Pinterest vs Google: 6 Key Differences & Opportunities in 2025

Pinterest vs Google – Yes, they’re both search engines, but they’re like apples and oranges – similar yet worlds apart. The choice between Google and Pinterest isn’t about picking one over the other; it’s about leveraging their strengths to create a dynamic, multifaceted SEO strategy. Including both of them in your business’s SEO strategy is a smart move. Especially in a world where search behaviour is rapidly evolving, with visual and AI-powered search becoming ever more prominent. In this article we explore the unique qualities and opportunities each platform offers for online retail businesses and brands.

Search Everywhere Optimisation

The search landscape has changed dramatically in 2025. Gone are the days when Google was the only place people searched. Today, users jump between multiple platforms, from traditional search engines like Google to social media, video platforms, AI-driven tools, and voice assistants. This shift has created a more fragmented search environment, where brands must strategically optimise content across multiple search-driven platforms, and Pinterest is one of the biggest players in this space.

How does this impact Pinterest vs Google?

Search Everywhere Optimisation is the new SEO. Businesses need to optimise content for multiple search engines and platforms beyond Google. That said, Google still dominates, referring nearly two-thirds of all web traffic. But here’s where Pinterest vs Google becomes an interesting conversation: instead of choosing one over the other, smart brands use them together to reinforce their SEO (see 6 above). If you have limited resources, it’s important to focus your efforts on the platforms your customers use most often.

For lifestyle, fashion and retail brands, Pinterest and Google can be a highly effective combo in the new Search Everywhere Optimisation era. Google and Pinterest each bring something unique to the table, successful marketing strategies know how to use both effectively.

1. Search Intent vs Visual Discovery

Google thrives on search intent. You come with a question, and Google provides an answer. People search Google with high intent, meaning they already know what they’re looking for. Whether it’s a product review, a local business, or an answer to a pressing question, Google delivers text-heavy, data-driven results that focus on authority and expertise. Need to know the symptoms of the flu or looking for a specific smartphone review? Google’s your go-to. You type in a query, and voila – a list of links, with the most relevant (and authoritative) at the top.

Pinterest, on the other hand, is a visual search engine where users don’t always start with a clear idea of what they’re looking for. Instead of intent, Pinterest searches are discovery-driven. The platform thrives on inspiration, making it a powerful tool for brands looking to introduce products or ideas to people in the early stages of planning. It’s a bit like wandering into a digital art gallery, seeking an artwork vibe but not a specific painting. What’s more, 96% of top searches are unbranded, making it an inclusive platform for all accounts, big or small.

2. Slow Ranking vs Fast Traction

On Google, SEO is a long game. Rankings depend on factors like domain authority, backlinks, and keyword optimisation, which means newer websites struggle to rank against established competitors. It can take months (or even years) to rank on page one for competitive keywords. It’s like trying to enter an exclusive club where everyone knows each other, and you’re the new kid on the block.

Pinterest SEO works differently. Since it’s a content discovery platform, new Pins don’t need domain authority to rank. Fresh, well-optimised Pins can gain visibility within days or weeks, much faster than on Google. Unlike Google, where most users don’t venture past the first page, Pinterest users are willing to scroll through dozens of results, making visibility easier for newer accounts. From day one, you can rank for keywords, allowing you to gain traction more quickly. 

3. Page One vs Scrolling Behaviour

With 92% of all Google clicks happening on the first page, the fight for top rankings is intense. If you’re not on page one, chances are your content won’t be seen.

Pinterest users, however, are natural scrollers. A huge 75% of users browse past the first 60 results. This level playing field allows smaller businesses to attract engagement without needing to be in the top search result.

PRO TIP: Use multiple pin designs for the same piece of content (blog post, product link,…). More Pins mean more chances to be discovered, regardless of ranking.

4. Shopping Ads vs Free Product Feed

If you’re in the e-commerce game, take note! Google Shopping Ads provide quick visibility for your products, crucial for businesses with stock waiting to fly off the shelves. However, Pinterest offers another cost effective avenue to increase visibility. By linking your product feed to Pinterest, you gain free organic exposure. Here’s what happens when you do this:

Placing your items where potential customers are already looking is a smart strategy. No additional fees, just more visibility. If you have the budget to go beyond organic distribution, I recommend trying out paid advertising campaigns with more specific market targeting. Paid ads on Pinterest are a very effective way to drive traffic to your website and acquire new customers. 

5. Google Trends vs Pinterest Trends

Both platforms offer insights into trending topics. However, the nature of trends is very different. Google trends lean towards current events and popular figures, often dominated by established sites like news outlets. Pinterest, meanwhile, revels in ever-changing visual trends.

For newcomers aiming to make their mark on Google, the challenge is real. Achieving high rankings for seasonal or emerging trends necessitates not only a website with robust domain authority but also exceptionally compelling content. Most new entrants start off by targeting less competitive search terms to build their SEO foundation.

Pinterest, on the other hand, offers a more level playing field. Even newcomers can tap into the platform’s ever-shifting trends to drive traffic, especially if they’re timely and strategic about it. One of the secrets to success is to start pinning seasonal content a few months ahead to catch the peak traffic. 

The way people search on Google vs Pinterest couldn’t be more different, it’s like comparing a news bulletin to a mood board. One delivers fast, factual updates, while the other is a visual playground for ideas and inspiration. To see this contrast in action, take a look at the top five trending searches in the UK at the time of writing. Notice how Google is dominated by real-time updates and breaking news, while Pinterest is already shifting towards summer and seasonal planning – months in advance!

To discover what’s trending on Pinterest, Pinterest Trends is your friend. It’s a keyword tool that tells you what people are looking for on Pinterest, and when they’re most likely to be looking. Learn more about it in Pinterest Trends Tool: How to Use it to Boost Paid Ads.

6. Pinterest Boosts Google Ranking

Pinterest isn’t just a top-of-funnel discovery tool, it’s also a powerful traffic driver that can indirectly boost Google rankings. When Pinterest sends a steady stream of visitors to your website, Google takes notice. Increased traffic, longer session durations, and return visits signal to search engines that your content is valuable and relevant, which can positively impact your organic rankings on Google. In other words, the more people discover and engage with your site via Pinterest, the more authority your website builds, helping it rank higher in traditional search results.

Pinterest vs Google – Summary

When it comes to Pinterest vs Google, it’s not about choosing one over the other, it’s about understanding how each platform plays a unique role in your marketing strategy. What’s more, diversity in your digital marketing approach is a great way to safeguard against algorithm shifts and widen your reach.

In 2025, Search Everywhere Optimisation is the key to staying competitive. As search behaviour becomes more fragmented across multiple platforms, brands that strategically integrate both Pinterest and Google into their SEO strategy will drive more traffic, greater visibility, and higher conversions. Are you making the most of both?

Thinking about tapping into Pinterest’s potential for your brand? Let’s chat – I’d love to help!

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Mary Lumley – Pinterest Marketing for eCommerce & Travel / Pinterest vs Google: 6 Key Differences & Opportunities in 2025