Pin Talk - Pinterest Tips and Updates for Creators
Episode S1E7: How Many Pins Per Day Is Too Many?
Release Date: December 19, 2024

Hosts: Tony Hill and Carly Campbell

Introduction

In this insightful episode of Pin Talk, Tony Hill and Carly Campbell delve into one of the most frequently asked questions by Pinterest users: "How many pins per day should you be pinning?" They explore the complexities surrounding pinning volume, historical changes in Pinterest's algorithm, and offer actionable strategies to help creators optimize their pinning practices for both growth and maintenance.

Evolution of Pinterest Pinning Strategies

Tony initiates the conversation by acknowledging the popularity of the question:

"[00:23] B: We are going to try and answer one of the most popular questions that we get all the time. How many pins per day should you be pinning?"

The hosts trace the history of pinning volume on Pinterest, highlighting how strategies have evolved over the years in response to platform changes.

Impact of Algorithm Changes on Pin Volume

Carly provides a detailed overview of Pinterest's algorithm shifts:

"[01:25] A: Can you give us a brief history of pinning when it comes to volume?"

Prior to early 2016, Pinterest operated on a live-time feed where pins were directly shown to followers. However, with the introduction of algorithm-based recommendations, the visibility of pins began to depend more on user relationships and engagement rather than just follower counts. This shift led to significant changes in pinning strategies, with many creators initially responding by increasing their pinning volume to maintain traffic.

Current Guidelines and Limits

The conversation touches on Pinterest's contemporary guidelines regarding pinning volume:

"[06:53] B: So there is a limit on that one."

Pinterest's native scheduler now allows up to 48 pins per day, a guideline influenced by past experiences where high-volume pinning (e.g., 100 pins/day) led to reduced traffic and potential spam flagging. Tools like Tailwind previously supported higher pinning volumes, but even they have scaled back recommendations in response to Pinterest's evolving policies.

Debunking the High Volume vs. Low Volume Debate

Tony and Carly discuss the extremes of pinning volume—ranging from as few as three pins every few days to as many as 300 pins per day—and emphasize the importance of finding a middle ground:

"[08:59] B: ...a good middle ground in between three every three days and 300 a day."

They agree that while some creators may thrive with high-volume pinning, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Factors such as content quality, niche competitiveness, and engagement rates play critical roles in determining the optimal number of pins.

Current Recommendations: Finding the Middle Ground

Both hosts converge on a recommended pinning range, balancing between over-pinning and under-pinning:

"[65:43] B: ...a range of 5 to 48 pins per day that we feel comfortable giving as an answer to this big important question."

This range accommodates various niches and content types, allowing creators to tailor their pinning strategies based on their specific circumstances and goals.

Content Strategy: Number of URLs and Pin Diversity

A pivotal part of the discussion revolves around the number of unique URLs being pinned and the diversity of ideas per post:

"[37:30] B: ...how many pins per day is enough to grow an account? We have to consider that, that engagement rate thing and that account quality thing. And we have to consider that if we're doing one article per week and we're doing only five pin images..."

Creators are encouraged to introduce multiple pins for different ideas within a single blog post, enhancing the chances of engagement and reaching diverse audiences. This strategy ties the number of pins directly to the number of unique ideas and URLs, rather than pinning multiple variations of the same point.

Leveraging AI in Pinning Strategies

The hosts briefly touch upon the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in facilitating higher pin volumes without compromising quality:

"[19:56] A: It's like our 20% winners exactly, yeah."

AI-generated images can help creators produce more visually appealing pins efficiently, potentially increasing engagement rates. However, Carly cautions against over-reliance on AI without a solid content strategy:

"[20:35] B: It's made higher volume more accessible and more popular."

Practical Ways to Increase Pin Volume Responsibly

Tony and Carly offer several strategies to responsibly increase pin volume:

1. Create Additional Boards: Expanding the number of boards allows for diverse pin placement, reducing repetition.

2. Repurpose Content: Utilize different angles or contexts for the same content, such as seasonal tweaks to evergreen posts.

3. Target Multiple Ideas per Post: Extract and highlight various sub-ideas from a single blog post to create multiple pins.

"[50:42] A: Yeah. So when I say boards, it's just an. Another place to."

Maintaining vs. Growing Your Pinterest Account

The hosts differentiate between strategies for growing an account and maintaining traffic on an established one:

"[41:46] B: I think once we've figured out how many pins a day is enough to grow an account, the next question that I get is how many pins per day is enough to maintain traffic on an established account?"

For maintenance, significantly lower pin volumes may suffice, especially if the account already benefits from strong engagement and quality content.

Monitoring and Adapting Your Strategy

Continuous monitoring of pin performance is emphasized as crucial for adapting strategies:

"[67:55] A: ...look at the impressions it's initially getting..."

Creators are encouraged to regularly review their analytics to assess the impact of any changes in pinning volume and make informed adjustments accordingly.

Conclusion

Tony and Carly conclude the episode by reinforcing that the optimal number of pins per day varies based on multiple factors, including niche, content type, and engagement rates. They advocate for a strategic and measured approach to pinning, urging creators to:

• Start with a manageable volume (e.g., 5-10 pins/day).
• Gradually adjust based on performance metrics.
• Diversify pin content to maximize engagement and reach.
• Stay organized and maintain a clear content strategy to navigate Pinterest's competitive landscape.

"[65:45] A: ...there's a range of 5 to 48 pins per day that we feel comfortable giving as an answer..."

For further assistance or to share feedback, listeners are encouraged to reach out via email at pentalkpodcast@mail.com or join their communities. Additionally, resources and show notes are available on their website: https://pintalkpodcast.com/.

Notable Quotes:

• "[01:25] A: Can you give us a brief history of pinning when it comes to volume?"
• "[08:59] B: ...a good middle ground in between three every three days and 300 a day."
• "[37:30] B: ...how many pins per day is enough to grow an account? We have to consider that, that engagement rate thing and that account quality thing."
• "[65:43] B: ...a range of 5 to 48 pins per day that we feel comfortable giving as an answer to this big important question."

This comprehensive discussion equips Pinterest creators with the knowledge to tailor their pinning strategies effectively, balancing between quantity and quality to achieve sustained growth and engagement.