PINTEREST MARKETING AGENCY - CAN IT HELP YOUR BUSINESS?
- Jane Switzer

- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
A Pinterest marketing agency manages your Pinterest account so you can focus on running your business. They handle strategy, pin creation, keyword research, and optimization to drive traffic to your website or products.
But here's what most business owners learn the hard way: not all Pinterest agencies are created equal, and hiring the wrong one can cost you thousands with nothing to show for it.
I've seen it happen often: a shop owner invests $2,000 a month into an agency that treats Pinterest like Instagram. They post pretty graphics with no keyword strategy. They ignore SEO completely. Six months later, the account has gained a few hundred followers but zero increase in website traffic or sales.
The difference between a Pinterest agency that delivers results and one that wastes your money comes down to one thing: do they actually understand how Pinterest works as a search engine?
Pinterest isn't a social media platform. It's a visual search engine where 450 million people actively look for products, ideas, and solutions. The agencies that get results treat it that way. The ones that don't will burn through your budget creating content that looks nice but never gets found.
This guide breaks down exactly what a Pinterest marketing agency should do, how much you should expect to pay, and how to tell if an agency actually knows what they're doing before you sign a contract.

WHAT A PINTEREST MARKETING AGENCY ACTUALLY DOES
A legitimate Pinterest marketing agency handles the entire ecosystem of getting your content in front of people who are actively searching for what you sell.
Keyword research and SEO strategy
This is the foundation. Pinterest operates on search intent. When someone types "minimalist living room ideas" or "wedding guest dress summer," they're looking for something specific.
A good agency identifies the exact keywords your ideal customers use and builds your entire strategy around them.
This means researching:
- High-volume keywords in your niche
- Long-tail variations that have less competition
- Trending searches that align with your products
- Seasonal keywords to plan content months in advance
If an agency can't explain their keyword strategy in detail, walk away.
Pin creation and optimization
Every pin needs to be designed for both clicks and search visibility. That means:
- Titles that include target keywords naturally
- Descriptions written for Pinterest's algorithm (not just humans)
- Alt text that reinforces relevance
- Graphics designed to stand out in a crowded feed
The best agencies create multiple pin variations for the same content, testing different images and headlines to see what resonates.

Board strategy and organization
Boards aren't just for organizing your pins. They're searchable content that tells Pinterest what your account is about. A solid agency creates boards with keyword-rich titles and descriptions, then strategically pins content to reinforce your niche authority.
Analytics and ongoing optimization
Pinterest moves slower than other platforms, but it does require monitoring. Good agencies track what's working, double down on high performers, and adjust strategy based on actual data rather than guesses.
If you want to get lots of free traffic to your website and promote your products/services, I offer a Pinterest strategy service built around exactly what grew my shop to 28,000+ sales.
It includes a comprehensive market analysis of your specific niche, a full keyword masterlist tailored to what your buyers are actually searching for, and a traffic strategy designed to compound over time - not just drive a spike of visitors who never come back. If you are serious about building a highly-converting Pinterest account for driving traffic to your business, get in touch and let's build it together.
📌 RED FLAGS WHEN HIRING A PINTEREST MARKETING AGENCY
I've consulted with business owners who've been burned by agencies charging premium prices for amateur work. These are the warning signs I tell everyone to watch for.
They focus on follower count
Followers matter far less on Pinterest than on any other platform. You can have 500 followers and get 100,000 monthly views if your SEO is solid. Any agency that pitches you on "growing your followers" doesn't understand how Pinterest works.
What actually matters: impressions, outbound clicks, saves, and most importantly, traffic to your website.
They can't explain their keyword strategy
Ask them directly: "How do you research keywords for my niche?" If they give you a vague answer about "trending topics" or "what looks good," that's a problem.
A competent agency should mention:
- Pinterest's own search suggestions
- Pinterest Trends tool
- Competitor analysis
- Third-party tools they use for research
They post the same pin repeatedly
Some agencies try to game the system by pinning the same image over and over. Pinterest has cracked down on this hard. It's considered spam and can actually hurt your account's reach.
Fresh pins (new images, even if linking to the same content) are what Pinterest rewards now.
They don't ask about your business goals
Pinterest strategy for an Etsy seller looks different than strategy for a blogger or a coach. If an agency doesn't ask detailed questions about your products, your audience, and what success looks like for you, they're planning to use a cookie-cutter approach that won't deliver.
No case studies or proof of results
Anyone can claim they "know Pinterest." Ask for specific examples:
- What traffic increases have they achieved for clients?
- How long did it take to see results?
- Can they show you before and after analytics?
If they can't provide this, you're essentially paying to be their guinea pig.
📌 WHAT RESULTS TO EXPECT AND WHEN (REALISTIC TIMELINES)
Pinterest is a long game. Anyone promising you massive results in 30 days either doesn't understand the platform or is lying to close a sale.
Here's what a realistic timeline looks like:
Month 1-2: Foundation building
This is when the heavy lifting happens. Keyword research, account optimization, board creation, and initial pin designs. You might see small upticks in impressions, but don't expect significant traffic yet.
Month 3-4: Growth begins
Pins start gaining traction in search results. You should see steady increases in monthly views and some improvement in outbound clicks. This is when the SEO work starts paying off.
Month 5-6: Compounding results
This is where Pinterest gets exciting. Pins you created months ago continue driving traffic while new pins add to the momentum. Many business owners see their biggest jumps during this period.
Month 6+: Ongoing traffic
With consistent effort, Pinterest becomes a reliable traffic source. The pins you create today can drive visitors for years. I still get traffic from pins I created in 2021.
If you're looking for a solid foundation in Pinterest marketing - this guide covers the core strategy in detail.
What about quick wins?
They exist, but they're not guaranteed. Seasonal content can take off fast if timed correctly. Viral pins happen. But building a strategy around quick wins is like building a business plan around winning the lottery.

📌 COST BREAKDOWN: WHAT PINTEREST AGENCIES ACTUALLY CHARGE
Let's talk money. Pinterest agency pricing varies wildly, and understanding the landscape helps you avoid overpaying for mediocre service.
Typical agency pricing:
- Budget agencies ($300-600/month): Often overseas teams or individuals with limited Pinterest experience. You might get basic pin scheduling but minimal strategy. High risk of wasted money.
- Mid-tier agencies ($800-1,500/month): More comprehensive services including strategy, pin creation, and some optimization. Quality varies significantly. Always check their case studies.
- Premium agencies ($2,000-5,000/month): Full-service management with dedicated strategists, custom designs, and detailed reporting. Can be worth it for established brands with big budgets, but overkill for most small businesses.
The hidden costs
Many agencies charge setup fees ($500-2,000) on top of monthly rates. Some require 6-12 month contracts with penalties for early cancellation. Others bill extra for "rush" requests or additional pin designs.
Always ask for a complete breakdown before signing anything.
The one-time alternative
Here's what most people don't realize: you don't necessarily need ongoing agency management.
What you need is a solid foundation. The right strategy, proper keyword research, optimized boards, and templates you can use to create pins yourself.
GET A COMPLETE PINTEREST STRATEGY FOR A ONE-TIME FEE
This is where I do things differently than traditional agencies.
I've generated over $400,000 in Pinterest-driven sales for my own Etsy shop. I know what works because I've tested it with my own money on the line.
Instead of locking you into monthly payments, I offer one-time packages that set you up for long-term success:
Pinterest marketing strategy package:
- Complete niche audit
- In-depth keyword research
- Content gap research
- Competitor analysis
- Your custom Pinterest growth strategy
- 50 custom pin templates
Delivered in 3-4 business days. You get the strategy and tools to execute it yourself.
Pinterest strategy + full account setup:
Everything in the strategy package, plus:
- Complete account setup and optimization
- Profile branding
- 10 SEO-optimized boards
- 50 created pins ready to publish
Delivered in 7-10 business days. This is the most popular option because you walk away with a fully built Pinterest presence.
Both packages include payment plans through Paypal split in 4 if you'd rather spread out the cost.
📌 DIY VS. HIRING AN AGENCY: WHICH MAKES SENSE FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Not everyone needs to hire out their Pinterest marketing. Here's how to decide.
DIY makes sense when:
- You have more time than money
- You enjoy learning new platforms
- Your business is just getting started
- You only need to drive moderate traffic
Hiring out makes sense when:
- Your time is worth more than the cost of help
- You're scaling and need consistent content output
- You've tried DIY and can't seem to crack it
- You want results faster than self-teaching allows
The middle ground
This is where most of my clients land. They don't want to manage Pinterest forever, but they also don't want to pay $1,500 a month indefinitely.
A one-time strategy and setup gives you the foundation. From there, you can:
- Manage it yourself using the templates and strategy provided
- Hire a VA to execute the plan at a fraction of agency costs
- Come back for periodic refreshes as your business evolves
📌 HOW TO EVALUATE AN AGENCY'S PINTEREST PERFORMANCE BEFORE HIRING
Before you hand over money, do your homework. Here's exactly how to vet a Pinterest agency.
Step 1: Look at their own Pinterest account
If they manage Pinterest for clients, they should have a solid presence themselves. Check:
- Do they have consistent monthly viewers (visible on their profile)?
- Are their boards organized and keyword-optimized?
- Do their pins look professional and varied?
An agency with 1,000 monthly viewers telling you they'll get you 100,000 is a red flag.
Step 2: Ask for client case studies with numbers
Vague testimonials like "they were great to work with" mean nothing. You want specifics:
- What was the client's monthly traffic before?
- What was it after 6 months?
- What was the timeline for seeing results?

Step 3: Request a sample keyword report
Any agency worth hiring should be willing to show you an example of their keyword research process. Look for:
- Specific search volumes
- Competition analysis
- Long-tail variations
- A clear methodology
PINTEREST MARKETING AGENCY QUESTIONS ANSWERED (FAQ)
How much should I pay a Pinterest marketing agency?
Expect to pay between $500-2,000 per month for quality ongoing management. Setup fees typically range from $500-1,500 on top of monthly costs. One-time strategy packages (like what I offer) range from $500-1,500 for complete setup without ongoing fees. Avoid agencies charging under $300 monthly as the quality is rarely there.
How long does it take to see results from Pinterest marketing?
Most businesses see meaningful traffic increases within 3-6 months of consistent, strategic pinning. Pinterest is slower than paid advertising but the results compound over time. Pins you create today can drive traffic for years. Anyone promising significant results in under 60 days is overpromising.
Can I manage Pinterest myself instead of hiring an agency?
Yes. Pinterest is learnable, especially if you have a solid strategy to follow. Many business owners start with professional setup and strategy, then maintain the account themselves using templates and a content calendar. This gives you the expert foundation without ongoing agency costs.
What's the difference between a Pinterest manager and a Pinterest marketing agency?
A Pinterest manager is typically one person handling your account. An agency usually has a team including strategists, designers, and account managers. Agencies often charge more but may offer more comprehensive services. For most small businesses, a skilled individual manager or a one-time strategy package delivers better value than a full agency.
What should I look for in a Pinterest marketing agency portfolio?
Look for documented results with real numbers: traffic increases, click-through rates, and timeline to results. Check that they've worked with businesses similar to yours. Ask to see example keyword research and pin designs. If they can only show you pretty graphics without traffic data, they're a design service, not a marketing agency.
📌 THE BOTTOM LINE ON HIRING A PINTEREST MARKETING AGENCY
Pinterest is one of the few platforms where your content can work for you for years after you create it. That's the good news.
The bad news is that most Pinterest agencies don't actually understand the platform. They treat it like Instagram, focus on vanity metrics, and charge monthly fees for strategies that don't move the needle.
Before you commit to any agency:
- Verify they understand Pinterest SEO (not just pretty designs)
- Get specific case studies with real traffic numbers
- Understand exactly what you're paying for and for how long
- Consider whether a one-time setup might serve you better than ongoing management
If you're running a product-based business, an Etsy shop, a coaching practice, or a blog, you don't need to pay thousands every month to get Pinterest working for you.
You need the right strategy built on solid keyword research. You need an optimized account structure. You need pin templates you can actually use. And you need it done by someone who's generated real revenue from Pinterest, not just managed accounts for other people. Apply here ->
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Let me know in the comments below if you want me to cover any branding or marketing topics in more depth, and I’ll make sure to create a blog post about it in the future.








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