Smart strategies from a Pinterest Manager to stay visible, productive, and ready for what’s next.
If you’ve been in the Pinterest world for a while, you’ve probably noticed a dip in traffic during the summer months. Fewer searches, slower saves, and a lot less engagement. And if you’re managing accounts for clients, you might even feel a little pressure to “fix it.”
But here’s the thing: this slowdown is completely normal.
Summer can be a quiet time on Pinterest as people spend more time offline, go on vacations, and step back from their routines. It’s not a sign your strategy isn’t working. In fact, this seasonal lull is a perfect opportunity to zoom out, refresh, and lay the groundwork for what’s ahead.
Here are 10 smart things you can do when Pinterest traffic slows down:
1. Normalize the Summer Slowdown
First, give yourself and your clients some grace. Pinterest isn’t broken, and you didn’t “mess up” a strategy. Summer traffic dips are part of the seasonal rhythm—just like the big traffic spikes in November and January. Recognizing that this pattern is expected helps take the pressure off and keeps your focus where it should be: long-term growth.
2. Review Analytics with Fresh Eyes
Now’s a great time to dig into your data—not just the current slump, but the bigger picture. Compare this summer’s stats to last year’s. Look at what is performing well and ask yourself why. Which pins or boards are still driving traffic? Is there a format, keyword, or topic that’s consistently bringing results? Use this insight to guide your next moves.
3. Refresh Existing Content
You don’t have to start from scratch. One of the most efficient ways to stay productive during slower months is to polish up your best content:
- Update older pins with fresh designs and revised keywords.
- Improve board descriptions with better SEO.
- Check for broken links or outdated blog post titles and clean those up.
A few tweaks can breathe new life into content that’s already proven itself.
4. Batch Create Pins for the Busy Season Ahead
Fall, holiday, and Q4 content will be here before you know it. Use the summer lull to create ahead:
- Build up your content library now so you’re not scrambling in October.
- Try new templates or design styles that better reflect your client’s brand.
- Think about what people will be searching for in 60–90 days—and start pinning with that timeline in mind. Check out Pinterest Trends for content that is popular on Pinterest and when people start searching for different trends.
6. Experiment with New Strategies
This is the time to test new things, especially if you’ve been sticking to what’s safe:
- Try different formats, like multi-image graphics or short-form video.
- Play with pin copy that’s a little more conversational or benefit-focused.
- Explore keywords you haven’t tried yet and see what gets traction.
The lower stakes of summer make it a perfect time to experiment.
6. Deepen Client Communication
Instead of hiding from the numbers, talk about them. Set up a summer check-in or send an update that explains the seasonal dip and what you’re doing to stay proactive. You could also:
- Offer a quick profile audit or board refresh.
- Share insights they can apply to blog posts or future content.
- Position this as a time of strategy and planning—not silence.
Clients appreciate transparency and forward-thinking support.
7. Optimize Your Own Business
When you’re not buried in daily pinning or managing urgent requests, you have time to work on your business. This might mean:
- Updating your services, onboarding systems, or client workflows.
- Creating new packages that reflect what clients are asking for now.
- Adding testimonials or new results to your portfolio.
You know all those “someday” admin tasks? Summer is a great time to tackle them.
8. Keep Learning and Stay Inspired
Use this slower time to catch up on learning. Revisit that Pinterest course you saved or listen to a podcast while you do design work. Or better yet, explore other parts of the online marketing world—SEO, blogging, content repurposing—to bring new ideas to your Pinterest strategy. Staying curious keeps your skills fresh and your mindset engaged.
9. Get Ahead with Seasonal Keyword Research
Start prepping your seasonal keyword lists now. Think about what people will be searching for in the fall, the holidays, and early winter. Then:
- Save relevant keywords in your planning doc.
- Create Pinterest board sections (for your own use) with inspiration and ideas.
- Save competitor pins that are already performing well in those categories.
You’ll be ahead of the game when things pick up again.
10. Rest and Reset
And finally, take a breather. If you’ve been going full speed for months, this is your window to rest without guilt. Pinterest is a long game. Use this downtime to reflect, reset your creative energy, and even take a break from the screen. A fresh perspective is one of the best things you can bring to your clients when traffic starts climbing again.
Feeling the summer slowdown on Pinterest?
Don’t waste the quiet months—use them to your advantage.
This free checklist gives you focused, client-worthy action steps to stay visible, productive, and strategic even when traffic dips.
Grab your free Pinterest Summer Slowdown Checklist
And turn your slow season into your prep season.
Final Thoughts
The summer slowdown doesn’t have to feel discouraging—it can actually be one of the most valuable seasons of the year. As Pinterest Managers, we’re not just chasing numbers. We’re building systems, strategies, and sustainable traffic over time.
So lean into the quiet. Use it well. And remember: this slower season is still part of the bigger plan.
Need help making Pinterest work smarter for your business?
Whether you’re looking to streamline your workflow or hand it off entirely, I offer personalized strategy sessions and monthly management tailored to how you work—and who you serve.
From boosting brand authority and driving website traffic to tapping into valuable analytics and spotting emerging trends, Pinterest offers powerful potential for growth.
New to the platform and prefer the DIY route? Grab my free Pinterest Business Account Quick Start Checklist to get started.
For a deeper dive, check out my “How-To Guide to Use Pinterest to Attract Clients and Sales”
If you’re ready to elevate your Pinterest marketing, explore my Pinterest management packages or reach out to chat about your goals.
And if you’re navigating Pinterest on your own and want more tips like these, don’t forget to download my Pinterest Business Account Quick Start Checklist and join the newsletter.
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