What I Wish I Knew: Mindset Lessons for New Pinterest Managers

If you’ve ever stared at your laptop wondering, “Why is this working for everyone but me?” – you’re not alone.

Maybe you’ve tried to pitch yourself. Maybe you’ve spent hours crafting pins and mapping out boards. But behind the effort, there’s this quiet doubt that creeps in: What if I’m not cut out for this?

Let’s be real: Pinterest strategy matters, but mindset? That’s the foundation. If your head’s not in the right place, even the best outreach strategy will fall flat.

So let’s get into the shifts that made the biggest difference in my own business.

1. Believe in the Value of Your Work

I used to cringe when people asked what I did for a living – not because I wasn’t proud of it, but because I knew they wouldn’t get it.

Try explaining Pinterest strategy to your aunt over Sunday dinner and watch the confusion unfold.

But when it comes to potential clients? That was different. Even at the beginning – before my strategies were perfected – I knew I could help people, and that confidence came through in my pitches. I might have been unsure of the how, but I was never unsure of the value.

The truth is, Pinterest is a powerful long-term marketing tool. And when you believe in the value that you bring to your clients, it shows. It comes through in your pitch, your strategy, your energy – and your results.

2. Adopt a Growth-Oriented Mindset

Here’s the truth: I booked out my Pinterest services in the beginning by cold emailing. Not through networking. Not through referrals. Just consistent outreach and refining my pitch.

If you’re not hearing back from your emails, it’s not about bad luck – it’s about tweaking and improving your pitch so it speaks directly to what potential clients need.

A growth-oriented mindset means seeing challenges as opportunities to learn and refine.

If the response rate is low, instead of doubting yourself or your worth, use it as a cue to review and improve your approach.

Remember, building a business is about progress, not perfection.

Keep honing your skills, and embrace each opportunity to get better. Persistence and adaptability are key.

3. Consistency Over Perfection

When you’re starting out in Pinterest management (or any business), it’s easy to feel like everything needs to be perfect. But here’s the truth: perfection won’t get you results – consistency will.

You don’t need a flawless website or an Instagram presence that’s on fire to get started.

When I first launched my business, my website was awful, and I had zero Instagram presence. But I was consistent with my pitching and showing up for my business – and within weeks, I was fully booked.

What really matters is your commitment to keep showing up. Whether it’s creating content, refining your pitch, or engaging with potential clients, consistency is what builds momentum and trust.

Over time, that consistency leads to results, and those results will propel your growth. So stop sweating the small stuff. Focus on the bigger picture and keep moving forward!

4. Embrace Patience and Persistence

This is a big one: patience is essential. Growing your business, whether you’re managing Pinterest for clients or building your own brand, takes time – and there are no shortcuts.

It’s easy to feel discouraged when results aren’t immediate. But remember, it’s persistence – showing up every day and staying committed to your goals – that will get you to long-term success.

While some might focus on quick wins, it’s the steady, consistent effort that brings true, sustainable growth.

Whether you’re refining your strategies, working with clients, or building your brand, trust that small, persistent steps will get you there.

Patience doesn’t mean sitting still; it means staying the course while letting things evolve naturally.

5. Cultivate a Positive Relationship with Money

When you’re just starting out, it’s totally okay to begin with lower prices.

I charged $300 for my first few clients – and each time I learned something new, improved my strategy, or invested in a course, I raised my rates.

You don’t have to start at premium pricing, but you do need to see your work as valuable from the beginning.

Working for free might help you land quick clients, but more often than not, those clients won’t truly value your work – and the testimonials you get likely won’t reflect your true potential.

Pricing yourself too low for too long can also erode your confidence.

You bring expertise to the table, even if you’re still refining your systems. As your confidence and skill set grow, so should your rates.

Your services are an investment, not a favour – and your pricing should reflect that.

6. Focus on Your Own Growth, Not Comparison

In the online business world, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap

You see others posting their wins, and suddenly, you feel like you’re falling behind. But here’s the thing: comparison is the thief of joy.

Instead of focusing on others, focus on your own progress. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small they might seem.

Set your own goals and focus on how far you’ve come, not where others are in their journey. Building your business is a unique path, and it’s important to stay focused on what works for you.

And here’s something else I want to stress: other Pinterest managers aren’t your competition. Yes, technically you’re in the same field – but having a community of like-minded business owners is so powerful.

When you surround yourself with people who understand what you do, who can cheer you on, swap stories, and offer advice – it shifts everything. 

Community over competition isn’t just a cute phrase. It’s a mindset that’ll help you grow faster and feel less alone.

Try this: Mute anyone who makes you doubt your pace. Then make a list of your wins this month. Even the tiny ones. Especially those.

7. Practice Resilience

Not every client will “get” what Pinterest does. Not every pin will perform. Not every algorithm update will feel fair.

But the difference between those who thrive as Pinterest managers and those who don’t? Resilience.

Here’s a mantra for tough times: “This is part of it. I can handle hard things.”

I’ve been in the Pinterest game for almost a decade now, and let me tell you: clients will leave for various reasons, and those rejections can sting.

I used to take it personally, but the moment I stopped doing that was when I was able to move forward, quickly filling those spots and focusing on my next opportunity.

Today, I have clients who’ve been with me for multiple years, many of whom are great at sending referrals my way. None of this would have been possible without resilience.

Every setback is a lesson, and every time you bounce back, you’re building not just muscle for business, but for life.

Without resilience, expanding my services and continuing to grow wouldn’t have been possible. It’s an essential trait for anyone in business.

8. Prioritise Your Well-Being

This isn’t discussed enough in the online business world.

When you’re building a business from home, it’s so easy to let the lines blur between work and rest. But just because you’re self-employed doesn’t mean you don’t deserve breaks.

In fact, creating space for rest and personal time is one of the best things you can do for your mindset and long-term success.

My biggest recommendation? Take at least one hour every single day just for you – completely away from work, family, and the general noise of life. 

For me, that’s tending to my plants (of course!) but you could also go for a solo walk, get lost in a book, or just sit in the sun and let your mind wander… whatever makes you happy.

At first, it might feel unproductive or even selfish – but push through that. It’s not indulgent, it’s necessary.

In a traditional 9-5 job, you’d get breaks and a set time to clock off. You need that same structure as a business owner, too. Building in that time for yourself isn’t lazy – it’s healthy, and it’s what will help you stay energised, creative, and focused for the long haul.

Final Thought: Mindset Is Everything

You can have the best templates, tools, and content strategy – but if your mindset’s shaky, your business will feel shaky too.

So here’s your permission to believe deeply in what you’re building. To pace yourself. To keep showing up, even when it feels slow. You’re doing more right than you realise.

🌟 Need more support like this?

• Join the Pinterest VA Facebook group, hosted by myself and Amy from Levee Road Studio
• Grab the How to Become a Pinterest Manager eBook if you’re just getting started
• Dive into the Scheduling Shortcuts Pinterest Strategy Course to level up your skills
• Or snag the Find Clients eBook to start landing dream clients sooner

You’ve got this. And I’m cheering for you every step of the way.