If you’re running a creative business, chances are you’ve spent a lot of time wondering whether to use Pinterest or Instagram when it comes to marketing. Both platforms are visual, and both can help you reach new clients, but they work in very different ways. If you’ve been relying solely on Instagram to get inquiries, you might be missing out on the long-term growth and visibility that Pinterest can bring. Let’s take a look at some of the main differences between Pinterest vs Instagram so you can make the most informed choice for your business.

Pinterest Vs Instagram: How They’re Different

User Intentions

Think of Pinterest like a search engine. People go there looking for specific ideas, solutions, or inspiration. Whether it’s “crochet patterns for beginners” or “elegant wedding invitations,” they’re searching with a purpose. Instagram, on the other hand, is more about diving into other people’s worlds. People hop on to see what’s new, check out stories from their favorite creators, or kill time. (We’ve all been there, right? You hop onto Instagram for “5 minutes” and end up doom scrolling for over an hour.)

Content Lifespan

Pinterest is the gift that keeps on giving. Your pins can keep bringing people to your site months—or even years—after you post them. Instagram? Not so much. A post’s engagement usually peaks within a day or two and then… crickets.

Engagement

On Pinterest, engagement means clicking through to your site, saving your pin, or searching for more of your content. It’s all about action. On Instagram, engagement is more about likes, comments, and shares. Great for building a community, but not always for driving traffic.

Why Creatives Need to Be On Pinterest

If you’re a creative entrepreneur—whether you’re a knitter, a stationer, a photographer, or anything in between—Pinterest can do amazing things for your business.

People Are Looking for You

Pinterest users are planners. They’re searching for ideas and solutions, and your content could be exactly what they need. Got a blog post on how to crochet a cute baby blanket for beginners? A semi-custom wedding invitation suite that’s perfect for a romantic spring wedding? Pinterest connects you with people who are already interested in what you offer.

Long-Term Traffic

You know that blog post you spent hours writing? Or that portfolio piece you’re super proud of? Share it on Pinterest, and it can keep driving traffic to your site for months. It’s like having a little worker bee out there, quietly bringing in visitors long after you’ve hit “post.”

Pinterest gets people into your funnel

Pinterest isn’t only about aesthetics. It’s also about strategy. Think of Pinterest as the first step in your sales funnel. People discover your content while actively searching for solutions, ideas, or inspiration. When they click on your pin, they’re already looking to take action. 

Once they get to your website, they’re ready to explore! If your website is prepped and ready for them, they might…

1. Read through your blog posts 
   • Don’t forget to use lots of internal links to suggest other relevant blog posts for them to read!
2. Sign up for your freebie
   • Embed your sign up form into your blog posts to get even more leads!
3. Purchase something
4. Follow you on social media

Over time, this steady flow of traffic from Pinterest will turn casual browsers into clients and customers, helping you build a business that grows naturally.

Pinterest Vs Instagram: Which One Should You Choose?

All of this leads to the big question creative business owners ask: Pinterest vs Instagram—which platform is really best for your goals? Both Pinterest and Instagram shine in their own ways, but their strengths lie in completely different areas.

I once heard Kate Ahl from Simple Pin Media say one of the best comparisons of Pinterest and Instagram I’ve ever heard. She noted that Pinterest is like the library, while Instagram is like the bar.

Instagram, just like the bar, is where you can show off your personality, build connections, and create a sense of community. It’s perfect for giving your followers a behind the scenes look at your business and letting them see the human side of what you do.

Stories, reels, and posts make it easy to engage with your followers. Want feedback on a new product? Post a poll in your stories. Have a design you’re excited about? Share a sneak peek in a reel. Instagram thrives on these quick, in-the-moment interactions that make people feel connected to you and your brand.

Pinterest, like the library, is all about long-term discovery. Unlike Instagram, where your post’s engagement peaks within a few days, Pinterest keeps working for you. People use Pinterest like a search engine, looking for ideas, inspiration, and solutions. That means your ideal audience is actively searching for things like “wedding invitation design ideas” or “beginner crochet patterns”. Your content could be positioned as the solution to their searches.

How Instagram and Pinterest Work Together

When done right, Pinterest and Instagram can work together to help you book more clients! Here are some of those ways:

Share Evergreen Content on Pinterest

Got a blog post, tutorial, or portfolio piece that people will always find helpful? Pin it on Pinterest so it can keep bringing in traffic month after month.

Use Instagram for Personality and Engagement

Save your behind-the-scenes moments, real-time updates, and interactive content for Instagram. It’s the best way to connect with your audience personally.

Cross-Promote Your Profiles

Use Instagram to send people to your Pinterest boards for more in-depth inspiration, and link your Instagram in your Pinterest profile to make it easy for followers to connect with you. Make sure to link your Instagram on your website too, to encourage  visitors from Pinterest to engage further with you.

Is Pinterest or Instagram Better for Your Business?

In the end, the Pinterest vs Instagram debate comes down to your goals. Pinterest is great for steady, long-term growth, while Instagram is perfect for creating a personal connection with your audience. If posting on two platforms is too overwhelming, just focus on the platform that aligns with your goals right now.

Feeling like Pinterest could be exactly what you need to drive long-term traffic and get more qualified leads? I’d love to help! From account optimization to strategy calls to full-service management, I can help your business grow in a sustainable way through Pinterest. Let’s chat about how we can make that happen!