How to Find and Hire the Right Pinterest Consultant 

How to Find and Hire the Right Pinterest Consultant: A Step-by-Step Guide

I. Introduction

Pinterest is far more than a platform for collecting pretty images; it's a powerful visual search engine where users go to find inspiration and solutions. For businesses and creators, this means it's a prime channel for driving qualified website traffic, generating leads, and boosting sales. However, mastering the platform and its ever-changing algorithm can be a full-time job. This is where a Pinterest consultant comes in.

A Pinterest consultant is a professional who can provide the strategic guidance needed to turn your Pinterest presence into a high-performing marketing asset. This article will serve as your comprehensive, step-by-step guide to finding and hiring the right Pinterest consultant for your business.

II. What Is a Pinterest Consultant?

A Pinterest consultant is an expert who advises businesses on how to optimize their Pinterest presence for growth. Their role is to analyze, strategize, and provide actionable recommendations. Unlike a Pinterest manager who handles the day-to-day tasks, a consultant is a strategic partner who provides the roadmap for success.

• Consultant vs. Strategist vs. Manager: While these terms can overlap, a consultant typically offers short-term or project-based services like an audit or a one-on-one strategy call. A strategist often provides a more comprehensive, long-term plan, and a manager handles the hands-on implementation and maintenance.

• Typical Services: Consultants usually offer a range of services, including:

  • Account Audits: A detailed analysis of your existing account to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.

  • Strategy Development: A custom plan that aligns your Pinterest goals with your business objectives.

  • Coaching & Calls: One-on-one sessions to teach you or your team how to execute a successful strategy.

  • Ads Consulting: Expert guidance on setting up and optimizing Promoted Pin campaigns.

III. Why Hire a Pinterest Consultant?

Even the most dedicated business owner can hit a wall with their DIY Pinterest efforts. Here are the common signs you need to hire a professional:

• DIY Isn’t Enough: You've spent hours creating Pins and boards, but you're not seeing a significant return on your time investment.

• Plateaued Traffic: Your website traffic from Pinterest has stalled, and you don’t know why.

• Lack of Strategy: You're posting Pins without a clear plan or understanding of how they fit into a larger marketing funnel.

• Poor Pin Performance: Your Pins are getting impressions but not clicks, indicating a disconnect between your visuals and your audience's intent.

Hiring a consultant provides significant benefits, including time savings, expert guidance, and measurable growth. They help you avoid costly mistakes and get you on the fast track to success.

Check out our related articles:

• How Much Does a Pinterest Consultant Cost? A Guide to Pricing and Value 

• How to Find and Hire the Right Pinterest Consultant 

• Signs You Need to Hire a Pinterest Consultant 

• Pinterest Consultant

IV. Step 1: Define Your Pinterest Goals and Needs

Before you begin your search, you must have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. This step is crucial because it will inform the type of consultant you need and help you evaluate potential candidates.

• Clarify Your Goals: Do you need to increase blog traffic to boost ad revenue? Are you aiming for more product sales? Or is your primary goal to grow your email list? Be specific and realistic.

• Identify the Type of Consultant: Based on your goals, determine if you need a one-time strategy session to get started or if you require ongoing coaching and support.

• Determine Your Budget and Timeline: Have a clear idea of what you can afford to invest. This will help you filter candidates and their pricing models. Also, consider your timeline—do you need a quick-win strategy or a long-term plan?

• Create a Scope of Work: Write down a brief, clear list of what you hope to accomplish. This could include things like: "Need a keyword strategy for a new e-commerce store," "Want a professional to audit my existing account and tell me what to fix," or "Require guidance on setting up my first Promoted Pin campaign."

V. Step 2: Know What to Look For in a Pinterest Consultant

Once you have your goals and needs defined, you can begin your search. Here's a checklist of what to look for in a qualified Pinterest consultant.

A. Skills & Experience

A consultant's skill set should go beyond basic platform usage. Look for someone with a strong grasp of:

• Pinterest SEO and Keyword Research: A top-tier consultant understands that Pinterest is a visual search engine. They should be able to demonstrate their ability to find and strategically use keywords to make your content discoverable.

• Strategy Development and Funnel Integration: They should be able to explain how their Pinterest strategy will drive traffic to your website and then guide visitors through a sales or lead-generation funnel.

• Pin Design Feedback and Analytics Interpretation: A good consultant can provide concrete feedback on your Pin designs and show you how to read and interpret Pinterest Analytics to measure performance.

• Understanding of Pinterest Ads (if relevant): If your goals involve paid advertising, the consultant should have a proven track record of running successful, high-ROI Promoted Pin campaigns.

B. Proven Results

Don't just take their word for it. A reputable consultant will have proof of their success.

• Case Studies: Look for case studies that show before-and-after metrics and explain how their strategies led to measurable results for other clients.

• Client Testimonials: Check for testimonials from past clients. Look for specific praise about their communication, knowledge, and the results they delivered.

C. Communication & Compatibility

You are hiring a partner, so compatibility is key.

• Clear and Timely Communication: During your initial discovery call, pay attention to how they communicate. Are their explanations clear? Do they listen to your needs?

• Strategic Thinking: The consultant should think strategically, not just tactically. They should ask questions about your long-term goals and not just offer a checklist of to-dos.

• Understanding Your Niche: While not always mandatory, a consultant with experience in your specific industry can provide a deeper level of insight into your audience and competition.

VI. Step 3: Where to Find Pinterest Consultants

Knowing what you’re looking for is half the battle; the other half is knowing where to find the right talent. Your search should be targeted to platforms and communities where qualified Pinterest experts gather.

• Pinterest or Digital Marketing Facebook Groups and Communities: This is an excellent starting point. Join groups dedicated to Pinterest marketing, blogging, or your specific industry. In these communities, you can ask for recommendations, see who is active and knowledgeable, and often find experts who have worked with businesses just like yours.

• LinkedIn and Professional Networking Platforms: Use LinkedIn's search function to look for "Pinterest consultant," "Pinterest strategist," or "Pinterest marketing." You can review their professional profiles, see who they've worked for, and check for endorsements and recommendations. This is a great way to find professionals with a strong business and analytics background.

• Pinterest-Specific Directories or Agencies: Some seasoned Pinterest marketers have built agencies or have been featured in trusted directories. These agencies often have a team of specialists and offer a more structured, results-driven approach. While they may be more expensive, you're often paying for a vetted, reliable service.

• Freelance Platforms (e.g., Upwork, Fiverr): These platforms offer a vast pool of talent at various price points. They are a good option for businesses with a limited budget. A word of caution: Quality can vary significantly. Be sure to use the platform's review system, check portfolios, and conduct a thorough vetting process before committing to a project.

• Instagram or Pinterest Itself: A consultant's own profile can be a great indicator of their skills. Pay attention to how they market their own services on Pinterest and Instagram. Is their content visually appealing? Are their boards optimized with keywords? Do they use Idea Pins and video to their advantage? This can give you a real-time look at their abilities.

VII. Step 4: How to Vet Potential Pinterest Consultants

Once you have a list of potential candidates, it's time to vet them. This process is crucial for ensuring you hire a skilled and reliable professional.

• Review Portfolio or Past Work: Ask for a portfolio or case studies. A strong portfolio should include not just pretty visuals but also tangible results. Look for metrics such as an increase in website traffic, sales conversions, or a growth in email subscribers that were directly attributed to their strategy.

• Check Testimonials and Online Reviews: Client testimonials and reviews on their website, LinkedIn, or freelance platform profiles provide insight into their communication style, professionalism, and the value they delivered to past clients.

• Ask for References (if needed): For a significant investment, don't hesitate to ask for a reference you can contact directly. A reputable consultant will be happy to provide this.

• Ensure Alignment on Values, Expectations, and Communication Style: Use your initial discovery call to gauge their personality and work style. Do they listen more than they talk? Do they seem to genuinely understand your business's values and goals? A good working relationship is built on trust and alignment.

• Review Credentials: Look for any certifications, especially those from Pinterest Academy, as these indicate a commitment to professional development and platform knowledge.

VIII. Step 5: Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Your final step before hiring should be a detailed conversation. Ask these questions to get a clear picture of their expertise and process.

• How do you approach Pinterest strategy? A good answer will involve a mix of audience research, keyword analysis, content planning, and analytics.

• Can you share examples of past client success? Ask for specific numbers and metrics, not just vague statements.

• What services are included in your package? Be clear on the deliverables. Does the package include an audit, a strategy document, a coaching call, or ongoing support?

• How do you measure and report results? They should have a clear reporting process, whether it’s monthly reports, quarterly reviews, or access to a shared dashboard.

• What tools do you use? An expert will use a variety of tools, such as Tailwind for scheduling, Canva for design, and Pinterest Analytics for reporting.

• What happens if results don’t meet expectations? This question helps you understand their problem-solving mindset and their commitment to client satisfaction.

IX. Step 6: Understand Pricing and Deliverables

Before you sign any agreement, ensure you have a clear understanding of the financial terms and the scope of work.

• Overview of Common Pricing Models: Revisit the pricing models from a previous section. Clarify if the cost is an hourly rate, a flat-rate package (e.g., for an audit), or a monthly retainer.

• Clarify Deliverables: Make sure every deliverable is explicitly stated in a written agreement.

• Get a Written Agreement: A professional contract protects both parties and ensures there are no misunderstandings about the service scope, timelines, pricing, or refund policies.

• Set Expectations on Communication: Discuss how you will communicate (e.g., email, Slack, bi-weekly calls) and how often you can expect updates.

X. Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring

Even after a thorough vetting process, some red flags may pop up. Be wary of a consultant who exhibits any of the following:

• No Portfolio or Vague Past Results: If they can't show you concrete examples of their work or only offer vague testimonials, it’s a major red flag.

• Overpromising: Be skeptical of anyone who promises unrealistic results like "guaranteed viral Pins" or "10k new followers in 30 days." Pinterest is a long-term strategy, not a get-rich-quick scheme.

• Lack of a Clear Contract: A professional consultant will have a transparent onboarding process and a clear contract. If they are willing to work without one, it suggests a lack of professionalism.

• Poor Communication: If they are slow to respond to your initial inquiries or miss deadlines early on, this is a sign of what's to come.

• No Understanding of Your Industry or Business Goals: If they don't take the time to learn about your brand and your goals, they won't be able to provide a truly customized and effective strategy.