Is Collaborative Pinning on Pinterest Obsolete, or Does It Still Have a Place for the New Blogger?
When Pinterest first burst onto the scene, it revolutionized the way we shared and discovered content online. Bloggers, in particular, quickly realized the platform’s potential as a powerful traffic driver.
One of the standout features that bloggers embraced was collaborative pinning. By joining forces in group boards, bloggers could amplify their reach, driving massive traffic to their sites with relatively little effort.
However, as with any platform, Pinterest’s algorithms and best practices have evolved over time.
So, does collaborative pinning is still worth the effort, especially given the rise of personal boards and other changes in the Pinterest landscape? Let’s delve in…
The Golden Age of Collaborative Pinning
In the early days of Pinterest, collaborative or group boards were a game-changer. By joining group boards with large followings, even a relatively new blogger could get their content in front of thousands of potential readers.
This led to a significant uptick in website traffic and new followers, making group boards an essential strategy in every blogger’s toolkit.
The logic behind this strategy was simple: the more people who could see your pins, the more likely they were to click through to your blog.
Collaborative boards offered a way to expand your reach beyond your immediate followers, tapping into the audiences of other bloggers who shared similar content. This created a win-win situation where all participants benefited from increased exposure.
The Algorithm Shift
However, as Pinterest’s user base grew, so did the need for a more sophisticated algorithm to manage the flood of content. Around 2018, Pinterest began to prioritize relevance over reach. The platform started to favor fresh content, personalization, and user engagement over simply who had the largest following or .
This shift in the algorithm led to a significant change in how group boards functioned. Suddenly, it wasn’t enough to simply be part of a group board with a large audience.
Pinterest started to devalue group boards, especially those that weren’t tightly focused on a specific niche or those that had become cluttered with irrelevant or low-quality content.
As a result, the reach of pins shared in these boards began to dwindle, leaving many bloggers questioning the efficacy of collaborative pinning as a strategy.
The Decline in Effectiveness
In recent years, many bloggers have noticed that collaborative pinning does not have the same impact it once did. The change in Pinterest’s algorithm means that pins are now more likely to be shown to users based on their personal interests and previous engagements rather than simply because they were pinned to a large group board.
This means that even if you’re part of a large, active group board, your pins might not get the traction you expect.
Moreover, the shift towards prioritizing fresh content has made it more important than ever to continually create and pin new images. Group boards, often filled with repetitive and outdated content, don’t align well with this new emphasis on freshness. The result? Less visibility for your pins, even on boards with thousands of followers.
The New Blogger’s Dilemma
For new bloggers, this poses a bit of a dilemma. Collaborative pinning once offered a straightforward way to build an audience and drive traffic. Now, with its diminished effectiveness, should new bloggers even bother with it? Or should they focus their efforts elsewhere, perhaps on optimizing their personal boards, creating fresh content, or exploring other platforms altogether?
Why Collaborative Pinning Might Still Have a Place
Despite the decline in effectiveness, collaborative pinning might not be entirely obsolete. Here’s why it could still be valuable, especially for new bloggers:
1. Niche-Specific Group Boards
Not all group boards are created equal. Boards that are highly focused on a specific niche and maintained with quality content can still offer value. For new bloggers, finding these niche-specific boards can be a way to connect with a highly targeted audience that’s genuinely interested in their content. While these boards might not have the massive reach of the old days, they can still drive meaningful engagement and traffic.
2. Building Relationships with Other Bloggers
Collaborative boards are more than just a way to get your content out there; they’re also a way to build relationships with other bloggers. By contributing to and engaging with a group board, you can network with other content creators in your niche. These relationships can lead to guest posting opportunities, social media shares, and other collaborative efforts that can help you grow your blog in ways that go beyond Pinterest.
3. Diversity in Your Pinterest Strategy
Relying solely on one aspect of Pinterest – whether it’s personal boards, collaborative boards, or anything else – is risky, especially given how often algorithms change. By incorporating collaborative pinning into a broader Pinterest strategy that includes a mix of personal boards, fresh content creation, and even Pinterest ads, new bloggers can hedge their bets. If the algorithm shifts again (and it almost certainly will), those who have a diversified approach will be better positioned to adapt.
The Case for Adapting Rather than Abandoning
1. Quality Over Quantity
If you decide to stick with collaborative pinning, it’s essential to focus on quality. Rather than joining every group board you come across, be selective. Look for boards that are well-curated, active, and relevant to your niche. Make sure you’re contributing high-quality, engaging pins that will resonate with the board’s audience. The days of pinning to dozens of boards indiscriminately are over; now, it’s about making sure every pin counts.
2. Stay Updated on Algorithm Changes
Pinterest’s algorithm is constantly evolving, and what works today might not work tomorrow. As a new blogger, it’s crucial to stay informed about these changes and be ready to adapt your strategy accordingly. This means regularly reviewing your Pinterest analytics to see what’s working and what’s not, and being willing to experiment with different approaches.
3. Invest in Fresh Content
The emphasis on fresh content isn’t going away. Pinterest has made it clear that new, original pins are more likely to be favored by the algorithm. This means that even if you’re participating in collaborative pinning, you need to keep creating and sharing new content. Repinning old pins repeatedly, especially in group boards, is unlikely to yield good results. Instead, focus on creating fresh, high-quality pins that reflect the latest trends and interests of your target audience.
4. Personalization and Engagement
As Pinterest continues to refine its algorithm, personalization and user engagement are becoming more important. This means that building a following of engaged users who regularly interact with your content is key. Collaborative boards can play a role in this by helping you reach new audiences, but you should also focus on growing your personal boards and encouraging engagement through comments, likes, and repins.
Never Stake Your Blog’s Future on a Current Algorithm
One of the biggest risks for any blogger is becoming too dependent on a single platform or strategy. Pinterest’s algorithm has changed before, and it will change again. If you stake your entire blog’s future on the current state of Pinterest’s algorithm, you’re setting yourself up for potential disappointment down the road.
Instead, consider collaborative pinning as one piece of a larger puzzle. Yes, it may not be as powerful as it once was, but it can still be part of a well-rounded Pinterest strategy. Combine it with other tactics like SEO, email marketing, and social media promotion to build a more resilient and sustainable blog.
Resources
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The Future of Collaborative Pinning?
So, is collaborative pinning obsolete? The answer isn’t black and white. While it’s true that Pinterest’s algorithm has reduced the effectiveness of group boards, especially those that aren’t well-managed, there’s still potential value to be found.
For new bloggers, the key is to approach collaborative pinning with a strategic mindset. Focus on quality, stay informed about changes to the platform, and integrate collaborative pinning into a broader, more diversified approach to Pinterest marketing.
Pinterest, YouTube and Google algorithms will continue to evolve, but by staying agile and experimenting with different strategies, you can ensure that your blog remains on a growth trajectory regardless of the latest trends. Collaborative pinning might not be the powerhouse it once was, but it’s far from dead. For those willing to put in the effort, it can still be a valuable tool in your blogging arsenal.
Let me know your thoughts on collaborative pinning below…
