Okay, bestie - grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment) because I'm spilling the glitter on all the software I use to run my Pinterest biz like a queen with a dashboard and a dream.
These are the tools that help me pin smarter, not harder - and YES, I make over $50K/year from Pinterest, so these babies more than pay for themselves. Let’s break it down!
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The Freebies
Pinterest
Yes, the Pinterest! I use it for researching what's hot, seeing what pins are going viral, and diving into different niches. This is ground zero for all good Pinteresting things.
Cost: $0/month
Pinterest Trends
An underused gem! Perfect for figuring out what’s about to be trending. This is GOLD for seasonal planning. Bonus tip: Install the PinTrends Chrome Extension to see actual search volume.
Cost: $0/month
PinTrends Chrome Extension
You get this as a bonus with the PinClicks software (more on that juicy tool in a sec!) It shows recent pins that are working - so you can double down on what’s resonating. Cost: Free with PinClicks subscription
The Must-Haves
PinClicks Software
This one is a powerhouse:
Keyword research
Competitor snooping
Finding idea pins + annotations that work
Tracking keywords over time
Cost: $29/month = $348/year
Tailwind
The OG of Pinterest scheduling! I use this to schedule out 10–15 pins a day without losing my mind. It runs like a dream in the background while I live my life.
Cost: $30/month = $360/year
Easy Pin Scheduler
This Chrome extension adds an overlay to the Pinterest scheduler so you can actually see what you’ve got scheduled. It’s simple and genius.
Cost: $27/year
Canva
I make almost ALL my pins in Canva - post pins, regular pins, you name it. I use my own templates and tweak 'em for max clickability.
Cost: $13/month = $156/year
Ideogram
An AI pin generator! It creates gorgeous pins, although Pinterest does sometimes flag them as AI (womp womp). Great for inspiration or filler pins.
Cost: Currently free (subject to change!)
ChatGPT
Helps write pin titles, descriptions, and analyze what’s working. (I love a helpful bot!)
Cost: $20/month = $240/year
PinnerAnalytics
If you like spreadsheets but want them Pinterest-ified, this is your new BFF. It tracks your personal trends and annotations to see what worked historically.
Cost: $27/year
Total Cost Breakdown 💰
Let’s tally it up:
Monthly Costs:
PinClicks: $29
Tailwind: $30
Canva: $13
ChatGPT: $20
Total: $92/month
Annual Costs (including all tools):
PinClicks: $348
Tailwind: $360
Canva: $156
ChatGPT: $240
Easy Pin Scheduler: $27
PinnerAnalytics: $27
Total: $1,158/year
Final Thoughts: Worth It? ABSOLUTELY!
Sure, $92/month or $1,158/year isn’t pocket change - but when your Pinterest biz is bringing in over $50K annually, these tools are NOT expenses. They're investments. They save time, spark ideas, and help you keep growing without burning out.
Hopefully that helps!
XOXO
Tara
PS - Have questions about these tools? Or want me to spill the tea on how I actually use them week-to-week? Drop a Note or hit reply - let’s chat Pinterest productivity hacks!