Episode 21

Pinterest for Ecommerce: Why It Outperforms Instagram for Retail Traffic

Published on: 19th January, 2026

Most retailers don’t need another social media platform.

They need traffic that actually shows up ready to buy.

Hi, I'm Clare Bailey, founder of Retail Champion.

In this episode of Retail Reckoning, I’m joined by Pinterest and visual search specialist Frances Brown to unpack why Pinterest works so differently for ecommerce retailers, and why so many businesses overlook it.

Pinterest isn’t social media.

It’s a visual search engine built around intent, planning, and discovery.

We talk about how shoppers use Pinterest when they already have a problem to solve or a purchase in mind. Not for doom-scrolling, but for ideas, inspiration, and decisions. And why that makes it such a powerful platform for independent retailers with visual products.

This episode breaks down:

  1. Why Pinterest content lasts months, not minutes
  2. How visual search changes buyer behaviour
  3. What boards and pins actually do behind the scenes
  4. How Pinterest integrates with ecommerce and Shopify
  5. Why planners beat algorithms when it comes to long-term traffic

If you’re tired of posting constantly, watching content disappear, and feeling like visibility is getting harder instead of easier, this episode will help you rethink where your effort belongs.

Less noise.

More intent.

Better quality traffic.

Let’s get your Retail Reckoning together.

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Useful links:

Retail Champion: https://theretailchampion.co.uk

Pinterest Business: https://business.pinterest.com

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About the Podcast

Retail Reckoning - Retail Stories from Retail Frontlines
Welcome to “Retail Reckoning,” the place where you get the real truth about what’s happening on Britain’s high streets. Hosted by Clare Bailey—aka the retail champion and basically a walking encyclopedia for all things retail—this show skips the sugar-coating and gets straight to the good stuff. Clare brings you sharp insights, honest stories, and no-fluff advice from people who've lived and breathed retail for years. Whether you love your local high street or just want to know what’s really going on behind the shop windows, you’re going to get plenty of sass, soul, and stories that actually matter. If you care about your town centre or just want the straight facts on retail, you’re in the right spot. Let’s get into it!