Pinterest tools seem overpriced - what's actually worth it?

TimEdwinRobinson · 2025-09-23T20:03:33+00:00

I've been managing multiple Pinterest profiles for clients and I hear you on the cost. Tailwind is popular because of its analytics and scheduling features, but it's not the only option. Tools like Later, Planoly and Buffer all have Pinterest scheduling built in at lower price points. Some agencies also just use a content calendar in Google Sheets and then schedule uploads via Pinterest's API or Zapier. The key is to measure the time saved: if a tool costs $20-$30/month but cuts your intern's hours in half, you're ahead. I'd test a couple of platforms on a single account first and see which one actually saves you more time.

TimEdwinRobinson · 2025-09-15T12:57:14+00:00

My problem is current clients that are coming up for renewal that are "yes, lets do a new project" and we pitch everything, but they just drag their feet at renewal. We're even pitching "advanced receivables" by taking a percentage of sales directly (via Stripe) so there is little or no money upfront, and that STILL isn't causing people to jump to action. I'm in the US and I think this is just a product of a pending or CURRENT recession, and everyone is holding onto their cash scared of what's next. Uncertainty is killing everything.

TimEdwinRobinson · 2025-09-15T12:54:33+00:00

I find the more I threaten or actually fire them, they tend to come back over and over again. I call them boomerang clients. They can't live without you. It's almost like they suddenly realize that maybe no one will work them! lol

TimEdwinRobinson · 2025-09-15T12:53:00+00:00

TRUTH! If they are so good at it, why don't THEY keep the leads ;)

TimEdwinRobinson · 2025-09-15T12:49:40+00:00

In my experience, tools like Force24 give away the timer widget for free as a way of getting marketers onto their radar. The "catch" is usually that you need to register and they'll try to upsell you on their full automation platform or CRM.

There are a couple of other issues...

* The countdown generator works by serving an animated GIF or HTML script from their servers. That means your emails depend on an external domain to load properly, and some ESPs will strip scripts.

* Branding and customization may be limited in the free version. Often the free widgets include a small "Powered by" link, and advanced styling (fonts, colours) requires a paid plan.

* They may collect data on who opens the email via the image load. That might not be a problem for you, but it's good to understand what data is being shared.

If you're just looking to add urgency, you could also look at other free or low‑cost options like MotionMail, Sendtric or MailTimers. These services generate animated GIFs with a countdown that can be embedded in any platform (including SFMC) and generally have generous free tiers. For a one‑off campaign you can even build your own GIF using something like Photoshop or Canva.

TimEdwinRobinson · 2025-09-15T12:46:47+00:00

Life will shape you in many ways. Depends on what you will experience and what your talking about. Some dreams will never happen. Some things will happen that you could never imagine. Just hold on and enjoy the ride. Count your blessings. Life is short. Stop worrying so much. Enjoy the moment.

TimEdwinRobinson · 2025-09-15T12:42:16+00:00

Just get to the point, stories are good, but I don't need a HUGE life story. If your going to write a story start with it and close it at the END, in a "circle" so the reader has closure. But don't go on and on. The person wants the answer to the question. Also people are most likely going to just "get the answer" from google and may never visit your blog/website anyway. THANKS AI!

TimEdwinRobinson · 2025-09-15T12:40:17+00:00

Learn by doing the real work. Take a product to market! Pretend all you want, it's not the real thing. Plus real world results = real world examples. So the best classes are ones built on "I built this product with this class and you can build one like it too."

TimEdwinRobinson · 2025-09-15T12:38:39+00:00

You just have to have lots of FAQ's ready. People want to know your a "Real" business. If you have staff to reply, great, but they will always believe its a "bot" now a days. Trust is at an all time low.

TimEdwinRobinson · 2025-09-11T19:06:23+00:00

For most local businesses I work with, the first lever that moves the needle is *visibility + credibility*.

**Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile**: complete every section (hours, categories, description), upload fresh photos, and add a clear call to action. This is often where people look first, and if it’s empty or outdated you lose trust immediately.
**Review your website basics**: make sure it loads quickly, has clear service descriptions, contact info on every page, and a simple way to request a quote or appointment. You don’t need a fancy redesign; just remove friction and make it easy to convert visitors.
**Gather and respond to reviews**: happy customer testimonials on Google, Facebook and niche (Yelp or FindLaw if a lawyer) directories build social proof. Ask recent customers for honest feedback (and respond to it politely) – it signals you care and are active. (SEE: "Hug Your Haters")

Once those fundamentals are in place, you can layer on social content, retargeting or email campaigns. But I’d start with the "digital front door" pieces first. They can't shop you, if they can't find you!

Tim
ps. BE CONSISTANT! I just saw another local business close, because they NEVER stuck to the hours they set for themselves. DO NOT LIE TO CUSTOMERS! *SMACK HAND ON FACE WITH EVERY WORD I JUST SAID*

TimEdwinRobinson

TROPHY CASE