Simple Pin Podcast Episode Summary

Episode: Are you falling into this Pinterest marketing trap?
Host: Kate Ahl
Date: September 24, 2025

Overview

In this episode, host Kate Ahl tackles the growing frustration around declining Pinterest traffic and widespread claims that the platform is “dead.” She challenges listeners to stop chasing quick-fix “$1 tasks” and, instead, focus on data-driven, high-value activities that truly move the needle in Pinterest marketing. Kate delivers actionable steps for evaluating your Pinterest performance, cutting through social media noise, and making strategic decisions grounded in business goals—rather than emotion.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Pinterest Frustration & “Trap”

• Many marketers and business owners are concerned about falling Pinterest traffic, blaming everything from algorithm changes and technology glitches to AI content and proclaiming that Pinterest’s best days are over.
• Kate acknowledges the frustration, but urges listeners not to fall into the “hamster wheel” of trying random, low-value fixes:
  “Are you falling into the trap of this hamster wheel of different things that you can try, or are you really looking at the things that matter?” — Kate (01:22)

$1 Tasks vs. $10 Tasks

• Drawing from a conference talk, Kate introduces the $1 Task vs. $10 Task framework:

  • $1 Tasks: Quick wins that feel productive but don’t generate lasting results (e.g., deleting pins, joining numerous group boards, pinning more per day).
  • $10 Tasks: High-effort, high-reward strategies that have a bigger business impact (e.g., content aligned with trends, updating boards, strategic planning).
    “We are drawn sometimes to these $1 tasks because they feel like quick wins... and then there's these other things... they cost more, but deliver more value long term.” — Kate (04:09)

• Example: Implementing Pinterest trends yielded a 119% traffic growth for a client (July–August), showing what focusing on higher-value tasks can do.

Evaluating Your Relationship with Pinterest

• Kate cautions against emotional decisions—encouraging a reality check first:

  1. Is Pinterest Still Worth It?
     • Sit with your data, not your emotions.
     • Reflect: Is Pinterest a significant part of your marketing pie?
     • Align your use of Pinterest with your business goals (sales, email list, website traffic, brand awareness).

  “Is Pinterest aligning with the business goals that you have? Do you believe that the people you are trying to serve still exist on that platform?” — Kate (16:29)

  2. Platform Mastery Over Multitasking
     • Avoid spreading yourself thin across too many channels at once.
     • Kate references Joe Pulizzi’s advice: Focus on fewer core marketing channels, master one at a time.

  “Mastering one at a time, that has been very, very strategic here at Simple Pin Media.” — Kate (20:41)

Step-by-Step: Data Deep Dive

• Emotions Lie, Data Tells the Truth

  • Use analytics tools: Kate likes Google Analytics, Pinterest Analytics, and Microsoft Clarity.
  • Select your time window (3, 6, or 12 months).
  • Stick to one analytics platform for initial analysis, then cross-check if needed.
  • Track core metrics: Saves, Outbound Clicks, Impressions (Kate’s top three).

  “Saves… is always important… it tells me that the person was interested, but that they're going to check on it later.” — Kate (28:26)

  • Identify your top 10 traffic-driving pins.
  • Look for outliers or oddities and ask:
    • Does your business have natural ups and downs (seasonality)?
    • Were there platform algorithm changes?
    • Any technical glitches or tracking issues?
    • Did you change your content or strategy?
    • External factors (AI, new competitors, economic shifts)?

  “Trying to super sleuth an algorithm update quickly becomes a $1 task.” — Kate (36:31)

Making Data-Driven Decisions

• After gathering and contextualizing data, draw conclusions:

  • Is Pinterest delivering the results that justify continued effort?
  • Do you need to adjust or pivot your Pinterest strategy?
  • Is it time to pause or shift focus from Pinterest—based on evidence, not frustration?

  “Don’t do it out of frustration. Do it out of… you’ve looked at the data, you’ve looked at the numbers, and you know you’re okay with letting it go.” — Kate (25:55)

How to Move Forward (and Avoid the Trap)

• Before reacting to discouraging headlines, “doom and gloom,” or trending marketing hacks:

  • Revisit your goals and data.
  • Ask the “oddities” questions.
  • Decide what the next right step is for your unique business context.
  • Remember: this framework is applicable to other channels (email, Instagram, etc.) too.

  “Before you follow those 10 tips… look at the numbers and cross compare it with your goals.” — Kate (48:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Time Value:
  “I'm pretty defensive of people and their business time. It's precious and when you waste it, you can't get it back.” — Kate (03:10)
• On Platform Fatigue:
  “Welcome to the Internet. The rest of us do too. [on wishing for past traffic]. It's not there anymore.” — Kate (14:27)
• On Emotional Traps:
  “Emotions will lie to you, but data tells the truth.” — Kate (26:18)
• On Strategic Clarity:
  “The main thing I want to leave you with is: while the noise is happening… before you decide that it's not worth it for you, I want you to look at the numbers and… your goals… then make a really good decision.” — Kate (48:21)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–04:09: Introduction to the Pinterest “trap,” why traffic is down, $1 vs. $10 tasks
• 04:10–12:35: Marketing time value, trend-harnessing case study, choosing strategic tasks
• 12:36–21:30: Evaluating if Pinterest is still worth it, aligning with business goals, mastering fewer channels
• 21:31–28:26: Setting your Pinterest marketing strategy, the importance of letting go of what’s not working
• 28:27–38:12: Doing a data deep dive: metrics, tools, process, and spotting oddities
• 38:13–45:10: Making data-driven decisions, defining next steps based on results, handling seasonality and platform shifts
• 45:11–End: Summing up, universal application of the method, parting advice on making confident marketing decisions

Final Takeaways

• Don’t get swept up in panic or short-term fixes; invest your energy in what most aligns with your goals and makes a measurable difference.
• Regularly review and analyze your metrics using a consistent, objective framework.
• Be willing to adjust your Pinterest (or any platform) strategy—or even pause—when the data and your business needs signal it’s time.
• Remember: what works for others may not apply to your business; let real numbers guide your next move.

Connect with the show:
For questions or feedback, email hello@simplepinmedia.com
For $50 off a Pinterest strategy call, check the episode description for your listener code.