Pinterest SEO vs. Google SEO: Which One is Better for Blogging?

If you’ve been blogging for any amount of time, you’ve likely come across two major sources of traffic: Google and Pinterest. Both rely on search engine optimization (SEO), but they operate very differently. The big question many bloggers ask is this:

Should I focus more on Google SEO or Pinterest SEO?

The short answer: both matter, but if you’re looking for faster wins, fewer roadblocks, and consistent traffic — Pinterest SEO is much easier to rank for, especially for newer bloggers.

In this article, I’ll break down the differences, pros, and limitations of each, so you can decide how to structure your content strategy and get the most out of both platforms.

What Is Google SEO?

Google SEO refers to optimizing your website content so that it ranks in Google’s organic search results. When someone types in a keyword on Google, the goal is to have your blog post appear on the first page — ideally in the top three results.

How it works:

• You target specific keywords people are searching for
  
• Optimize your content (title, headings, meta, etc.)
  
• Get backlinks, improve site speed, fix technical SEO
  
• Wait — often weeks or months — for rankings to appear
  

When Should You Focus More on Pinterest SEO?

Here’s a breakdown of where Pinterest fits best into your blogging journey:

Pinterest helps you get traffic while you wait for Google to catch up.

What Is Pinterest SEO?

Pinterest SEO is the process of optimizing your Pins, boards, and profile to show up in Pinterest’s internal search results and smart feed. Pinterest is a visual search engine, so the right combination of keywords and design can help your content get discovered — without needing backlinks or domain authority.

How it works:

• You create Pins linked to your blog post
  
• Use searchable keywords in your title and description
  
• Add them to relevant boards
  
• Pinterest pushes fresh Pins quickly in the feed
  

Why Pinterest SEO is Easier to Win At (Especially for New Bloggers)

If you’re just starting your blog or still growing it, Pinterest offers a shortcut to get visibility — fast.

1. No Domain Authority? No Problem.

Google favors older, more authoritative domains. If your blog is new, it’s hard to break through page one — even with great content. Pinterest, on the other hand, gives you a chance based on the quality of your Pin and keyword usage, not your site’s age.

2. You Don’t Need Backlinks

Google still relies heavily on backlinks to evaluate content authority. Without them, you’re often stuck on page 5 or lower. Pinterest doesn’t need any of that. One well-designed, keyword-optimized Pin can take off organically.

3. Faster Results

With Google SEO, you can write a perfect post and still wait 3–6 months to rank. On Pinterest, you can start seeing traffic within days if your Pin is optimized and shared to the right boards.

4. Easier to Target Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords (more specific phrases) are easier to rank for, and Pinterest allows you to use them freely across Pin titles, descriptions, and boards — without over-optimizing. Pinterest search also favors fresh Pins, which keeps new content in rotation longer than a static Google result.

Why Google SEO Still Matters (Long-Term Growth)

Now with that said, don’t ignore Google SEO.

Pinterest can bring in fast wins, but Google offers long-term stability. When a post ranks on Google, it can generate steady traffic for years, especially if it’s evergreen content. Here’s why it still deserves attention:

• Google brings in high-intent readers ready to take action
  
• Posts that rank in Google often rank in Google Discover
  
• Google rewards consistent quality over time — great for passive income
  

But again, if you’re relying only on Google, you’ll be vulnerable to algorithm updates. I know this firsthand.

How to Combine Pinterest SEO and Google SEO (Smart Blogging Strategy)

So what’s the best strategy? Use both, but give Pinterest priority when starting or rebuilding.

Here’s a simple way to structure your content creation:

1. Write SEO-optimized blog posts for Google
   
   • Use tools like Ubersuggest, LowFruits, or KeySearch
     
   • Target long-tail keywords with clear search intent
     
   • Structure your blog post using headings, schema, and meta
     
2. Design Pinterest Pins for those blog posts
   
   • Create 2–5 Pin variations per post
     
   • Use Pinterest SEO: keyword-rich titles, relevant board placement
     
   • Schedule using Tailwind or Pinterest’s native scheduler
     
3. Track what works — and double down
   
   • Some posts may not rank on Google, but take off on Pinterest
     
   • Others may rank on both — that’s your jackpot content
     
   • Use Pinterest to test demand before targeting Google keywords
     

What Kind of Content Works Best on Each Platform?

Knowing what to post is half the game. Here’s a breakdown of what performs well on each platform:

Pinterest Loves:

• How-to guides (visually represented)
  
• Product roundups
  
• Checklists
  
• Tutorials with a graphic summary
  
• Inspirational topics (e.g. lifestyle, home, wellness)
  

Google Loves:

• In-depth articles (1500–2500 words)
  
• Research-based content
  
• Reviews, comparisons, and ultimate guides
  
• Structured how-tos with schema
  
• Posts with authority signals (backlinks, E-E-A-T)
  

If you can hit both styles in a single post and support it with a great Pin? You win.

Common Misconceptions

Let’s clear up a few myths that might be holding you back from using Pinterest SEO effectively:

“Pinterest is just for food or fashion.”

Nope. Bloggers in all niches — productivity, business, parenting, even SEO — are thriving on Pinterest.

“Pinterest traffic doesn’t convert.”

It depends on the intent of your content. If you match what people are searching for and give a solid call-to-action (email list, product, blog), it can convert well.

“You can’t rank Pins on Google.”

Actually, you can. Pinterest boards and Pins show up in Google image results and even web results if the keyword match is strong.

Which One Is Better?

If you’re looking for speed and early traction, Pinterest SEO is the better entry point.

It’s easier to rank, easier to learn, and doesn’t require technical skills or backlinks to succeed. That said, Google SEO is still the long game, and it’s what powers passive income for years to come.

So here’s what I recommend:

• Start with Pinterest to build early traffic and audience trust
  
• Optimize for Google behind the scenes as you grow
  
• Use Pinterest to validate topics, then double down on Google later
  
• Build around stability by combining both strategies
  

And if you’re tired of chasing traffic and wondering how to future-proof your blog, I highly recommend reading how my sites survived sudden Google algorithm updates. It breaks down the exact mindset and strategy that helped me stay visible when most people saw their traffic drop overnight.