Years ago, I made my first Pinterest account and thought I had it all figured out. I posted random quotes and waited for the views to roll in.

They didn’t.

It felt like everyone else had millions of monthly views, while mine barely moved. It took me years to figure things out.

But I don’t think you want to waste that kind of time.

So, if you’re just starting (or want to improve your Pinterest strategy), here’s what I wish someone had told me.

Tip #1: Pinterest is a search engine, not just social media

Here’s where I made my biggest mistake: I treated Pinterest like Instagram or Facebook. While your posts on other platforms disappear fast, Pinterest pins keep working for months (sometimes, even years).

This happens because Pinterest functions as a search engine where content gets discovered over time, unlike feed-based platforms where content quickly gets buried.

That’s why it’s a smart move for small creators and business owners who want long-term visibility.

Tip #2: Skip the guessing and take a course

Courses helped me skip years of trying things that didn’t work. One of my favorites? Pinterest Academy. It’s free, made by Pinterest itself, and perfect if you want to learn how to stand out without feeling overwhelmed.

If you want to know my other top picks, you’ll find a couple more great course picks here!

Tip #3: Do the work, even if it’s messy

Your first pins won’t be perfect. Mine were worse. But keep showing up, test what works, link to relevant pages and, most importantly, follow Pinterest guidelines. They want a safe, positive space.

Learning Pinterest isn’t about hacks. It’s about practice and paying attention.

Stay curious,

Minosh.

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