Simple Pin Podcast: "How Pinterest & Google SEO are Different"

Host: Kate Ahl
Release Date: August 13, 2025

Introduction

In this insightful episode of the Simple Pin Podcast, host Kate Ahl delves into the distinct differences between Pinterest SEO and Google SEO, providing valuable strategies for business owners, bloggers, and content creators aiming to optimize their online presence across these platforms. With over 450 episodes under her belt, Kate leverages her extensive experience to address frequently asked questions from her community, ensuring listeners receive current and actionable advice.

Understanding User Intent

[02:30] Kate Ahl:
"Pinterest users are dreamers and planners. They are in exploration mode, saving ideas and products for future use."

Kate begins by highlighting the fundamental difference in user intent between Pinterest and Google:

• Pinterest Users:

  • Mindset: Dreamers and planners.
  • Behavior: Engage in long-term planning (45 days to 6 months ahead) for events like trips, home remodels, or holiday preparations.
  • Goal: Save ideas and gather inspiration for future use.

• Google Users:

  • Mindset: Immediate need for information.
  • Behavior: Conduct specific, transactional searches ready to take action.
  • Goal: Obtain quick answers or solutions to current problems.

Optimizing for Pinterest vs. Google SEO

Pinterest SEO Optimization

[10:45] Kate Ahl:
"Images are the billboard advertising of Pinterest. People don't read; they're just looking at the image on their screen."

1. Visual Focus:

   • Image Quality: Use vertical images (1000x1500 pixels) with clean, minimalistic designs.
   • Minimal Text Overlay: Keep text concise to avoid clutter and ensure readability.
   • Authenticity: Use genuine images to foster trust, avoiding overly stylized or AI-generated visuals.

2. Keyword Strategy:

   • Titles and Descriptions: Incorporate keyword-rich titles (preferably 25 characters or less) and detailed descriptions.
   • Tools: Utilize Pinterest’s guided search, Trends tool, Pinterest Predicts, and Tailwind’s keyword finder for effective keyword research.

3. Content Freshness:

   • Timeliness: Regularly update content to align with current trends and seasonal searches.
   • Engagement: Early engagement (saves, clicks, comments) significantly impacts a pin’s visibility and longevity.

Google SEO Optimization

[18:20] Kate Ahl:
"Google rewards sustained authority through backlinks and user experience signals like time spent on page."

1. Content Depth:

   • Comprehensive Information: Provide well-structured, in-depth content that thoroughly addresses user queries.
   • Readability: Ensure content is reader-friendly with clear headings, subheadings, and concise paragraphs.

2. Technical SEO:

   • Site Speed: Optimize website loading times to enhance user experience.
   • Mobile Optimization: Guarantee that websites are fully responsive and mobile-friendly.

3. Keyword Strategy:

   • Long-Tail Keywords: Focus on specific, long-tail keyword phrases to attract targeted traffic.
   • Tools: Utilize tools like Semrush, Ahrefs, and KeySearch for comprehensive keyword analysis.

Algorithm Insights

Pinterest Algorithm:

[25:10] Kate Ahl:
"Pinterest rewards quick engagement. If a pin doesn't get engagement early on, it will eventually be deprioritized."

• Engagement Metrics: Saves, clicks, comments are critical for determining a pin's value.
• Content Relevance: Alignment with current search trends and user interactions influences visibility.
• User Interaction History: Past engagements with a user influence the content shown to them.

Google Algorithm:

[28:40] Kate Ahl:
"Google rewards sustained authority through backlinks and user experience signals like time spent on page."

• Authority Building: Backlinks from reputable sites enhance authority.
• User Experience Signals: Metrics such as session duration and bounce rate impact rankings.
• Content Relevance: Keyword-rich titles, headers, and meta tags are essential for ranking.

Cross-Platform SEO Strategy

[34:15] Kate Ahl:
"Don’t treat these platforms as separate. Treat them as complements, like friends."

Kate emphasizes the importance of an integrated SEO approach:

1. Unified Content Creation:

   • Repurposing Content: Convert podcasts into blog posts and YouTube videos, each optimized for their respective platforms.
   • Consistent Messaging: Ensure that imagery and messaging remain consistent across all platforms to maintain relevancy and trust.

2. Leveraging Trends:

   • Pinterest Trends: Utilize Pinterest Predicts to identify upcoming trends and create content that anticipates these shifts, potentially gaining early traction before they peak on Google.

3. Content Calendar:

   • Pillar Content Strategy: Develop a content calendar that synchronizes content across Pinterest, Google, and YouTube, ensuring each piece of content supports the others and drives traffic through a cohesive funnel.

4. Performance Tracking:

   • Data-Driven Insights: Regularly monitor and analyze performance metrics from both Pinterest and Google to refine strategies and maximize engagement and visibility.

Conclusion and Next Steps

[42:00] Kate Ahl:
"Google and Pinterest are not competitors in your strategy. They are teammates, working different positions."

Kate wraps up by reiterating the complementary nature of Pinterest and Google SEO. She encourages listeners to:

1. Audit Existing Content: Evaluate current content formats and optimization strategies on both platforms.
2. Develop Platform-Specific Strategies: Tailor optimization techniques to suit the unique needs of Pinterest and Google.
3. Implement a Cross-Platform Calendar: Create and adhere to a content calendar that ensures consistent and strategic content deployment across platforms.
4. Monitor and Adapt: Use analytics to understand performance and continuously adapt strategies based on data-driven insights.

By mastering both Pinterest and Google SEO, Kate asserts that businesses can build a robust traffic funnel that captures users at every stage of their journey, from initial inspiration to final decision-making.

Notable Quotes

• User Intent Paradigm:
  Kate Ahl [02:30]: "Pinterest users are dreamers and planners... Google users are thinking of the now."

• Image Optimization:
  Kate Ahl [10:45]: "Images are the billboard advertising of Pinterest."

• Algorithm Rewards:
  Kate Ahl [25:10]: "Pinterest rewards quick engagement."
  Kate Ahl [28:40]: "Google rewards sustained authority."

• Integrated Strategy:
  Kate Ahl [34:15]: "Don’t treat these platforms as separate. Treat them as complements, like friends."
  Kate Ahl [42:00]: "Google and Pinterest are not competitors in your strategy. They are teammates."

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a comprehensive comparison between Pinterest and Google SEO, emphasizing the importance of understanding user intent and tailoring optimization strategies accordingly. By leveraging the strengths of both platforms in a unified strategy, businesses can enhance their visibility, engagement, and ultimately, their success in the digital landscape.

For more detailed strategies and tips, visit simplepinmedia.com and consider booking a consultation to elevate your Pinterest marketing efforts.

Disclaimer: Kate Ahl mentions that while she is not a Google SEO expert, the insights shared are based on her personal experiences and research, including articles from Adobe and Tailwind.