When it comes to getting your business found and seen online, two main focuses usually enter the chat: SEO vs Pinterest. Both can help you show up, grow your visibility, and bring new traffic to your website…but they work in different ways. So, what’s the difference?
Let’s talk about SEO vs. Pinterest
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the long game. It’s about getting your website to rank higher in search engine results (especially on Google) so the right people can find you when they need what you offer. It’s more technical and data-driven, but once it’s in place, it’s the gift that keeps giving.
Pinterest, on the other hand, is more of a visual search engine and traffic driver. While it’s not technically SEO in the traditional sense, Pinterest can be a key part of your broader SEO strategy, especially if you’re a visual brand with great imagery and strong blog content.
So how do you decide where to focus your energy first?
Let’s look at the case for both, starting with SEO.
The case for starting with SEO
If you’re weighing SEO vs Pinterest, and you’re ready to play the long game, SEO might be the best place to begin. A strong SEO foundation helps every other platform work harder for you (Pinterest included).
SEO = long term, sustainable growth
When you optimize your website for SEO, you’re planting seeds that will continue to grow for months (even years) to come. A blog post that ranks on Google today can keep bringing in leads and traffic long after it’s published. That’s the power of search engine optimization.
- It builds your domain authority, so Google sees you as a trustworthy resource in your niche.
- It puts your content in front of people right when they’re searching for what you do.
- It’s more sustainable than chasing ever-changing algorithms.
Unlike a viral pin or Instagram Reel that fizzles out in a week, strong SEO brings compounding results over time.
SEO makes for stronger website foundations
Beyond traffic, SEO is one of the best ways to improve your website overall. Why?
Because good SEO forces you to clarify your messaging, organize your content, and improve your site structure, all of which make it easier for clients to take action.
- You’ll naturally create a better user experience.
- You’ll improve accessibility, mobile responsiveness, and page speed.
- And you’ll start turning more of your traffic into inquiries or sales.
In other words: SEO helps your website do its job.
The case for starting with Pinterest
If you’re a creative business owner who thrives on visuals and wants faster results, Pinterest might sound like the more exciting option. And honestly? It can be, especially if you play to its strengths.
Pinterest = fast visual traffic wins
While SEO takes time to ramp up, Pinterest can bring quick wins when it comes to boosting traffic. A well-designed pin linked to a valuable piece of content can show up in search results and start driving clicks within days.
That makes Pinterest a powerful platform for:
- Designers, photographers, and product-based businesses with lots of visual content
- Service providers with aesthetically driven portfolios
- Creators who love working with imagery and design tools
You can repurpose what you’re already creating—mockups, brand guides, styled shoots, blog graphics—and get those assets working for you as search-friendly Pins.
Pinterest is less technical, more creative
Compared to traditional SEO and website optimization, Pinterest can feel a lot more intuitive, especially if you’re a visual thinker. Instead of digging into metadata and HTML, you’re crafting beautiful pins, writing clear titles, and using hashtags or keywords in descriptions.
There’s definitely still strategy involved, but it leans more into creativity than tech.
For many creative entrepreneurs, Pinterest becomes the gateway to understanding how search engine optimization works, because Pinterest is a search engine. Learning what works on Pinterest can help you grasp SEO concepts like keyword targeting, visual hierarchy, and click-through optimization.
You still need a blog to back Pinterest up
Here’s the thing about Pinterest: it’s a traffic driver, not a content destination. Your pins need somewhere to go, and that “somewhere” should be a strong, keyword-rich blog post or landing page.
Without it, Pinterest traffic can bounce quickly. With it? You’re building trust, nurturing leads, and encouraging next steps.
- Blog content supports both SEO optimization and Pinterest strategy
- The two channels work better together when your blog is up to date and optimized
- That’s why, when clients ask me “Pinterest or SEO?”, my answer is almost always: Start with the blog, then layer on Pinterest for even stronger results
Pro Tip: Pinterest and SEO aren’t rivals. They’re teammates. Start with strong blog content and let Pinterest amplify it.
Choosing the right platform for your business
Now that you understand the strengths of each approach, it’s time to make a decision that actually supports your business growth. Should you focus on SEO or Pinterest? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all! It depends on your stage of business, how you like to work, and what kind of content you’re already creating.
New business? Start with visibility wins
If you’re just getting your business off the ground and don’t have much blog content yet, Pinterest might give you faster visibility.
You can use Pinterest to promote your services, share portfolio work, or highlight educational tips through eye-catching pins, all while you’re still building out your SEO foundations. This is a great way to start getting traffic and traction while your website content gets up to speed.
Already blogging or creating long-form content?
If you’re already writing blog posts or creating content like tutorials, case studies, or client education resources, lean into SEO. That content is gold. And with the right keyword research and optimization, it can start ranking on Google and working for you 24/7.
Think of SEO as the engine behind your content marketing. It helps ensure the work you’re already doing is actually discoverable. If you’re looking for search engine optimization tips to improve your current content, this is where a solid SEO strategy comes in.
Our pick: blend both strategically
Here’s the truth most people miss in the SEO vs Pinterest debate:
You don’t have to choose just one. You just have to choose where to start.
The best long-term approach is to optimize your blog content first, then use Pinterest to amplify and distribute it. Your SEO strategy gives you content that’s built to rank. Pinterest gives that content a visual hook and a traffic boost.
It’s not about picking sides. It’s about creating a search-friendly ecosystem where your content can thrive.
SEO vs. Pinterest? It’s not either/or! It’s strategy first.
When it comes to SEO vs Pinterest, the real question isn’t which one is better. It’s which one makes the most sense for you right now.
If you’re looking for quick wins, Pinterest can deliver traffic with less technical setup. If you’re focused on long-term growth, SEO lays the foundation for sustainable visibility that compounds over time.
The best part? You don’t have to choose forever. You just need to pick a starting point that aligns with your business goals, your strengths, and the kind of content you actually enjoy creating.
🔁 Repurpose your visuals into optimized blog content.
📌 Pin your best content to get fast traffic boosts.
🔍 Use SEO optimization to turn that traffic into meaningful results.
Remember, both SEO and Pinterest are tools, and tools work best when they’re part of a larger strategy.
Ready to create an SEO strategy that works for you?
Book an SEO coaching session or check out my course on how to improve SEO and grow your business with confidence.
