Why Pinterest Is a Goldmine for Substack Writers
Discover how Substack writers can use Pinterest to grow their audience, drive traffic to their newsletters, and build a loyal reader base.
If you're a writer on Substack, you're probably focused on building a loyal email list, improving your open rates, and sharing valuable insights with your readers. This is what the platform is all about.
However, what if there were a way to reach more people passively, without constantly brainstorming and creating new content?
This is where Pinterest shines!
Namely, at first sight, Pinterest might seem like the wrong fit for newsletter writers. This is completely understandable since people use Pinterest for inspiration and DIY tips.
But in reality, I’m talking about one of the most underused discovery tools for long-form creators, and it could be your secret weapon for growth.
What Pinterest Actually Is
Pinterest isn’t just another social media platform. In fact, it’s not social media at all - it’s a visual search engine.
Unlike Instagram or Twitter, where posts disappear in a sea of fast-paced updates, Pinterest is built for search, discovery, and long-term engagement.
When you think about it, people don’t go to Pinterest to scroll mindlessly. They go there with the intent to find ideas, resources, and inspiration.
And guess what? That includes content from Substack writers.
This means that if you position your newsletter topics correctly, people actively searching for information could find your pins and, through them, your Substack.
If you’re not sure how that will actually work, check out the advantages of Pinterest. Once you understand the core of this platform, you’ll realise how it can actually help you.
Content Longevity
One of the biggest advantages Pinterest offers over traditional platforms is how long your content stays relevant.
For instance, a tweet might disappear in a few hours. An Instagram story lasts a day. But a well-optimised Pinterest pin can bring you traffic for months or even years.
Writers who use Pinterest correctly see their Substack posts resurfacing regularly, especially for evergreen topics. This long-tail traffic is ideal for newsletter writers who want to share high-value insights over time without needing to constantly promote themselves.
Pinterest + Google Exposure
Here’s another bonus - Pinterest doesn’t just live within its own platform. It shows up in Google searches, especially Google Image Search.
Let’s say someone Googles “morning routine ideas” or “how to save for a house.” If you’ve created a visually appealing, keyword-rich pin that links back to your Substack post on that exact topic, you now have two ways to get found: on Pinterest and on Google.
This gives your writing an SEO boost that many platforms simply can’t offer. In other words, it’s content amplification with minimal extra effort.
Case Examples / Use Cases
Still wondering if this could work for you?
Here are a few proven niches that thrive on Pinterest - and how writers in each can repurpose their Substack content:
Minimalist Living: Pin clean, bold graphics that summarise your best decluttering tips or simple living strategies.
Finance Tips: Turn key insights from your budget guides or savings plans into infographics or list-style pins.
Wellness & Self-Improvement: Create calming visuals with affirmations, journaling prompts, or morning routines—anything you’ve already written in your newsletter.
Productivity: Summarise “how-to” posts, planner reviews, or Notion tips into quick visual guides.
Writing & Creativity: Share writing prompts, storytelling frameworks, or newsletter tips in bite-sized visual posts.
And one really important thing - you don’t need to be a designer.
Tools like Canva offer ready-to-go templates for creating 2:3 vertical pins that are Pinterest-optimised. Just add your text, brand colours, and a call-to-action to read your post or subscribe.
Ready to Use Pinterest?
The best time to start using Pinterest as a Substack writer? Now.
You already have the content. You’ve already done the hard work of writing valuable posts. With a little repurposing, you can turn those words into visual pins that lead new readers straight to your newsletter.
Pinterest isn’t just for recipes or home decor. On the contrary, it’s a powerful discovery engine for your writing - one that keeps working long after you hit publish.
So, start small - take one newsletter, pull out a quote or key point, design a pin, and post it. You might be surprised at just how effective it is.
Looking for a Pinterest content plan, pin templates, or niche keyword suggestions? I’m here to help—just ask!