As a digital marketing professional with years of experience helping businesses grow, I’ve seen many entrepreneurs underestimate the power of Pinterest. They think it’s just for DIY crafts and recipes—until they realize it’s a goldmine for traffic and sales.
But here’s where things get tricky: Should you use a Personal or Business Pinterest account? It might seem like a small decision, but trust me, choosing the right one can make or break your marketing strategy.
Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice for your business.
Why Does It Matter?
Pinterest is more than just a social media platform—it’s a visual search engine. This means how you present your brand matters, and the type of account you choose affects what tools you can access, how you grow, and how you convert visitors into customers.
The Key Difference? A Personal account is for casual use, while a Business account unlocks features that allow you to market, analyze, and grow strategically.
If you’re using this platform to drive traffic, increase sales, or build your brand, you need to get this right from the start.
Personal vs. Business: A Feature Breakdown
| Feature | Personal Account | Business Account |
|---|---|---|
| Pinterest Analytics | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Pinterest Ads | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Rich Pins | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Claim Your Website | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Access to Trends Data | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Custom Branding | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Monetization Tools | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Clearly, if you’re serious about using Pinterest for business, a Business Account is the way to go.
The Benefits of a Pinterest Business Account
1. Access to Pinterest Analytics 📊
Without data, you’re guessing. A Business account gives you insights into what pins perform best, who your audience is, and how they interact with your content.
2. Run Pinterest Ads 💰
Pinterest ads convert 2.3x better than ads on other social media platforms (Source: Pinterest Business). With a Business account, you can launch targeted ads to reach high-intent buyers.
3. Use Rich Pins 📌
Rich Pins automatically sync information from your website to your pins. Whether it’s pricing for products or blog post details, this helps increase conversions.
4. Claim Your Website 🌐
By claiming your site, you establish credibility, gain access to more analytics, and improve the visibility of your pins in search results.
5. Increased Reach and SEO Benefits 🚀
Business accounts get access to Pinterest Trends, allowing you to optimize content for what’s trending. More visibility = more clicks = more sales.
When a Personal Account is Enough
If you’re only using Pinterest for personal inspiration—saving travel ideas, recipes, or home decor—then a Personal account is fine. But if you want to grow a brand, drive traffic, or make money, a Business account is essential.
How to Switch from Personal to Business Account
Switching is simple and only takes a few minutes.
Steps to Convert Your Personal Pinterest to a Business Account:
- Log in to Pinterest and go to settings.
- Click on “Account Management.”
- Scroll to “Convert to a Business Account” and follow the prompts.
- Claim your website and set up Rich Pins.
- Start optimizing your content with analytics and keyword-rich descriptions!
If you already have a Business account but haven’t optimized it, now is the time.
📣Related: If You’re Not Using Pinterest, You Need To Read This
Real Case Studies: How Businesses Succeed on Pinterest
1. Shopify Store Increased Sales by 230%
A Shopify store selling handmade jewelry saw a 230% increase in sales after switching to a Business account, using Rich Pins, and running targeted Pinterest ads..
2. Blogger Grew Monthly Traffic to 500K+ Visitors
A lifestyle blogger who started with a Personal account struggled with visibility. After switching to Business, optimizing pin descriptions, and leveraging Trends data, they hit 500K monthly visitors (Source: Pinterest Success Stories).
3. Small Business Owner Went Viral
A home-based bakery saw a single pin reach 1 million impressions, leading to sold-out orders for months. The difference? Using a Business account to track analytics and tailor content to trending searches (Source: Tailwind Blog).
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re using Pinterest to grow your brand, increase sales, or drive traffic, a Business account is non-negotiable. The extra tools and insights will give you a huge advantage over competitors still using Personal accounts.
On the other hand, if you’re using it just for saving ideas for your dream vacation or next home project, stick to a Personal account.
But if you’re serious about turning Pinterest into a money-making machine, it’s time to upgrade.
Need Help with Pinterest Marketing? Let’s Talk!
Not sure how to optimize your Business account for maximum growth? Let’s create a strategy that brings results. 📈
