Pinterest vs. Instagram: Why They’re Not the Same and How Creative Businesses Can Benefit

Let’s clear something up: Pinterest isn’t Instagram. In fact, they’re not even in the same ballpark when it comes to how they work for your business.

While Instagram is all about engagement and building connections in the moment, Pinterest focuses on long-term growth and driving traffic. Think of it as planting seeds that continue to grow and deliver results over time.

Key Differences Between Pinterest and Instagram

Instagram Posts - Instagram is fantastic for real-time engagement. However, its content has a fleeting nature—the average lifespan of a post is just 48 hours. It’s a great platform for showing the human side of your creative business, connecting with your audience, and building your brand’s personality. But the focus is very much on the "now."

Pinterest Boards and Pins - Pinterest, on the other hand, is a search engine. It’s designed for evergreen content - the kind that keeps working for you weeks, months, or even years after it’s published. When users search for creative business tips, handmade products, or business strategies, your content has the potential to appear exactly when they need it most.

Why This Matters for Creative Business Owners

One of the biggest challenges of Instagram is the constant demand for fresh content to stay visible. But with Pinterest, older pins can still drive traffic to your website today, acting like a marketing assistant who works tirelessly in the background.

For creative business owners, this is a game-changer. You can use Pinterest to showcase your services, products or expertise in ways that keep reaching new audiences without requiring endless new content creation.

How to Leverage Pinterest for Your Business Strategy

If you’ve been treating Pinterest and Instagram the same, it’s time to rethink your approach. Instagram is your tool for engagement and connection, while Pinterest is your strategy for discovery and action. Together, they can serve complementary roles in growing your creative business.

So, are you ready to let Pinterest help your content live longer and reach a wider audience? Start pinning with purpose, and watch your business thrive.

Not sure where to begin? My Pin Foundations service is designed to set you up for Pinterest success. From creating a fully optimised profile to curating strategic boards and pins, I’ll help you build a solid foundation that drives consistent traffic and aligns with your business goals. Let’s make Pinterest your most powerful tool for growth!

Head to my services page if you’d like to work together.