The world of plant nurseries has undergone a seismic shift in recent years. Gone are the days when gardeners would make a leisurely drive to the local nursery, browse for plants, and ask questions face-to-face. Today, the green-thumbed community is just as likely to look online for inspiration and purchases. For plant nurseries, this new era brings both challenges and exciting opportunities—especially when harnessing the power of Pinterest marketing.

In this post, we explore how plant nurseries can flourish online, drawing on expert insights from Tammy Sons, CEO of TN Nursery and a seasoned horticulturist. We’ll break down actionable Pinterest marketing strategies to help plant nurseries grow their brand, boost sales, and cultivate a loyal customer base in the thriving ecommerce landscape.

The Rise of Ecommerce in the Nursery Business

The Covid-19 pandemic turbocharged the shift to online shopping, and the plant nursery industry was no exception. According to industry reports, online plant sales saw a double-digit increase, as homeowners transformed their backyards and balconies into lush, personal retreats. But while the demand soared, so did the competition. Standing out in a crowded digital marketplace became more crucial than ever.

Enter Pinterest: a visual discovery engine and social platform uniquely suited for plant nurseries. As Tammy Sons of TN Nursery explains, “Pinterest is where people go for inspiration. Gardeners and plant lovers search for design ideas, care tips, and beautiful images to spark their next project. It’s the perfect place for nurseries to showcase their plants and expertise.”

Why Pinterest Marketing Matters for Plant Nurseries

Pinterest isn’t just another social media platform—it’s a powerful tool for discovery and shopping. With over 450 million monthly users, Pinterest is a visual search engine that attracts people actively planning purchases, from home decor to gardening projects.

For plant nurseries, Pinterest marketing offers several unique advantages:

1. Visual Appeal: Plants and gardens are naturally photogenic. Pinterest’s image-driven format lets nurseries display their stock and design ideas in creative ways.
2. Targeted Reach: Users search Pinterest with intent, often looking for “shade-loving perennials,” “drought-tolerant shrubs,” or “container garden ideas”—precisely the kind of information nurseries provide.
3. Long-Term Value: Pinterest pins have a longer shelf life than posts on other platforms, continually driving traffic months after being published.

Tammy Sons emphasizes, “Pinterest is where trends start. People pin and share what inspires them, which gives nurseries the chance to become go-to sources for plant and garden ideas.”

Building a Winning Pinterest Marketing Strategy

So how can plant nurseries use Pinterest marketing to thrive online? Here are expert strategies from TN Nursery’s Tammy Sons:

1. Curate High-Quality, Original Content

Pinterest users are drawn to beautiful, high-resolution photos. Invest in quality photography of your best-selling plants, garden layouts, and seasonal displays. Create vertical pins (1000 x 1500 pixels) for optimal visibility.

Include educational content alongside product images. For example, post pins about “How to Care for Hydrangeas,” “DIY Butterfly Garden Ideas,” or “Planting for Pollinators.” This positions your nursery as a helpful resource and increases engagement.

2. Optimize Pins for Search

Pinterest operates like a visual search engine. Use descriptive titles and detailed pin descriptions with keywords such as “plant nursery,” “native perennials,” or “spring flowering shrubs.” Include your location to attract local customers (“Nashville plant nursery” or “Middle Tennessee wildflowers”).

Tammy Sons advises, “Think about what your customers are searching for. Answer their questions before they even ask.”

3. Create Themed Boards

Organize your pins into themed boards—such as “Shade Garden Inspiration,” “Deer-Resistant Plants,” or “Easy Houseplants.” This makes it easy for users to navigate and follow topics that interest them.

Feature a mix of your own content and curated pins from other sources. This builds authority and trust, keeping your Pinterest profile fresh and engaging.

4. Link Pins to Your Ecommerce Site

Every pin should direct users back to your website or online store. Use clear calls to action, such as “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” or “Order Online.” Make sure your website is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate for seamless conversions.

5. Monitor Trends and Analytics

Pinterest releases seasonal trend reports and offers built-in analytics tools. Track which pins and boards perform best, then refine your content strategy based on these insights.

Tammy Sons notes, “Seasonality is everything in horticulture. By tracking what’s trending—like spring bulbs or autumn foliage—you can time your promotions for maximum impact.”

Connecting With Gardeners and Nature Lovers

Pinterest marketing isn’t just about driving sales; it’s about building a community. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your nursery, introduce staff, and highlight customer success stories. This personal touch fosters loyalty and encourages repeat business.

In Tammy Sons’ words, “Plant nurseries are more than just stores. We’re stewards of nature and sources of inspiration. Pinterest lets us share that passion with the world.”

Conclusion: Planting the Seeds of Success

The future of plant nurseries lies in embracing ecommerce and creative marketing channels like Pinterest. By combining high-quality visual content, targeted SEO, and genuine engagement, nurseries can reach new audiences and grow their business—one pin at a time.

Whether you’re a family-owned nursery or an online plant retailer, now is the perfect time to invest in Pinterest marketing. As TN Nursery’s Tammy Sons demonstrates, with a thoughtful strategy and a love for plants, your nursery can thrive in the digital age.

Pinterest Marketing: What Google’s Antitrust Loss Means for SMB Advertising

On April 17, 2025, a landmark decision was handed down in the ongoing antitrust case against Google’s advertising business. The U.S. District Court’s ruling made waves across digital marketing circles, stirring speculation about how advertising landscapes might shift—especially for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). However, as the dust settles, one thing has become clear: for many SMBs, Google’s antitrust loss will likely leave their advertising strategies—and their results—unchanged. In fact, savvy marketers are increasingly looking to alternative platforms like Pinterest to drive real business growth.

Understanding the Google Antitrust Ruling

Before we dive into Pinterest marketing, it’s worth understanding what the Google antitrust ruling actually means for SMB advertisers. The Department of Justice’s case against Google focused on allegations that the tech giant’s dominance in the search and display ad markets unfairly stifled competition. The April 2025 decision calls for changes in how Google manages its advertising technologies and relationships with publishers.

Yet, for most SMBs, the day-to-day impact is negligible. The primary reason? Smaller advertisers have always faced challenges breaking through the noise on Google’s crowded and costly ad auctions. The system’s complexity and scale often favor big-budget brands that can bid aggressively and optimize relentlessly.

So, where should SMBs turn for more effective, affordable, and creative marketing? Increasingly, the answer is Pinterest.

Why Pinterest Marketing Is Gaining Ground

Pinterest has quietly but powerfully evolved into one of the most valuable marketing platforms for SMBs. With over 450 million active users searching for inspiration, products, and services, Pinterest offers a unique, intent-driven environment where brands can engage consumers at critical moments in their decision-making process.

Unlike traditional social media, where users focus on updates from friends or influencers, Pinterest users are planners and dreamers. They actively seek out ideas, pinning content that helps them envision their next home renovation, wardrobe upgrade, or business project. This “discovery mindset” makes Pinterest marketing particularly effective for SMBs seeking to reach motivated buyers early in the purchase funnel.

How SMBs Can Win With Pinterest Marketing

Here’s why now is the perfect time for SMBs to double down on Pinterest marketing:

1. Lower Advertising Costs

Compared to Google or Facebook, Pinterest’s ad platform remains relatively affordable. Cost-per-click and cost-per-acquisition rates are often lower, giving SMBs more bang for their marketing buck. Plus, Pinterest’s algorithm rewards high-quality, engaging pins—leveling the playing field for brands with smaller budgets.

2. Targeted Reach and High Purchase Intent

Pinterest allows advertisers to target audiences based on interests, keywords, demographics, and even specific life events like “moving” or “wedding planning.” This granular targeting, combined with Pinterest’s intent-driven user base, means your ads reach people who are genuinely interested in what you offer—often at a crucial moment before they make a purchase decision.

3. Evergreen Content Value

Pins have a much longer shelf life than posts on other platforms. A great pin can continue driving traffic and conversions for months, even years, after it’s published. This evergreen quality means your investment in Pinterest marketing continues to pay off long after the initial campaign ends.

4. Visual Storytelling Opportunities

Pinterest is a visually focused platform—perfect for showcasing products, telling brand stories, and sparking creative inspiration. SMBs can use rich imagery, videos, and infographics to engage audiences, build brand affinity, and encourage saves and shares.

5. Seamless Shopping Experiences

Pinterest’s robust shopping features make it easy for users to discover and buy products directly on the platform. SMBs can integrate their product catalogs, set up shoppable pins, and drive sales without complex setup or ongoing management.

Best Practices for Pinterest Marketing Success

If you’re ready to get started with Pinterest marketing, here are some best practices to maximize your results:

– **Optimize Your Profile:** Make sure your business profile is complete with a clear description, relevant keywords, and a link to your website.
– **Create Eye-Catching Pins:** Use high-resolution images, bold text overlays, and compelling calls-to-action.
– **Leverage Rich Pins:** Add extra information to your pins to improve engagement and click-through rates.
– **Pin Consistently:** Regular pinning keeps your brand visible and relevant to your audience.
– **Analyze and Adjust:** Use Pinterest Analytics to track what works, then refine your strategy for even better results.

Why Pinterest Marketing Outshines the Google Ad Status Quo

While Google’s antitrust ruling may not shift the needle for SMB advertisers, Pinterest marketing offers a genuine opportunity for growth. Pinterest’s unique audience, affordable advertising options, and long-lasting content value empower SMBs to reach customers in a way that feels organic, inspirational, and—most importantly—effective.

In a post-antitrust world where the big players remain largely unaffected, it’s the brands willing to explore new platforms and fresh strategies that will come out ahead. For SMBs, Pinterest marketing isn’t just an alternative—it’s a smart, scalable solution for driving traffic, sales, and lasting brand loyalty.

Ready to boost your SMB’s marketing results? Make Pinterest your next move.