Is Your Repins Strategy Still Effective?

For years, repinning was the way to grow on Pinterest. Bloggers diligently saved other people's content, cross-pinned their own, and watched their reach expand. But the Pinterest landscape is constantly evolving, and the algorithm has shifted dramatically. The emphasis now? Fresh, new pins. So, where does that leave your repins strategy?

This article is for bloggers who are feeling the pressure of the "new pins" focus and are wondering if repins are still worth their time. We'll dive deep into what repins are, how the current Pinterest algorithm affects them, and, most importantly, how to adapt your strategy for continued success. We'll explore the balance between creating brand-new content and strategically leveraging the power of repins. Are you ready to revitalize your Pinterest repins strategy? Let's get started.

 

Understanding Pinterest Repins (and the Algorithm)

Before we dive into strategy, let's make sure we're on the same page about what repins are and why the rules of the game have changed.

Defining "Repin"

A "repin" on Pinterest is essentially a bookmark. It's when you save someone else's pin to one of your boards. This simple act has several variations:

• Saving from another user's board: You see a pin you like on someone else's profile or in your feed, and you save it to one of your relevant boards.
• Cross-pinning your own pin: You publish a new pin and then save it to multiple relevant boards on your own profile.
• Repinning an old pin of your own: You revisit a pin you published previously and save it again, either to the same board or a different one.

In all these cases, you're essentially amplifying existing content on the platform. Pinterest repins, in the past, were a major driver of reach and engagement.

The Pinterest Algorithm Shift

For a long time, the Pinterest algorithm heavily favored repins. The more a pin was repinned, the more widely it was distributed. This made sense – it was a signal of popularity and relevance. However, Pinterest's priorities have shifted.

The current Pinterest algorithm 2024 (and likely beyond) prioritizes fresh pins. A "fresh pin," in Pinterest's eyes, is typically defined as a pin with a new image. Ideally, this new image also links to a new URL (a new blog post, product page, etc.).

Why the change? Pinterest wants to be a platform of constant discovery, filled with new ideas and inspiration. They want to incentivize creators to publish new content regularly, rather than relying solely on resharing existing material. This shift has had a significant impact on the effectiveness of repins. While they're not entirely useless (as we'll discuss), they no longer hold the same weight they once did.

The Repin Dilemma for Bloggers

This algorithm change presents a real dilemma for bloggers. The constant demand for new pins can feel overwhelming. Creating high-quality images, writing compelling descriptions, and publishing new blog posts takes time and effort.

The old strategy of relying heavily on repins to grow your Pinterest presence is simply not as effective anymore. This doesn't mean repins are dead, but it does mean you need to be much more strategic about how and when you use them. It also means a great strategy prioritizes a completely new pin. The contradiction between creating billions of new content and just repinning 30 pins/month is obvious.

 

The New Rules of Repinning: A Strategic Approach

So, repins aren't as powerful as they used to be. But that doesn't mean you should abandon them altogether! The key is to be strategic. Here's how to adapt your Pinterest repins strategy in the age of fresh pins.

Quality Over Quantity

The days of mass-repinning are over. Now, it's all about quality over quantity. Instead of repinning everything in sight, focus on content that is:

• Highly relevant to your niche and target audience.
• Visually appealing and high-quality.
• From reputable sources.
• Likely to be valuable to your followers.

Think of your repins as a curated collection, not just a random assortment. Less is definitely more. Aim for a higher percentage of new pins versus repins – a good starting point might be an 80/20 ratio (80% new pins, 20% repins). Adjust this ratio based on your own results and what feels manageable.

Creating "Fresh" Pin Variations

While a completely new pin (new image, new URL) is ideal, creating variations of existing pins can be a great way to satisfy the algorithm's craving for freshness without constantly creating entirely new blog posts.

Here's how to create "fresh" pin variations:

• Change the image: Use a different photo or graphic, even if it's related to the same topic.
• Modify the text overlay: Rewrite the headline or call to action.
• Adjust the layout: Experiment with different text placements, fonts, and colors.
• Change the aspect ratio: Use different vertical such as 2:3, 1:2,...
• Try different pin formats: Turn a standard pin into a video pin.

Even small changes can make a pin appear "fresh" to Pinterest. Crucially, ensure these variations still link back to the same URL.

Repinning from the Source

This is absolutely essential. Always, always repin content from the original website URL, not from another user's board on Pinterest. Here's why:

• Gives credit to the original creator: It ensures the original source gets the traffic and engagement they deserve.
• Avoids broken links: If the original pin is deleted or moved, a repin from another board will become a dead end. Repinning from the source ensures a direct link.
• Better for Pinterest SEO: Pinterest favors pins that link directly to high-quality websites.

Make it a habit to click through to the website before you repin anything.

Leveraging Tailwind (Optional)

If you're serious about Pinterest marketing, a scheduling tool like Tailwind can be a huge help, especially for managing repins safely and strategically.

Tailwind allows you to:

• Schedule pins in advance: Maintain a consistent pinning schedule without being glued to your computer.
• Repin directly from the website URL: The Tailwind browser extension makes it easy to grab the correct link.
• Use SmartLoop (optional): This feature allows you to automatically reschedule your best-performing pins to different boards at optimal times (use with caution and make sure to create variations!).

Note: This isn't a full Tailwind tutorial. For detailed instructions, refer to Tailwind's own resources. This is a tool mentioned.

The power of the community groups.

Joining relevant Pinterest group boards can still be a worthwhile strategy, even with the emphasis on fresh pins. Group boards can expose your content (both new pins and strategic repins) to a wider audience.

• Find the groups that are relevant to your niche.
• Check the quality of group: spammy or not, high engagement or not,...
• Follow the group rules.

 

Finding the Right Balance: New Pins vs. Strategic Repins

The key takeaway from all of this? Pinterest prioritizes fresh, new content. That means your primary focus should be on creating new pins that link to your blog posts, products, or other valuable content. However, strategic repinning still has a place in a well-rounded Pinterest strategy. It's all about finding the right balance.

Think of it this way:

• New Pins: These are your primary drivers of growth. They're your opportunity to reach new audiences, showcase your latest content, and signal to Pinterest that you're an active and valuable creator.
• Strategic Repins: These play a supporting role. They can help you:
  • Reach new audiences through group boards: Sharing your best content (both new and older, relevant pins) to well-chosen group boards can expose you to users who might not otherwise find you.
  • Build relationships with other bloggers: Repinning their high-quality content (from the source!) is a great way to build goodwill and potentially get your content repinned in return.
  • Maintain board activity: A few strategic repins can help keep your boards active and engaging, even when you don't have time to create a ton of new pins.
  • Drive traffic to older content: Repinning older, but still relevant, pins can give them a new lease on life and drive traffic to content that might otherwise be buried.

So, what's the "right" balance? There's no magic formula, and it will depend on your individual goals and resources. However, a good starting point is the 80/20 rule we mentioned earlier: aim for roughly 80% new pins and 20% strategic repins.

Ultimately, the best approach is to experiment, track your results, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Pay attention to which pins are performing well (getting clicks, saves, and driving traffic to your website) and use that data to inform your future content creation and repinning decisions. Pinterest analytics are very effective.

 

Revitalize Your Pinterest Strategy

The Pinterest landscape is always changing, but one thing remains constant: a strategic approach is key to success. While the algorithm now favors fresh, new pins, don't completely abandon your repinning efforts. Instead, adapt!

Focus on creating high-quality, original content that resonates with your audience. Use strategic repins to supplement your new content, build relationships, and reach new users, especially through well-chosen group boards. Remember to always repin from the source, prioritize quality over quantity, and track your results to find the perfect balance for your blog.

 

Feeling overwhelmed by all these changes? Don't have time to create a constant stream of fresh pins and manage your repinning strategy? We can help! We offer expert Pinterest channel management services to take the guesswork out of Pinterest marketing.

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