Podcast Summary: Simple Pin Podcast - "Blogging & Pinterest, the Great Shift of 2024"
Episode Details
- Title: Blogging & Pinterest, the Great Shift of 2024
- Host: Kate Ahl
- Guest: Jillian Leslie
- Release Date: December 4, 2024
Introduction
In this pivotal episode of the Simple Pin Podcast, host Kate Ahl engages in an insightful conversation with Jillian Leslie on her podcast, delving deep into the evolving landscape of blogging and Pinterest marketing as we approach 2025. The discussion centers around the significant shifts anticipated in 2024, the foundational elements of a robust Pinterest strategy, common pitfalls, and the integration of emerging technologies like AI.
The Great Shift: Blogging and Pinterest in 2024
Kate and Jillian kick off the conversation by addressing the tumultuous changes bloggers and online entrepreneurs have faced over the past year. They highlight how alterations in Google's algorithms have drastically impacted ad revenues, forcing creators to reassess their business models.
Kate Ahl [05:21]: "We were making somewhere between $10 and $15,000 a month, and that decreased to around $800 a month. It was just crushing."
This downturn prompted a broader examination of how platforms like Pinterest fit into the new marketing paradigms.
The Resilience of Pinterest
Despite broader traffic declines across various platforms, Pinterest stands out as a resilient traffic driver. Kate emphasizes its continued effectiveness for organic traffic generation, while also advocating for the strategic use of paid ads.
Kate Ahl [04:37]: "Yes, it's still one of the top traffic drivers out there amongst all the quote, unquote social media platforms."
Jillian adds that established Pinterest accounts with substantial followings have weathered the storm better than newer entrants.
Jillian Leslie [08:00]: "Someone said to me, I haven't grown, I've remained flat. And I'm okay with that. I consider that a win."
Foundational Elements of a Pinterest Strategy
The duo outlines three foundational steps essential for a successful Pinterest marketing strategy:
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Clarify Your Purpose on Pinterest
- Determine why you're using Pinterest and what you aim to achieve, whether it's driving traffic, generating sales, or collecting email sign-ups.
Kate Ahl [16:57]: "Number one, is going to be knowing why you're using the platform."
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Optimize Your Profile with Relevant Keywords
- Ensure your profile, board names, descriptions, and pin titles are infused with current and relevant keywords to align with Pinterest's search algorithms.
Kate Ahl [19:21]: "Remember, I'm business to business, so my target is way harder than somebody like, you catch my party."
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Leverage Visual Content Strategically
- Use a mix of standard images and video pins, staying aligned with brand aesthetics while experimenting based on performance data.
Kate Ahl [24:40]: "Another way to build brand awareness on Pinterest is through your images."
Addressing Common Challenges
Consistency and content quality emerge as critical themes. Kate underscores the necessity of daily engagement with the platform, whether through pinning new content or interacting with existing pins.
Kate Ahl [40:08]: "If you're an early business owner and you can sustain one or two pins per day... absolutely do it."
They also discuss the pitfalls of relying solely on AI-generated content, highlighting the importance of maintaining authenticity and ensuring that AI tools complement rather than replace human creativity.
Kate Ahl [62:34]: "If you create an AI image and you can put that image next to your plate on the counter and you could be like, it's pretty close, then let's do it."
Leveraging Trends and Data
Utilizing Pinterest’s Trends tool is highlighted as a strategic method to stay ahead of the curve. By aligning content with trending topics, creators can significantly boost engagement and visibility.
Kate Ahl [19:43]: "One of our clients went into the Trends tool, picked a trending topic, created a blog post, and it climbed to her number three pin with 23,000 saves."
Kate advises conducting regular keyword and trend analyses to ensure content remains relevant and discoverable.
The Human Touch in Marketing
A recurring theme is the importance of authentic connections over automated interactions. Both Kate and Jillian stress that building genuine relationships and communities leads to more sustainable business growth.
Jillian Leslie [54:42]: "It is this human. That coming from a human, authentic place is where we are going to find our businesses for."
They advocate for ownership of small business identities and the perseverance required to navigate fluctuating market dynamics.
Future Predictions and Strategies for 2025
Looking ahead, Kate shares her optimism about Pinterest's evolving focus, particularly its enhanced advertising capabilities aimed at delivering tangible results for businesses. She praises Pinterest’s commitment to supporting creators and improving its ad platform to compete with other social media giants.
Kate Ahl [48:52]: "I love their new suite's C-suite team. They have a lot of that history there with E-commerce."
Jillian echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the growing importance of human-centric marketing and the potential of AI to create new opportunities rather than replace existing roles.
Jillian Leslie [56:48]: "AI is going to invent a ton of new jobs. Therefore, it’s about being open, being vulnerable, but... being led by my audience."
Notable Quotes
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Kate Ahl [05:21]:
"We were making somewhere between $10 and $15,000 a month, and that decreased to around $800 a month. It was just crushing." -
Jillian Leslie [08:00]:
"Someone said to me, I haven't grown, I've remained flat. And I'm okay with that. I consider that a win." -
Kate Ahl [40:08]:
"If you're an early business owner and you can sustain one or two pins per day... absolutely do it." -
Jillian Leslie [54:42]:
"It is this human. That coming from a human, authentic place is where we are going to find our businesses for." -
Kate Ahl [62:34]:
"If you create an AI image and you can put that image next to your plate on the counter and you could be like, it's pretty close, then let's do it."
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with both Kate and Jillian reaffirming the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and maintaining human connections in the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape. They encourage listeners to embrace foundational strategies, stay informed about platform changes, and leverage both data-driven insights and authentic storytelling to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2025.
Kate Ahl [66:20]:
"Simplepen media.com and if you're watching on YouTube, you can just search at Simple Pen Media."
Jillian Leslie [66:52]:
"I am so happy that I get to have this conversation with you. And now we're going to switch because we're doing a swap where I, you're going to interview me on your podcast."
Listeners are invited to connect with Kate through Simple Pin Media's website and various platforms to stay updated with the latest Pinterest marketing strategies and insights.
Learn More:
Visit simplepinmedia.com to explore more Pinterest marketing tips, subscribe to the Simple Pin Podcast, and access educational resources designed to help your business thrive on Pinterest.