So, everyone has been telling you that you should use Pinterest to grow your business or blog—great choice! But let’s be honest: who has the time to learn a new marketing platform? Diving into Pinterest as a beginner can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to make mistakes that slow your progress.
The truth is, Pinterest is an incredibly powerful marketing tool when you know how to use it. It can drive traffic, boost sales, and grow your audience—but only if you avoid some of the common pitfalls that trip up beginners. In this post, we’ll go over the six most common Pinterest mistakes to avoid so you can get started on the right foot and see real results. Let’s get into it!
1. Not Having a Business Account
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is using a personal Pinterest account instead of a business account. If you’re serious about using Pinterest to grow your business or blog, switching to a business account is non-negotiable. A business account gives you access to analytics, rich pins, and other tools that help you understand what’s working and what’s not.
Not sure how to set one up or make the switch? Check out my blog post, A Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up and Optimizing a Pinterest Business Account, where I walk you through the entire process step-by-step. It’s a must-read if you’re ready to set a strong foundation for success on Pinterest.
Without a business account, you’re missing out on the features that help your content stand out and get seen. So, take the leap—it’s worth it!
2. Pinning Without a Strategy
Let’s start with a big one: pinning without any real plan. I get it—Pinterest is fun, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of saving anything and everything that looks cute or interesting. But here’s the thing: you’re just adding to the noise without a strategy.
Pinterest works best when you’re intentional. Think about who you’re trying to reach and what kind of content they’re searching for. Are they looking for quick dinner recipes, productivity tips, or maybe DIY wedding ideas? Focus on creating boards and pins that align with those needs.
For example, if you’re a food blogger, instead of a generic “Recipes” board, create boards like “Easy Weeknight Dinners” or “Healthy Meal Prep Ideas.” This way, your audience knows exactly what they’ll find on your boards—and Pinterest’s algorithm will, too.
3. Forgetting to Use Keywords in Pin Descriptions
If you’re skipping keywords in your pin descriptions, you’re missing a major opportunity. Pinterest isn’t just a place to share pretty pictures—it’s a search engine. This means the words you use matter.
Think about it: when someone types “fall outfit ideas” into the Pinterest search bar, they’re not going to find your pin if your description just says, “Loving this look!” Instead, use phrases like “Cute and cozy fall outfit ideas for layering.” It’s all about matching what your audience is searching for.
Not sure where to start? Do a quick search on Pinterest for your topic and see what comes up in the auto-suggestions. Those phrases are pure gold because they show what people are already searching for. And if you need extra help brainstorming the right keywords, grab my Free Keyword Research Template—it’s a simple tool to get you organized and find the best keywords for your niche.
4. Using Low-Quality Images
Pinterest is a visual platform, so the quality of your images can make or break your success. Blurry photos, cluttered designs, or text that’s hard to read just won’t cut it.
You want your pins to stand out and make people stop scrolling. That means using clear, high-resolution images with bold, easy-to-read text overlays. And don’t forget about Pinterest’s favorite format: vertical images with a 2:3 ratio.
If design isn’t your thing, tools like Canva can be a lifesaver. They’ve got templates that make creating beautiful, Pinterest-worthy pins super simple. Need extra guidance? Grab my FREE Perfect Pinterest Pin Design Guide to learn how to create scroll-stopping pins that get clicks. Before you publish, take a second to ask yourself: “Would I click on this?” If the answer is no, go back and tweak it until the answer is a confident yes.
5. Pinning Inconsistently
Let’s talk about consistency. One of the most common mistakes I see is pinning in bursts—50 pins in one day, then radio silence for weeks. I get it; life gets busy. But on Pinterest, consistency is key.
The platform rewards regular activity, so pinning a little every day is much better than a lot all at once. And no, this doesn’t mean you have to be glued to your computer. Scheduling tools like Tailwind can help you keep a steady stream of content flowing, even on your busiest days.
The sweet spot for most beginners is around 10–15 pins per day, mixing your own content with other people’s. It’s all about staying active and keeping your audience engaged without overwhelming yourself.
6. Ignoring Pinterest Analytics
Let me guess—you’ve been pinning away but haven’t looked at your Pinterest analytics yet. You’re not alone! Many beginners skip this step, but trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Your analytics can tell you so much: which pins are driving the most clicks, what boards are getting the most saves, and even what your audience is loving right now. This info is pure gold for tweaking your strategy and focusing on what’s working.
For example, if you notice a pin about “DIY Holiday Decor” is blowing up, that’s your cue to create more seasonal content. Pinterest literally hands you the data—you just have to take the time to look at it and use it to guide your next steps.
Conclusion
Starting on Pinterest can feel like a lot, but avoiding these five mistakes will set you up for success. Remember to have a clear strategy, use keywords, create high-quality pins, stay consistent, and check your analytics.
If you’re a Christian author, speaker, or coach who’s ready to make Pinterest work for you, Alyssa Avant & Company is here to help. Our team specializes in supporting entrepreneurs just like you, and I provide Pinterest expertise to help you grow your platform and reach your audience. Fill out the CONTACT FORM to learn how we can help you take your Pinterest strategy to the next level!
