Pin Talk - Pinterest Tips and Updates for Creators
Episode Summary: S1E6 Why Your Pinterest Account Is a Snowflake
Release Date: December 5, 2024
Hosts: Tony Hill and Carly Campbell

Introduction: Embracing the Uniqueness of Pinterest Accounts

In Episode 6 of Pin Talk, hosts Tony Hill and Carly Campbell delve into the nuanced nature of Pinterest accounts, aptly describing each as a "snowflake." They explore why a one-size-fits-all strategy doesn’t apply to Pinterest and emphasize the importance of recognizing and adapting to the unique characteristics of each account.

1. The Complexity and Nuances of Pinterest Accounts

Tony Hill (00:31):
"Every Pinterest account is its own little unique snowflake."

Tony opens the discussion by addressing the complexity of Pinterest accounts. He reflects on why their podcast episodes tend to be lengthy, attributing it to the intricate and individualized nature of each Pinterest account. Despite the abundance of resources like YouTube videos and courses, creators continuously seek personalized advice because no two accounts operate identically.

Carly Campbell (00:14):
"One size fits all does not apply to Pinterest accounts and strategies."

Carly reinforces the notion that each Pinterest account has its distinct needs and strategies. She shares her experience of evolving her understanding beyond rigid frameworks to embrace the diversity of account performances and user interactions.

2. Challenges in Applying Universal Strategies

The hosts discuss the pitfalls of adhering strictly to universal strategies. Carly cites feedback from her course, highlighting that standardized recommendations often fail to account for the unique variables of individual accounts.

Carly Campbell (04:37):
"Our intention is not to have a perfectly polished... we're here to record our own conversations that we're already having."

Tony echoes this sentiment, questioning the efficacy of mimicking others' strategies without considering personal account differences.

3. Understanding Pinterest's Algorithm and Spam Flags

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to demystifying Pinterest’s algorithm, particularly concerning spam flags.

Carly Campbell (06:51):
"Being flagged as spam is the result of an equation of actions that you have taken."

Carly explains that spam flags result from a combination of actions, not just isolated behaviors like pinning a high volume of pins. She uses the example of specific words triggering flags, emphasizing the unpredictability and complexity of Pinterest’s automated systems.

Tony Hill (10:02):
"It's impossible to compare your account to someone else's, even in the same niche."

Tony likens managing a Pinterest account to adjusting a soundboard for different venues, highlighting the continuous and individualized adjustments required to align with Pinterest’s algorithm.

4. The Role of Communities and Sharing Experiences

The hosts highlight the importance of being part of Pinterest communities for support and shared learning.

Tony Hill (16:02):
"It's important to be a part of Pinterest communities where you can see people reporting about their wins and what's working."

Carly adds that communities are vital for understanding market fluctuations, seasonal impacts, and algorithm updates, which can all affect account performance.

5. Addressing Traffic Drops and Account Bans

Tony and Carly address common concerns such as sudden traffic drops and account bans, debunking myths and urging creators not to jump to conclusions based on incomplete information.

Tony Hill (13:20):
"There are so many factors here that we just can't give you a concrete answer."

They caution against attributing account issues to single factors like third-party schedulers without understanding the broader context of actions that might affect account standing.

Carly Campbell (14:39):
"If the only takeaway is that accounts are so different, we can't know what's going on, that's very hopeless. So... there are patterns we can build strategies around."

6. Developing a Personalized Strategy

Despite the complexities, Tony and Carly advocate for developing personalized strategies based on observed patterns and data analysis.

Tony Hill (22:23):
"I've got this dream of having like a survey... to see if there are some patterns."

They discuss the potential of collecting data through surveys to identify common factors behind account performance issues, thereby enabling more tailored strategies.

Carly Campbell (23:57):
"There are absolutely patterns on the platform that we can build the strategy for our own accounts around."

Conclusion: Embracing Uniqueness While Recognizing Patterns

Tony and Carly conclude the episode by reaffirming that while each Pinterest account is unique, creators can still find success by recognizing and leveraging common patterns. They encourage listeners to engage with communities, stay informed about platform changes, and continuously experiment to discover what works best for their individual accounts.

Tony Hill (24:14):
"If you still have questions about why your account is such a wonderful, unique snowflake or maybe it's not... send us an email or ask in one of our communities."

They wrap up by promoting their upcoming resources aimed at helping creators navigate the complexities of Pinterest, reinforcing their commitment to providing personalized and actionable insights.

Key Takeaways:

• Uniqueness is Paramount: Each Pinterest account operates differently, influenced by various factors including niche, user intent, and account history.

• Avoid Rigid Frameworks: Standardized strategies may not yield the same results across different accounts; flexibility is crucial.

• Understand the Algorithm: Pinterest’s algorithm is complex and considers multiple variables, making it essential to monitor and adapt strategies continually.

• Leverage Communities: Engaging with Pinterest communities provides valuable insights, support, and shared experiences that can aid in troubleshooting and strategy development.

• Personalized Strategies Lead to Success: By identifying patterns and continuously testing new approaches, creators can develop strategies that align with their unique account dynamics.

For more insights and resources, visit pintalkpodcast.com.