptions, and board names.
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Mistake #3:
Pinning Randomly Without a Strategy
Just pinning for the sake of pinning won’t get you anywhere. If your pins don’t align with your business goals, you won’t attract the right audience.
How to Fix It:
Create a content plan. What does your audience need? What problems can you solve for them? Make sure every pin leads to valuable, relevant content that moves them closer to purchasing from you.
Mistake #4:
Using Low-Quality or Generic Pin Designs
Pinterest is a visual platform, so if your pins don’t stand out, they won’t get clicks.
How to Fix It:
Use bold, eye-catching designs that fit your brand. Make sure your text is easy to read, and avoid cluttered or overly small fonts. Canva is a great tool for creating professional-looking pins.
Mistake #5:
Not Using Video Pins (Formerly Idea Pins)
Many business owners overlook adding Pins in video format, but they’re a fantastic way to engage your audience and showcase your expertise.
How to Fix It:
Use Video Pins to share quick tutorials, behind-the-scenes content, or mini-guides. These are great for boosting visibility and getting more engagement on your profile.
Mistake #6:
Forgetting to Optimize Your Profile
Your Pinterest profile is like your business card—it should be clear, professional, and easy to understand.
How to Fix It:
- Use a keyword-rich business name.
- Write a compelling bio that explains what you do and how you help people.
- Add a profile picture or logo that matches your branding.
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Mistake #7:
Not Linking Pins to Valuable Content
If your pins don’t lead to something valuable, you’re wasting an opportunity.
How to Fix It:
Every pin should link to a high-quality blog post, lead magnet, product page, or service offer. Make sure the page you’re sending people to is helpful and aligns with the pin’s promise.
Mistake #8:
Overlooking Consistency
Many business owners pin sporadically, expecting overnight success. But Pinterest rewards consistency.
How to Fix It:
Pin regularly, whether that’s five times a week or 10 times a day. Use a scheduling tool like Tailwind to keep a steady flow of content without spending hours on Pinterest.
Mistake #9:
Only Pinning Your Own Content
Pinterest is a community-driven platform. If you only pin your own content, you’re missing out on engagement opportunities.
How to Fix It:
Curate high-quality content from others in your niche. This builds trust and authority while keeping your boards active and relevant.
Mistake #10:
Giving Up Too Soon
Many business owners expect instant results and abandon Pinterest when they don’t see immediate traffic or sales.
How to Fix It:
Pinterest is a long-term strategy. Some pins take weeks or even months to gain traction. Keep optimizing, testing, and refining your strategy. Over time, your efforts will compound, bringing you consistent traffic and leads.
Avoiding these mistakes can make all the difference in your Pinterest success. By treating it as a search engine, optimizing your content, and staying consistent, you’ll start seeing real results.
Need help with your Pinterest strategy? Let’s chat! I can help you optimize your account, create high-converting pins, and drive traffic to your business. I’d love to help! Send me a DM or book a FREE Discovery Call.
HEY, I’M CLARE . .
... your Creative Pinterest Specialist dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners unlock the full potential of Pinterest.
From designing eye-catching pins to building traffic-driving strategies, I make growing your online presence simple, impactful, and sustainable.
Let’s turn your ideas into success—one pin at a time!
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