Have you noticed a puzzling decrease in your monthly Pinterest views recently? You're not alone. Many businesses and content creators are encountering this and are wondering what it means for their traffic?

But here's an important insight: a decrease in Pinterest views doesn't always spell disaster for your Pinterest strategy or your website traffic.

In this post, we'll dive into why your Pinterest views may be decreasing and, more importantly, why this metric isn't the end-all-be-all of your success on the platform.

Understanding Pinterest views requires a multi-faceted approach. Impressions or Views represent the number of times your pins appear on users' screens, but this metric doesn't tell the whole story. 

Your monthly Pinterest views take into account every pin you've ever pinned to your Pinterest account. 

Sometimes, you'll have a viral pin that is getting shown less and less overtime. This can lead to an overall decrease in your monthly Pinterest views.

I want to show you an account (below) where the overall monthly Pinterest views decreased, but the monthly engagement actually increased!

What's Causing a Decrease In Your Pinterest views? 

• Algorithm Shifts: Pinterest frequently updates its algorithm, which can affect how often your pins are displayed. A sudden change in the algorithm could decrease your impressions if it favors different types of content.
• Seasonal Variations: User behavior on Pinterest can be seasonal. For example, holiday-related content might see a spike in winter, affecting the impressions of non-seasonal content.
• Content Saturation: As more users and businesses flock to Pinterest, the platform becomes more crowded. This increased competition can lead to a natural decline in impressions for individual accounts.
• Quality of Pins: Pinterest's algorithm also considers the quality of the pins. High-quality, engaging pins are more likely to be shown more often, even if the overall number of pins decreases.
• Pin Freshness: Pinterest values fresh content. Regularly updating your pins can help maintain visibility, even if overall impressions seem to wane.

Understanding these factors is crucial for adapting your strategy effectively. While a decrease in views might seem alarming, it's essential to consider these aspects before jumping to conclusions about the health of your Pinterest presence.

Quality Over Quantity in Pinterest Monthly Views:

The mantra 'quality over quantity' holds a special place in Pinterest marketing. Here's why focusing on the quality of your pins is more critical than merely aiming for high impression/views numbers: 

• Engagement Matters More: High-quality pins that are engaging and relevant to your audience are more likely to be saved, shared, and clicked on. This engagement is a more accurate predictor of traffic to your website than mere impressions.
• Targeted Content: Quality content on Pinterest means creating pins that speak directly to your target audience's needs and interests. By focusing on a specific niche, your content becomes more relevant and appealing, driving more qualified traffic to your site.
• Building Brand Trust: Consistently high-quality pins help in building brand credibility and trust. When users see that your content consistently adds value, they are more likely to follow your account and engage with your pins.
• Algorithm Preference: Pinterest's algorithm favors content that users find helpful, inspiring, and engaging. By prioritizing quality, your pins have a better chance of being recommended and seen by a wider audience.
• Long-Term Success: While high impression numbers can give a short-term boost, focusing on quality ensures long-term success on the platform. Quality content remains relevant and continues to drive traffic over time.

Remember, on platforms like Pinterest, your goal is to attract and retain an audience that finds your content valuable. By focusing on quality, you're more likely to achieve sustainable growth and meaningful engagement.

Actionable Tips for Increasing Your Monthly Pinterest Views:

To boost your Pinterest presence and drive meaningful traffic, implement these practical strategies: 

• Regularly Add New Content: Consistently uploading fresh content keeps your account active and engaging. This could be new pins, repurposed content, or updated versions of older, successful pins.
• Implement SEO Strategies: Use keywords in your pin descriptions, titles, and your profile to improve visibility. Conduct keyword research specific to Pinterest to understand what your audience is searching for.
• Adhere to Best Practices: Stay updated with Pinterest's guidelines and trends. This includes optimal pin sizes, using rich pins when applicable, and engaging with your audience through comments and messages.
• Update Your Pin Designs: Keep your pin designs fresh and aligned with current trends. Ensure they are visually appealing, with clear text and high-quality images.
• Utilize Templates for Non-Designers: If you're not design-savvy, leverage templates from tools like Canva. These templates can be customized to fit your brand while ensuring a professional look.

By incorporating these strategies into your Pinterest routine, you can effectively enhance your platform's performance, leading to increased traffic and engagement.

Metrics to Pay Attention To: Beyond Impressions

In the world of Pinterest, it's crucial to focus on metrics that truly indicate success. While views tell you how often your pins are seen, they don't necessarily translate into engagement or website traffic.

Here's why saves and outbound clicks are vital: 

• Saves Indicate Relevance: When a user saves your pin, it's a strong indicator that your content resonates with them. Saves increase the lifespan of your pins and improve their visibility in other users' feeds.
• Outbound Clicks Drive Traffic: The ultimate goal of your Pinterest activity is to drive traffic to your website. Outbound clicks are a clear measure of how effectively your pins are converting views into visits.
• Quality Over Quantity: A high number of impressions with low saves and clicks can indicate that your content isn't engaging or relevant to your audience. In contrast, fewer impressions with high saves and clicks suggest that your content is impactful and appealing to the right audience.

To truly harness the power of Pinterest for your business, it's essential to look beyond surface-level metrics like views/impressions.

By focusing on meaningful engagement through saves and outbound clicks, and consistently delivering high-quality, SEO-friendly content, you position your brand for long-term success on the platform.

Remember, the goal is not just to be seen, but to be saved, shared, and clicked upon. Embrace these insights, and watch your Pinterest strategy transform into a more effective tool for driving traffic and achieving your business goals.