Pinterest for Service Providers: How It Really Works (and Why It’s Different)
When you think about implementing Pinterest into your marketing as a service provider, you might view it as simply adding another social media platform to your checklist of things to show up on.
But as a Pinterest Manager, the most important thing that I want you to know is that the platform is NOT the same as Instagram, Threads, or even TikTok. It’s a platform with goals of its own, which surprisingly involves pointing people back to your website and original content.
Unlike other platforms that you might be familiar with, implementing Pinterest doesn’t involve trying to hack the algorithm or grow the largest following. Instead, it’s a platform where you can post strategic content that’s geared toward bringing more people into your world and introducing them to all the things you have to offer.
So if you’ve been thinking about adding Pinterest to your marketing as a service provider, this blog post will provide clarity around what Pinterest really even is (and what it’s not), what makes the platform different, how to know if it’s right for you, and much more!
What Is Pinterest?
I actually want to start by saying what Pinterest isn’t. Pinterest is not social media. If you approach Pinterest the same way you approach social media, you won’t get results.
Pinterest operates more like a search engine. When people use Pinterest they are going there to search directly for what they want. They are looking for inspiration, to learn something, to find blogs on the topics they are looking to learn more about, and they are much more likely to buy than the audience over on social media.
I attended a Pinterest-led workshop recently, and they defined Pinterest as “a visual discovery platform at the intersection of search, social, and commerce.”
Pinterest is a space where people come to plan. To plan events, meals, and to find new ideas to try in real life. For example, if you’re planning your kids' birthday party, one of the first places you might explore is Pinterest!
In a business sense, people often use Pinterest to search for their next project or purchase. Even if they’re just browsing for inspiration, Pinterest users are often ready to take action – whether that means opting in to one of your freebies, reading one of your blog posts, listening to a podcast episode, or like I said, purchasing from you!
So what really makes Pinterest different from other platforms?
What’s Different About Pinterest?
Your Content Lasts Longer
One pin can continue getting outbound clicks to your website, offer, etc. for months after you post it. When you have clear keywords and solve a real problem, the pin can earn you ongoing clicks over time.
Pinterest is a slow burn platform for traffic. You don’t go viral on Pinterest in one day. But your content can keep serving you over time. Pins traffic can spike at any given moment depending on what’s trending.
You could have a seasonal pin that gets a lot of traffic again the following year during that season when people are searching for that kind of content again.
The Platform Prioritizes Saves Over Followers and Likes
Gaining followers and likes is not nearly as important on Pinterest compared to other platforms. Your content will still be shown to people searching for related content no matter how many followers you have or likes you get.
Saves and clicks are more valuable in the world of Pinterest. You want people saving your content to refer back to later and clicking to go to the content you linked (product, blog, podcast, etc.)
It’s a Visual Search Engine
Since Pinterest operates more like a search engine, it’s important to treat your pins like answers, not ads. Titles that are clear with searchable keywords, descriptions that clearly describe the value or the problem being solved, help your pin to be more searchable.
The image is just as important. It’s important for Pinterest to know what your content is about. If it can’t understand it, it won’t know what audience to serve it to. Including keywords in the title on your image is just as important as including them in the title and description.
Things You Need BEFORE You Start Using Pinterest for Your Business
How to Know if Pinterest is Right For You
I believe most businesses + creators can use Pinterest in their marketing, but it takes some planning and intentionality to make the most of it.
The platform naturally works best for:
business owners selling digital products
podcasters or bloggers who are providing educational value as a main part of their lead nurturing
Course creators or business owners offering live programs
If you want to start using Pinterest in your marketing, it helps to have a clear process for how you plan to nurture and sell once you get people off of Pinterest and into your online space.
If people click the pin, get redirected to your website, but don’t have a clear way to work with you, opt in to your offer, or pay you, it won't increase your sales.
I like to say “Pinterest does a great job driving traffic to the places where you are selling. It’s up to you to sell to them once they get there.”
Looking for support with Pinterest Management in 2026?
So, there ya have it! As you can see, Pinterest is truly a platform of its own, and if your business is in the right place, it can absolutely be something worth adding to your marketing lineup in 2026.
But let’s be real – you probably have a lot of different things you want to implement this year, so if Pinterest is on your mind, but you simply don’t have the time to do it yourself, I’m here to help!
Check out the ways we can work together on my services page.