Rising Creators Forum

i'm getting conflicting advice on whether to optimize for google seo or pinterest. i don't have time to do both perfectly

Which one should I prioritize for my blog traffic strategy?

start with pinterest, then add google seo

Here's why: pinterest can drive traffic immediately while google takes 6-12 months

my traffic sources:

• month 1-6: 90% pinterest, 10% google
• month 6-12: 60% pinterest, 40% google
• month 12+: 40% pinterest, 60% google

pinterest advantages:

• traffic starts within days/weeks, not months
• less competition than google
• content has longer lifespan (pins resurface months later)
• works especially well for certain niches (food, diy, fashion, lifestyle, parenting)

my pinterest strategy:

1. create 5-10 pins per blog post (different designs)
2. use tailwind for scheduling
3. pin to relevant boards
4. use keyword-rich descriptions
5. takes 30 min per post

i was getting 500 visitors per day from pinterest while still getting 50 visitors per day from google. that early traffic was crucial for staying motivated

optimize for both eventually, but pinterest gives you quick wins while google seo plays out

pinterest is a trap that distracts from real seo

I wasted 6 months focusing on pinterest instead of google. my pinterest traffic dried up when the algorithm changed. my google traffic has been stable for 2 years

why google should be your priority:

• more sustainable - rankings are more stable than pinterest algorithm
• higher intent traffic - people searching have specific intent
• better monetization - search traffic converts better than social traffic
• compounds over time - old posts keep getting traffic

pinterest problems:

• algorithm changes can tank your traffic overnight
• requires constant pinning to maintain traffic
• traffic quality is lower (more bounces, less engagement)
• doesn't work for all niches

my recommendation:

1. spend 90% of effort on google seo
2. create one pinterest pin per post as afterthought
3. don't stress about pinterest strategy
4. focus on long-term seo game

In 2 years, your google traffic will compound while pinterest traffic requires constant maintenance. choose sustainability over quick wins