How to Use Pinterest: 5 Signs You're Missing Free Leads

Are you struggling to generate leads from your social media efforts? Maybe you're posting regularly on Instagram and Facebook, but still, not seeing the traction you were hoping for. Well, what if I told you there’s a powerful tool that can bring you free leads on autopilot for months—or even years? That tool is Pinterest.

Pinterest is often misunderstood, treated like just another social media platform. But the truth is, it’s a search engine—and it can help you generate traffic and leads while you sleep.

In this article, I’m going to walk you through 5 signs you’re missing out on free leads from Pinterest. Plus, I’ll show you exactly how to leverage this platform to build a sustainable business.

1. You're Treating Pinterest Like Social Media

One of the biggest mistakes I see entrepreneurs make on Pinterest is treating it like another social media platform. If you’re expecting immediate results like you get on Instagram or Facebook, you're in for a disappointment.

Here’s why: Pinterest is a search engine, not a social media platform. This means that your pins won’t go viral right away, and they won’t get the same quick engagement you might see on Instagram or Facebook. Instead, Pinterest works for you over time, continuing to drive traffic months—even years—after you publish your content.

Every pin you create has the potential to be discovered by someone searching for exactly what you’re offering, both on Pinterest and even on Google. So, instead of expecting instant results, focus on creating evergreen content that provides value to your audience.

Want to learn more about how Pinterest can work for you? Check out my YouTube video, "How to Use Pinterest: 5 Signs You're Missing Free Leads," for more insights.

2. You're Not Using SEO-Rich Long-Tail Keywords

SEO is crucial on Pinterest. Without using the right keywords, you’re limiting your chances of being found by your ideal audience. It’s not enough to just use broad, general terms like "make money" or "fitness tips." Instead, focus on long-tail keywords—phrases that are specific and highly relevant to your niche.

For example, instead of using the keyword “make money,” use something more specific like “how to make money with affiliate marketing for stay-at-home moms.” These long-tail keywords help your pins show up in relevant searches and ensure you’re reaching the right people.

You can easily find long-tail keywords by using tools like Google’s predictive search or Google Trends. I also recommend checking out the People Also Ask section on Google to discover even more long-tail keyword ideas for your Pinterest content.

3. You're Only Posting to Personal Boards or Not Posting at All

One of the best ways to leverage Pinterest is by creating niche-specific boards. This is where you can really target your audience and create content that speaks directly to them. If you’re only posting to personal boards or not posting at all, you're missing a huge opportunity to increase your visibility.

Create multiple boards that align with the various interests of your ideal audience. For example, if you’re an affiliate marketer, you might have boards for “Affiliate Marketing Tips,” “How to Build an Online Business,” and “Work-from-Home Strategies.” By doing this, your pins will have a much better chance of being found by the right people.

4. You're Posting Once and Forgetting About It

A common mistake I see is entrepreneurs posting once or twice and then forgetting about it. Pinterest rewards consistent posting. Your content doesn’t just disappear after you hit "publish." In fact, Pinterest pins have a long shelf life—sometimes lasting for up to 4 months, and even longer if you’re using SEO-rich keywords.

When you post regularly and consistently, you're building your digital ecosystem, and you increase the chances that your content will show up in search results and reach new audiences.

Pro Tip: Aim to pin once a day, and feel free to pin up to 50 times per day without hitting Pinterest's spam guard. With a little planning, you can easily keep your content circulating on Pinterest without feeling overwhelmed.

5. You Don’t Have a Strategy Tied to an Offer or Funnel

If your pins don’t have a clear call to action or a purpose, they’re not going to do much for you. Every piece of content you create should be tied to a strategy that aligns with your goals. Are you trying to grow your email list? Promote a new blog post? Drive traffic to your digital product? Whatever it is, make sure you have a funnel or offer connected to your Pinterest strategy.

The best way to do this is by embedding your calls to action directly into your content. Whether it’s a free lead magnet, a webinar sign-up, or an affiliate link, make sure your pins are working for you by guiding your audience to take action.

Take Action Today: Grab Your Pinterest Marketing Playbook

Pinterest doesn’t have to be confusing. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the platform, I’ve created a 2025 Pinterest Marketing Playbook to help you get started. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to drive traffic and leads on Pinterest—and it’s only $27!

Grab it now and start implementing these strategies to grow your business with Pinterest.

Pinterest can be a game-changer for your business if you use it right. Don’t miss out on the free leads that Pinterest can provide. If you're ready to take action, start by watching the video above and diving into my playbook!