Do you want to grow your music career or business online? You should compare Instagram vs. Pinterest and decide which platform is better for you.
I’ve used both and have my own preferences, but they may not match yours. Consider the benefits each has to offer.
But first, this post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy to learn more.
Why Use Instagram
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms for musicians and for good reasons. Here are a few advantages that come from using the app.
Build a Community
One of the times when you should choose Instagram over Pinterest is when you want to build a community. You can connect with your followers in the comments on your posts and in DMs.
It’s become a nice choice to build more engaging relationships with your audience. You can then use those connections to get new clients or customers.
While growing a large audience is quite difficult, growing a loyal one is much easier. Whether you want to teach, perform, or compose, it’s great to build yourself a little community online.
Perfect for Videos
Instagram started as a photo platform, and it’s definitely copied other platforms, such as by adding videos. Still, videos are pretty popular on this social network.
Consider filming yourself practicing or record more polished performances. Post those videos to your Instagram account to help showcase your skills.
Then, you can use the account as a portfolio of sorts when it comes to getting gigs. And you can advertise your services in the caption to tell people what you do.
Provide Customer Service
More and more businesses are using social media to provide customer support. You can tell people to send you a DM on Instagram when they have questions or problems.
It’s a lot easier to respond promptly when you get a message on your phone. I know I don’t always have my business email up on my computer.
But if someone messages me on Instagram, I’ll get a notification. Using the platform can help you help your customers more efficiently, especially when you get small questions.
Work With Brands
As you build a following, you can leverage that influence and get brand deals. These are partnerships where a brand pays you to promote its product or service in your content.
Instagram is one of the best platforms for these types of partnerships due to built-in features. You can then use these partnerships to make more money as a musician.
While it does take work to get to this point, it’s a great way to increase your earning potential. Plus, you can promote brands you already know and love.
Why Use Pinterest
Pinterest is one of the most underutilized social platforms out there. It’s a lot more powerful than you might think, so consider the following reasons to give it a go.
Longer Post Life
My favorite part of Pinterest is that posts circulate through the algorithm for much longer. As I’m writing this, my top-performing Pinterest pin is one I published in September 2021, over two years ago.
Compare that to my top-performing Instagram post, which I shared in late November 2023. I don’t even remember what I shared on Instagram two years ago, and neither does the platform.
If you want to keep getting eyes on your content, Pinterest is the way to go. Yes, it takes longer for a post to take off, but it has the potential to do better long term.
Grow Your Website
Another thing I love about the latter of Instagram vs. Pinterest has to do with my own site. Most social platforms, like Instagram, don’t want users to leave the app.
That’s why you only get one link in your IG bio and the option to use links in stories. But on Pinterest, they actually want you to visit other websites.
You can add a link to any pin you publish on Pinterest. So you could link to a blog post, product or service page, or almost anything else, and that can help you get more website views.
Promote Products Directly
Have you tried to get people to click on your website by sending them to the link in your bio? I know I have, and I haven’t been very successful.
But since you can link to a product on a pin, you don’t have to give people that extra step. That makes it so much easier for your audience to click on your website.
And making that process easier can help increase conversions, which means you’ll make more money. You shouldn’t have to struggle to get people to your website.
Easier to Grow
At least as of late, I’ve found it much easier to grow my Pinterest vs. Instagram. Even if my follower count isn’t growing, my number of impressions is.
So are the number of pin clicks and outbound clicks I’m getting. Follower count doesn’t matter as much on Pinterest since the algorithm doesn’t have a following feed.
The platform will show you what it thinks you’ll be interested in. And it will use your activity to help tailor recommendations, including posts from people you don’t follow.
Can Musicians Really Use Pinterest?
Musicians can use Pinterest to market themselves and their businesses. If you sell products, you should especially be on the platform.
It’s also useful if you’ve written any blog posts related to your business. My latest analytics show that there’s an audience of 10 million people interested in music on Pinterest.
Can You Use Instagram and Pinterest?
You can use Instagram and Pinterest together to promote your business. I’d recommend tailoring your content to each platform.
However, I’ve also started experimenting with pinning my Instagram posts on Pinterest. That way, I can (hopefully) get more traffic to my Instagram.
Instagram vs. Pinterest: Which Will You Use?
When comparing Instagram vs. Pinterest, the former may seem to be the clear winner. But depending on your goals, you may want to test the latter of the two.
I’ve used both, and I personally prefer Pinterest. It better fits with my current goals, and I find it a little less stressful compared to Instagram.
But if you want to focus on Instagram, I have to recommend The Instagram Marketing & Sales Academy. I learned a lot of great strategies in the course that can help with business growth.
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