This interview is with Laura Rike, CEO at SimplyPintastic®.

Laura Rike, CEO, SimplyPintastic®

Laura, welcome to Featured! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey to becoming a Pinterest marketing expert?

I’m Laura Rike, the owner and CEO of SimplyPintastic®. My journey into Pinterest marketing started over 15 years ago when I discovered how powerful this platform could be for growing a business organically. I began as a virtual assistant, leveraging my design and tech skills, but it wasn’t long before I found myself diving deeper into Pinterest.

At first, it was about helping small-business owners get noticed, but as I refined my strategies, I saw just how much untapped potential Pinterest held. I realized it wasn’t just a platform for pretty pictures or DIY projects—this was a search engine with incredible power to drive traffic and generate leads. That’s when I went all in. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients bring in 50k+ in monthly revenue, rank on the first page of Google, and collect targeted email leads daily—all through Pinterest.

Through my Pintastic Growth to Greatness framework, I’ve guided clients from feeling overwhelmed and confused by Pinterest to becoming industry leaders with sustainable growth. SimplyPintastic® was born from the idea that businesses don’t have to struggle to get noticed. I’m here to help purpose-driven, service-based businesses and eCommerce brands grow with strategic Pinterest marketing that builds their online visibility and increases their bottom line. My goal is to make Pinterest work for you—without sacrificing your sanity! It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m passionate about showing other business owners just how far Pinterest can take them.

Your insights on using Pinterest for service-based businesses are incredibly valuable. How did you discover this niche and what led you to specialize in it?

My discovery of this niche came from a mix of observation and experience. Early in my career, I worked with a variety of business owners, and I noticed that service-based businesses were often missing a massive opportunity on Pinterest. While many saw it as a platform for product-driven brands, I realized it could be just as powerful for service providers—if not more.

What led me to specialize in this niche was seeing firsthand how these businesses could use Pinterest to generate leads and convert followers into clients. It wasn’t just about pinning pretty pictures or sharing articles; it was about building a full-funnel strategy. I knew that service-based businesses needed more awareness and trust-building, and Pinterest was the perfect platform to support that.

Pinterest allows for a unique type of content marketing that aligns beautifully with what service-based business owners need: a steady stream of leads, authority-building, and high-quality traffic. It supports long-term growth in a way that doesn’t require daily social media posting or algorithm battles. Once I saw the potential for my clients in fields like coaching, consulting, and creative services to stand out and thrive, I knew this was where I wanted to focus.

Through my Pintastic Growth-to-Greatness framework, I’ve been able to help service-based businesses get strategic, attract their ideal clients, and see real, measurable growth. It’s been amazing to show these entrepreneurs how they can leverage Pinterest in a way that fits into their overall business goals—and helps them grow sustainably. That’s what keeps me going—seeing the tangible impact Pinterest can have on their success.

You mentioned that Pinterest is a ‘visual search engine.’ Can you elaborate on that? How can businesses approach Pinterest with a search engine optimization mindset?

When I call Pinterest a “visual search engine,” I’m highlighting that people use it to actively search for solutions, not just scroll like on traditional social platforms. They’re looking for specific answers, making Pinterest a powerful tool for businesses that optimize their content for discovery.

Here’s how businesses can approach Pinterest with an SEO mindset:

1. Keyword Research

Start by researching the keywords your audience is searching for on Pinterest. Use these keywords in your pin titles, descriptions, and even on the images themselves. This ensures Pinterest knows exactly what your content is about and serves it to the right people.

2. Optimize Your Profile and Boards

Incorporate relevant keywords into your Pinterest bio and board names. The more specific you are, the better. For example, a board titled “Marketing Strategies for Creative Entrepreneurs” will rank better than a generic “Marketing Tips” board.

3. Pin Strategically and Consistently

Consistency signals Pinterest that you’re active, but it’s crucial to pin SEO-optimized content. Your pin titles, descriptions, and website alt text should all carry your target keywords. Balance awareness, consideration, and sales content to capture your audience at different stages.

4. Use Rich Pins

Rich Pins sync information from your website to Pinterest, providing more context to your content. This is especially valuable for service-based businesses sharing blog posts or case studies. More informative pins are rewarded with better visibility.

5. Focus on Evergreen Content

Pinterest has a long content lifespan—pins can gain traction even months later. By focusing on searchable, evergreen topics, your content remains relevant and discoverable for the long haul.

In short, approaching Pinterest with an SEO mindset means thinking strategically about how people search. By optimizing for discovery with the right keywords and consistent, evergreen content, your business can be found by the right audience at the right time.

You’ve highlighted the importance of understanding your target audience’s pain points. What are some practical tips for identifying these pain points and translating them into engaging Pinterest content?

Understanding your audience’s pain points is crucial for creating Pinterest content that resonates and converts. When you know their challenges, you can position your content as the solution they’ve been searching for. Here are some practical tips for identifying these pain points and turning them into engaging Pinterest content:

1. Conduct Audience Research

Start by tapping into your existing audience. Use surveys, polls, and direct feedback to learn about their biggest struggles. What’s keeping them up at night? Look through blog comments, social media discussions, and even competitor reviews to see what common frustrations are coming up in your niche.

2. Leverage Pinterest Search

Pinterest’s search bar is a goldmine for understanding what your audience is looking for. Start typing keywords relevant to your business, and note the auto-suggestions. These are real search terms from real users—perfect for identifying pain points. For example, if you’re a business coach and see “how to get more clients” in the suggestions, you’ve identified a key pain point.

3. Analyze Trending Content

Pinterest trends give you insights into what’s currently on people’s minds. Pay attention to popular pins in your niche and analyze the topics they cover. What questions are these pins answering? What problems are they solving? This can clue you into the pain points your audience is focused on right now.

4. Translate Pain Points into Solutions

Once you’ve identified the key challenges your audience faces, create content that speaks directly to those issues. Each pin should offer a solution, whether it’s a helpful blog post, tutorial, or case study. Use your pin titles and descriptions to highlight the solution. For example, if your audience struggles with social media growth, your pin might say, “How to grow your social media following in 30 days—without spending a fortune.”

5. Use Storytelling to Connect

People don’t just want solutions—they want to feel understood. Use storytelling in your pins and descriptions to connect on a deeper level. Share examples of how others have faced the same challenges and found success. This creates an emotional connection and makes your content more relatable.

By identifying your audience’s pain points and crafting Pinterest content that provides real, actionable solutions, you’ll create engagement and build trust—ultimately driving more conversions for your business.

Can you share an example of a successful Pinterest marketing campaign you’ve run for a service-based business? What were the key elements that contributed to its success?

One of the most successful Pinterest marketing campaigns I ran was for a financial coach, Chris, who was struggling to attract consistent, high-quality leads. Before working with SimplyPintastic®, Chris felt stuck. He knew Pinterest had potential but had no clear direction on how to use it to grow his coaching business. His pins were scattered, and his strategy was non-existent, leaving him frustrated as he watched competitors pull ahead.

We started by diving deep into who Chris’s ideal clients were—their pain points, what they were searching for, and how they needed guidance in managing their finances. Through this, we built a Pinterest strategy focused on nurturing his target audience. It wasn’t just about getting pins out there; it was about creating a journey for his potential clients. The key was balancing awareness, consideration, and conversion content.

During the campaign, we optimized Chris’s profile, built SEO-rich boards, and created engaging, solution-based pins with clear calls to action. These weren’t just pins; they were promises—showing potential clients how working with Chris could finally bring clarity to their financial chaos. Each pin spoke directly to a pain point, offering blog posts, free guides, and eventually a free consultation to discuss their financial future.

As the campaign progressed, Chris started noticing a shift. Instead of aimlessly pinning, he was seeing a steady stream of inquiries. Potential clients came to his Pinterest profile feeling understood and left booking consultations because they believed he had the answers they’d been searching for.

The benefits were clear: Chris’s traffic skyrocketed by 350% in just 30 days, his calendar filled up with high-quality leads, and his authority in the financial coaching space grew significantly. But beyond the numbers, what made this campaign truly successful was the emotional connection we built through content that not only attracted clients but helped them feel seen and empowered.

The major inconvenience we solved? Time. Chris no longer had to spend hours trying to figure out how to make Pinterest work for him. We took the guesswork out, giving him a system that worked seamlessly, allowing him to focus on what he did best—coaching.

In the end, it wasn’t just about Pinterest traffic—it was about creating a sustainable lead-generation system that allowed Chris to grow his business with ease and confidence, knowing that his marketing was working for him.

Let’s talk about measuring results. What metrics should service-based businesses track to evaluate the effectiveness of their Pinterest marketing efforts?

When it comes to measuring the effectiveness of Pinterest marketing for service-based businesses, it’s essential to look beyond just vanity metrics like follower count. Here are the key metrics service-based businesses should focus on to truly evaluate their Pinterest marketing success:

1. Website Traffic

Pinterest is one of the few platforms where the goal is to drive people away from the platform to your website. Monitoring how much traffic Pinterest is sending to your site is a primary indicator of success. In Google Analytics, track the number of users coming from Pinterest and how they interact with your site. High-quality traffic means visitors are spending time on your site, clicking around, and engaging with your content.

2. Lead Generation

For service-based businesses, lead generation is crucial. Set up clear calls-to-action (CTAs) on your pins that lead to landing pages where people can sign up for a free consultation, download a guide, or join your email list. Track how many leads you’re generating through Pinterest over time. If your lead numbers are growing, that’s a clear sign your strategy is working.

3. Conversions

Leads are great, but conversions are better. How many of those Pinterest-generated leads are turning into paying clients or customers? Use UTM codes and conversion tracking to identify how Pinterest leads perform once they’ve entered your sales funnel. If your Pinterest traffic is converting at a high rate, it’s a clear indication that you’re reaching the right audience with the right content.

4. Click-Through Rate (CTR)

Your CTR measures how many people click on your pin after seeing it. A high CTR means your pin design and description are effective in getting people to take action. If your CTR is low, it could be time to refine your visuals or calls to action to encourage more engagement.

5. Pinterest Analytics

Pinterest’s native analytics tool offers insights into your overall performance, including top-performing pins, audience demographics, and engagement levels. Use this data to fine-tune your strategy and focus on what’s working. You can also monitor which pins are driving the most traffic and saves, helping you replicate successful content.

Service-based businesses should focus on tracking website traffic, lead generation, conversions, engagement (saves, clicks), impressions, reach, and CTR. These metrics will help you evaluate how well your Pinterest marketing is not only boosting your visibility but also driving tangible results.

Pinterest is constantly evolving. What are some emerging trends or features that you’re excited about and how can businesses leverage them?

Pinterest is always evolving, and one of the most exciting trends is the rise of video pins.

As video content continues to dominate across platforms, Pinterest is no exception. Video pins grab attention quickly and have higher engagement rates, making them a powerful tool for businesses. Service-based businesses can leverage this by creating short, impactful videos that showcase client success stories, quick tips, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of their work. These videos not only engage users but also establish credibility and build trust, encouraging people to take the next step—whether that’s visiting your website or booking a consultation. Another trend that’s gaining traction is Pinterest’s focus on shoppable content and ads, which allow businesses to create a seamless journey from discovery to purchase.

For service-based businesses, this means creating ads that aren’t just selling a product but offering a solution to a pain point, like a downloadable resource or consultation. This allows businesses to meet their audience at various stages of the buyer’s journey, turning Pinterest into a full-funnel marketing tool that drives leads and conversions. By staying on top of these trends, businesses can create a more dynamic and effective presence on Pinterest.

For service-based businesses that are new to Pinterest marketing, what are your top three tips for getting started?

For service-based businesses new to Pinterest marketing, getting started can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right strategy, Pinterest can be a powerful tool for driving leads and growing your brand. Here are my top three tips to help you hit the ground running:

1. Focus on Your Ideal Client’s Pain Points

Pinterest is all about discovery, and your content should reflect the solutions your ideal clients are actively searching for. Start by understanding the pain points and challenges your target audience faces. What are they struggling with? What solutions are they searching for online? Once you’ve identified these, create content (like blog posts, checklists, or free guides) that addresses those issues. Pinning content that provides clear, actionable solutions will attract the right people to your profile and position you as the expert they need.

2. Optimize Your Pinterest Profile for SEO

Pinterest works like a search engine, which means SEO is key. Make sure your profile is optimized with keywords that reflect what your business offers. Use these keywords in your profile description, board names, and pin descriptions to make it easier for users to find your content. For example, if you’re a marketing consultant, use terms like “small-business marketing strategies” or “lead-generation tips” to help Pinterest understand and categorize your content. This will improve your visibility in searches and drive more organic traffic to your website.

3. Create High-Quality, Click-Worthy Pins

The visual appeal of your pins is crucial. You don’t need to be a graphic designer, but your pins should be eye-catching and professional. Use bold headlines, clear images, and compelling text overlays that tell users what they’ll get if they click through—whether that’s a solution to a problem or a valuable resource. Also, include strong calls to action, like “Learn More” or “Get Your Free Guide,” to encourage clicks. Remember, Pinterest is a visual-first platform, so your pins need to stand out in a sea of content to get noticed.

By focusing on these three areas—solving your audience’s problems, optimizing for search, and creating high-quality pins—you’ll build a strong foundation for Pinterest marketing success. It’s about setting yourself up as the go-to solution provider and driving consistent, qualified traffic to your website that can convert into leads and clients.

Any final thoughts or advice you’d like to share with our readers about harnessing the power of Pinterest for business growth?

My biggest piece of advice for anyone looking to harness Pinterest for business growth is to treat it as a long-term investment. It’s not about quick wins—it’s about creating a sustainable lead-generation system that works for you 24/7. Pinterest allows you to reach people at the perfect moment when they’re searching for solutions, so if you can position your content to meet their needs, you’ll be turning visitors into clients over and over again.

Also, don’t be afraid to experiment! Pinterest is a platform that rewards consistency and creativity. Keep testing different types of content, and always make sure your pins reflect the value your business offers. And for those of you who are ready to turn Pinterest into a powerful client generator, I’ve created a step-by-step guide designed to help you do just that—in just 30 days. This guide will show you how to turn Pinterest into a consistent lead source that fills your calendar with ideal clients. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to get your strategy dialed in and start seeing real results fast! You can download the guide here: Pinterest Client-Generating Machine in 30 Days.

The key is to stay consistent, keep learning, and remember that Pinterest isn’t just a platform—it’s a long-term solution for scaling your business.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you! I’d just like to say that Pinterest is truly a game-changer when you approach it with the right strategy. Whether you’re a service-based business or an e-commerce brand, the key is to focus on how you can offer real value and build trust through your content. Pinterest isn’t about instant gratification, but when you commit to a consistent, intentional approach, it becomes a powerful tool for long-term growth. And remember, if you’re ready to dive deeper and make Pinterest a consistent client generator, be sure to check out my new opt-in. It’s designed to help you turn Pinterest into a lead machine in just 30 days. It’s time to stop guessing and start implementing a strategy that brings in results! Thanks again for having me, and I look forward to seeing how Pinterest helps grow your business!