Do Pinterest Followers Matter for Growth?

Pinterest followers are often seen as a key metric for performance on the platform, but how much do they really matter? 

When it comes to growing your presence on Pinterest, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that your follower count is the most important thing. After all, it’s always nice to see that number climbing, right? 

But do Pinterest followers really matter in the way we think they do? In this article, we’ll break down what matters most when it comes to Pinterest, how followers fit into the bigger picture, and if you’re looking to gain more followers, how to do it in a way that benefits your overall Pinterest strategy.

Pinterest Followers: The Basics

Before diving into whether or not followers matter on Pinterest, let’s clarify what Pinterest followers are. 

Simply put, Pinterest followers are users who choose to follow your profile, which allows them to see your latest pins, boards, and content in their feed. 

The more followers you have, the larger your potential audience is, which sounds like a good thing, right?

But unlike other platforms like Instagram or X formally known as Twitter, where follower counts are directly tied to your visibility and engagement, Pinterest works a bit differently. 

Pinterest’s algorithm is built around a discovery-driven model, meaning that content is surfaced based on relevance, interest, and engagement, rather than just who follows you.

Do Pinterest Followers Really Matter?

The short answer? Not as much as you might think. While it’s great to have followers because it means people are interested in your content, Pinterest doesn’t prioritize followers in the same way that other platforms might. 

The number of followers you have isn’t necessarily going to determine how many people see your pins. Instead, Pinterest places much more value on engagement and how well your content resonates with users. 

Here’s why:

1. Pinterest’s Algorithm Focuses on Content, Not Just Followers

Pinterest’s algorithm works to serve the most relevant content to each user, regardless of whether they follow a specific account. 

This means that if you have a pin that resonates with a particular interest or keyword, Pinterest is likely to show it to people based on those factors rather than whether they follow you.

In other words, the best way to get your content in front of more eyes is by creating high-quality, engaging pins that are optimized for Pinterest search. If your content aligns with the interests of users and is engaging, it will likely show up in their feed, even if they don’t follow you.

2. Content Quality is Key

What truly matters on Pinterest is how appealing and shareable your content is. Pins with high-quality visuals, strong descriptions, and relevant keywords are more likely to be seen by a wide audience, regardless of follower count. 

If your content is useful, inspiring, or entertaining, it can be repinned by other users, and that’s how you increase your reach on the platform.

Also, it’s worth noting that repins (now referred to as saves) from other users play a significant role in expanding your visibility. 

When others share your pins, it’s like they’re vouching for your content, and Pinterest will notice that your pins are getting traction. 

So, focus on creating content that people want to save and share, and you’ll see more engagement, which is far more valuable than simply focusing on the number of followers.

3. Pinterest Favors New Pins

In Pinterest’s search feed, new pins are often given a temporary boost. This means that if you’re creating fresh, new content regularly, your chances of appearing in the search results improve. 

This is a great way to get your content in front of people, even if they don’t follow your profile.

Also, Pinterest is known for being a visual search engine. That means users often find your pins through search, even if they don’t follow your account. 

With the right keywords and optimization, your content can appear on users’ feeds based on what they’re searching for, whether they follow you or not.

4. Engagement Over Follower Count

Pinterest cares more about how users interact with your pins. Are they clicking on them? Are they saving them to their boards? Do they engage with the pin or click through to your website? 

These are the types of metrics that matter more than simply gaining followers.

If your pins receive high engagement, Pinterest takes that as a signal that your content is valuable to users. It’ll then be shown to more people, leading to even more potential engagement.

So, Should You Worry About Pinterest Followers?

The short answer is no, not really. Follower count isn’t the driving force behind your success on Pinterest. Instead, you should focus on creating quality content that gets engagement. 

Here’s what matters most:

• Keyword Optimization: Use relevant keywords in your pin titles, descriptions, and board names to ensure your content is discoverable.
• High-Quality Visuals: Pinterest is a visual platform, so your images need to stand out. Make sure your images are high-quality, well-lit, and appealing.
• Consistent Pinning: Post regularly and keep your content fresh. Pinterest rewards new pins, so try to pin daily or a few times a week.
• Engagement: Encourage repins, clicks, and saves by creating content that people will want to engage with.

Gaining Pinterest Followers: If You’re Interested

While followers aren’t the be-all and end-all on Pinterest, they can still play a role in your overall strategy. If you’d like to grow your following on Pinterest, here are some effective ways to do so:

1. Optimize Your Profile

Make sure your profile is complete and clearly represents your brand. This includes your profile picture, board covers,  bio, and making sure all links work. A well-organized, professional-looking profile encourages users to follow you because it shows that you’re serious about providing value to them.

2. Create Appealing Boards

When you create boards, make sure they are relevant to your niche and are well-curated. Pinning to boards that are specific to certain topics (instead of random or general topics) will attract followers who are interested in those particular themes.

3. Pin Consistently

Consistency is key when it comes to gaining followers on Pinterest. Post regularly and make sure your content is diverse. Don’t just pin the same type of content over and over again. Mix things up with various types of pins, from product pins to blog post pins to visual inspiration.

4. Follow Relevant Accounts

By following other accounts in your niche and engaging with their content (like repinning and commenting), you can attract followers who have similar interests. Pinterest is a social platform, so interacting with others and being part of the Pinterest community is an excellent way to build a following.

5. Promote Your Pinterest Account

Cross-promote your Pinterest account on your other social media platforms, like Instagram, Facebook, and X. You can also add Pinterest follow buttons to your website and blog. If people are already following you elsewhere, they may be more likely to follow you on Pinterest too.

6. Create Shareable Content

The more shareable your content is, the more followers you’ll attract. People follow accounts that consistently provide value, inspiration, or useful resources. Share helpful tips, visually appealing images, and creative ideas that people will want to share with their followers.

For more tips on improving your Pinterest strategy, check out our post on Pinterest Best Practices.

7. Join Tailwind Communities

Tailwind Communities are a great alternative to group boards. These communities let you share your pins with like-minded pinners, increasing your visibility and helping you connect with potential followers in your niche.

8. Collaborate with Influencers or Other Creators

Collaborating with influencers or creators in your niche can expose your account to a broader audience. You might team up for a group board, a shared pinning campaign, or cross-promotions.

Final Thoughts

So, do Pinterest followers matter? The answer is, yes and no. While having more followers can give your account some initial visibility, it’s not the key factor in your Pinterest growth. 

What truly matters is creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with users. Focus on producing valuable content, optimizing for search, and encouraging engagement, and the followers will come over time.

If you’re still interested in growing your follower count, focus on optimizing your profile, being consistent, and cross-promoting your content. 

By combining these strategies with a strong content plan, you’ll see not only an increase in followers but also an increase in engagement.

At the end of the day, Pinterest is all about providing value to your audience and staying visible through engaging, relevant content. 

And as you continue to improve your presence on the platform, your followers will naturally grow, without you having to obsess over that number.

Keep this for later! Pin it to your board now! 👇