Let me tell you about Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. You might know the company, but the story behind it is even better.

Sara was just trying to solve a simple problem: she wanted smooth lines under her white pants without the bulk of traditional shapewear. So, she did something unexpected—she snipped the feet off her pantyhose, thinking it was just a quick fix for herself. Little did she know, that little DIY hack would turn into a billion-dollar business.

At first, Spanx was brushed off as a novelty—a “cute idea” that might catch on with a few people but wasn’t going to last. But Sara believed in it. She kept pitching her product, and after facing rejection after rejection, she finally got her big break when Oprah named Spanx one of her favorite things. Suddenly, Spanx went from being dismissed to revolutionizing women’s shapewear and becoming a massive success.

And this is why I love Pinterest.

Just like Spanx, Pinterest is wildly underestimated. People think it’s just for saving wedding ideas, recipes or DIY crafts, and ya know, inspo boards. But behind all those pretty pins is a business growth engine just waiting to be used.

When leveraged correctly, Pinterest is a visual search engine that can drive traffic, increase sales, and grow your email list like no other platform.

Why Pinterest Gets Underestimated

Pinterest doesn’t immediately scream “serious business tool.” At a glance, it seems like a platform for inspiration and fun ideas. And TBH, we’re using it for that too!

But that’s exactly where the potential lies. People often brush it off because they don’t realize that it’s actually one of the most powerful tools for long-term, organic traffic growth.

While Instagram posts disappear in a matter of days, Pinterest pins continue to drive traffic for months or even years after they’re posted.

\Users on Pinterest are planners. They’re searching for solutions—whether that’s finding a new pair of shoes, planning a kitchen renovation, or getting inspiration for their next vacation. And more often than not, these users are ready to take action (which means – ready to buy!)

How Pinterest Can Drive Serious Traffic and Sales

Pinterest is more than just a place to pin ideas. Here’s why it’s so effective for business:

Visual Search Engine: Think of Pinterest like Google, but more aesthetic. People search for terms, and Pinterest serves up relevant pins. By optimizing your pins with SEO-friendly keywords, you can get your content in front of the right people at the right time.

Long-Term Traffic: Pinterest pins have serious staying power. Once you publish a pin, it can continue to drive traffic to your blog or website for months (or even years), long after your Instagram stories have disappeared.

Targeted Audience: Pinterest allows you to target specific search terms and reach users who are actively looking for what you offer. You can optimize for long-tail keywords like “boho living room ideas” or “easy vegan meal prep,” bringing in highly engaged visitors who are ready to click through and learn more.

Rich Pins: Rich Pins provide extra details right on the pin itself, giving users more context and encouraging click-throughs. Whether it’s product info, recipe details, or a quick summary of your blog post, Rich Pins make it easier for users to interact with your content and visit your site​.

How to Make Pinterest Work for Your Business

Optimize Your Pins: SEO matters on Pinterest just like it does on Google. Use relevant keywords in your pin titles and descriptions to help Pinterest’s algorithm understand what your content is about. This increases the chances that your pins will show up in users’ feeds when they search for something related to your business.

Create Pin-Worthy Graphics: Pinterest is all about visuals. Invest in high-quality images that grab attention and align with your brand. Make sure your pins are eye-catching and tell a story that resonates with your target audience​. Don’t just post product images – but post lifestyle content of users actually engaging with your products.

Consistent Pinning: Pinterest loves consistency. Use scheduling tools like Tailwind to keep your pinning regular and on track. The more active you are, the more likely Pinterest will promote your content to a broader audience​.

Leverage Pinterest Analytics: Keep track of how your pins are performing using Pinterest Analytics. By understanding what’s working and what isn’t, you can adjust your strategy and make even better decisions on what works for your brand. And let me just say as someone who has worked with dozens of brands in several industries – what works for one brand won’t always work for another!

Don’t Underestimate Pinterest—It’s Time to Harness Its Power

Pinterest isn’t just about pretty pictures and mood boards. It’s also a serious business tool that can help you grow your traffic, boost sales, and build a brand that lasts. Just like Sara Blakely didn’t back down when people underestimated her Spanx idea, you shouldn’t sleep on Pinterest, it has the power to take your business to the next level.