Tailwind vs. Manual Pinning: Which One Works Best?
Pinterest is a powerhouse for driving traffic, increasing brand awareness, and boosting sales. But if you want to make the most of this platform, you need a solid pinning strategy. That brings us to the big debate: Tailwind vs. manual pinning—Which one works best?
In this blog post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each method, analyze their effectiveness, and help you decide the best approach for your Pinterest marketing strategy.
What is Tailwind?
Tailwind is an official Pinterest Partner and a scheduling tool that automates the pinning process. It lets you schedule posts in advance, analyze performance, and optimize content distribution.
Key Features of Tailwind:
Smart Scheduling – Posts go out at the best times for engagement.
Tailwind Communities – Collaborate with other pinners in niche groups.
Analytics & Insights – Track performance, repins, and engagement.
SmartLoop – Automatically reshuffles high-performing pins.
Bulk Uploading – Schedule multiple pins at once to save time.
What is Manual Pinning?
Manual pinning means posting pins in real-time without automation tools. This requires logging into Pinterest daily, creating and uploading pins, writing descriptions, and strategically pinning them to relevant boards.
Key Aspects of Manual Pinning:
Real-time posting – Engages directly with Pinterest users.
Hands-on control – Gives you full control over each post.
Fresh content focus – Pinterest favors fresh, original pins.
Direct engagement – More chances for organic interaction.
Tailwind vs. Manual Pinning: A Detailed Comparison
Let’s compare both methods based on key Pinterest marketing factors.
1. Time Management
Tailwind: Saves time with bulk scheduling. You can plan weeks of content in advance.
Manual Pinning: Requires daily effort. It offers more control but can be time-consuming. Winner: Tailwind – Best for busy marketers who need efficiency.
2. Engagement & Algorithm Favorability
Tailwind: Schedules pins optimally, but Pinterest favors real-time engagement.
Manual Pinning: Signals to Pinterest that you’re active, potentially boosting reach. Winner: Manual Pinning – More aligned with Pinterest’s algorithm.
3. Consistency & Posting Frequency
Tailwind: Ensures consistent posting, even when you're offline.
Manual Pinning: Requires daily effort, making consistency harder to maintain. Winner: Tailwind – Automates consistency, which is key for growth.
4. Content Performance & Data Analysis
Tailwind: Provides insights into pin performance, best posting times, and engagement trends.
Manual Pinning: No built-in analytics unless you track performance manually. Winner: Tailwind – Data-driven insights help optimize strategy.
5. Cost Considerations
Tailwind: Paid tool with monthly or annual fees, but it saves hours of work.
Manual Pinning: Completely free but more time-consuming. Winner: Manual Pinning – More budget-friendly for beginners.
6. Growth Potential & Reach
Tailwind: Distributes pins across multiple boards efficiently, increasing exposure.
Manual Pinning: More natural, but limits how much content you can post daily. Winner: Tailwind – Greater reach with less effort.
Which Strategy Works Best for You?
The best approach depends on your goals, time, and budget. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Use Tailwind if:
You need to save time and automate posting.
You want analytics to refine your strategy.
You manage multiple Pinterest accounts.
You prefer consistent, scheduled pinning.
Use Manual Pinning if:
You want full control over each post.
You have time to engage daily.
You’re focused on organic engagement.
You’re on a tight budget and prefer free methods.
Best Practice: A Hybrid Approach
Many Pinterest experts recommend a mix of Tailwind and manual pinning for the best results. Here’s how:
Use Tailwind for bulk scheduling to maintain a steady content flow.
Manually pin fresh content and engage with other users daily.
Monitor analytics to see which strategy performs better.
Final Verdict
Both Tailwind and manual pinning have their advantages. If you want to scale efficiently, Tailwind is a great investment. But it is also important to note that Pinterest favors pins that are directly scheduled and posted on the platform.
By combining both strategies, you can automate posting while still engaging in real-time—giving you the best of both worlds!
Want to Leverage Pinterest for Your Business?
If you’re ready to skyrocket your traffic, increase sales, and build an engaged audience on Pinterest, avail our Pinterest Management service now.
Let’s take your Pinterest marketing to the next level!
Not sure yet if this is for you? No worries, you can book a consultation with us and we’ll guide you of the best approach.
