If you’re a small business owner trying to figure out where to focus your marketing energy this year, I would suggest (and I know I am biased!) Pinterest should be near the top of your list. The platform has quietly transformed from an inspiration board into one of the most predictive and overlooked marketing tools out there for small businesses. And after Pinterest Presents 2025, it’s clear they’re doubling down on getting real results for businesses.
Pinterest has grown and changed so much over the past few years, and this is showing in some recent data released by Pinterest.
- Pinterest hit a new user high of 578 million monthly active users globally (a 10% increase!)
- 96% of the top searches on Pinterest are unbranded. This means people aren’t looking for big names, they’re simply searching for ideas.
- 80% of users reported discovering a new product or brand on Pinterest in 2025.
For you as a small business (especially one with a stylish, design-forward brand voice), that means Pinterest isn’t just “another social channel” — it can be a key part of your customer journey. It’s a place where people go when they’re planning, dreaming, and ready to act. That’s why, at PinHouss, we believe building a Pinterest strategy is less about immediate likes and more about positioning your brand for those “aha” moments when someone says “Yes, that’s exactly what I want.”
Here are five things you need to know about where Pinterest is heading in 2026.
1. Pinterest search is becoming more visual
Pinterest has always been a visual platform, but now it’s becoming even more visual. According to Pinterest Presents, 39% of Gen Z start their searches on Pinterest instead of traditional search engines. People aren’t just typing keywords anymore; they’re discovering through imagery first.
What does this mean for you? Your visuals are your search power! High-quality, scroll-stopping images that reflect your brand aesthetic are what get you found. Think lifestyle images, not plain product shots. Think warmth, lighting, and storytelling.
This is also why we have a graphic designer on our team. When we work with clients, we spend time building a design strategy that mirrors what Pinterest users are actually looking for. For example, we have found for many of our clients, their pins perform best when we show their products in real homes with a cozy, elevated feel. It’s not just the product—it’s the story the image tells.
If you sell products, make sure your full catalog is uploaded so Pinterest can automatically show your items to people ready to shop. If you’re a service-based business, focus on showing transformation or inspiration through your visuals.
At PinHouss, we help brands take a “visual-first” approach that makes your content work harder for you.
2. Pinterest Trends are your new secret weapon
Pinterest’s updated Trends tool might be one of the most powerful free resources for small businesses. The data shows that trends on Pinterest last nearly twice as long as they do elsewhere, and the new version predicts what’s coming up to 90 days in advance.
That means you can plan content before your competitors even realize what’s trending!
For example, we’ve been using trend data to guide seasonal strategies for clients in home decor and lifestyle niches. When terms start trending on Pinterest, we adjust our client pins and help them come up with a content strategy that includes these trending terms.
Pinterest Predicts 2025 also spotlighted “Cherry Coded” (bold red accents) and “Rococo Revival” (ornate vintage-inspired design). Even if you’re not in home decor, the bigger takeaway is that Pinterest tells you where consumer interest is heading. You just have to listen.
3. Pinterest ads now work for every stage of your funnel
Pinterest ads have come a long way. What used to be a discovery-only platform is now a full-funnel solution for awareness, consideration, and conversion.
When we manage ad campaigns for clients like Amish Baskets and high-end home decor brands, we focus on building layered campaigns that guide users from discovery to purchase. For example, we’ll start with a “brand story” ad that reaches new audiences, retarget those who engaged with “why it matters” messaging, and then finish with a catalog or product-focused campaign for the sale.
Pinterest is one of the few ad platforms that actually feels native and inspiring rather than intrusive. That’s why we see such strong performance for lifestyle and design brands who blend organic content with paid ads.
If you’ve been hesitant to try Pinterest ads because of the tech side, this is where we come in. At PinHouss, we handle everything from strategy and creative to optimization and analytics, so you can focus on your business while your ads quietly do the work.
4. Gen Z is leading Pinterest’s growth
Gen Z now makes up more than half of Pinterest’s 578 million monthly users, and they’re using it to shop, not just save ideas. Pinterest’s CEO said it best: “Pinterest is where Gen Z goes to shop.”
This audience values authenticity and aesthetics equally. They want to see real people, real homes, and real products, just beautifully styled. That means your content doesn’t have to be overly polished, but it should feel intentional and real.
For our clients, we’re leaning into that mix of authenticity and aspirational design. For example, one of our home brands saw higher engagement when we shifted from studio shots to real-life photos taken by customers in their homes. It felt more human and less like an ad.
If you’re trying to reach a younger audience in 2026, prioritize relatable content that still reflects your brand’s style. Tell your story. Show behind-the-scenes moments. Share the “why” behind your product. That’s what makes people click save—and eventually buy.
5. Organic growth still matters, but it’s a long game
While ads are an incredible way to speed up results, organic content still plays a major role in driving long-term success. Pinterest is one of the only platforms where your content keeps working for you months after you post it.
That means consistency is everything. The brands that perform best are the ones that pin regularly, stay on-brand visually, and balance evergreen content with timely trends.
For example, one of our clients saw their web traffic double over six months—not because of one viral Pin, but because we built a consistent rhythm of 4-6 high-quality Pins a week. Those Pins built momentum over time and now drive steady sales with zero additional ad spend.
Pinterest rewards patience. It’s not about instant engagement, it’s about building visibility and trust that compounds over time.
If you’re not sure where to start, we can help you build a simple, sustainable plan. Whether you need account setup and strategy, organic management, or full Pinterest ad management, we make sure your brand is showing up strategically, beautifully, and consistently.
Pinterest in 2026 is more visual, more predictive, and more profitable than ever for small businesses. Between smarter ad tools, predictive trends, and an audience that’s ready to take action, the platform is becoming a must-have in every marketing plan.
The key is to show up with a clear strategy, strong visuals, and a balance of organic and paid content that works together.
If you’re ready to take your Pinterest marketing to the next level, we’d love to help. Schedule a quick strategy call, and let’s talk about where your business could go next on Pinterest.
