Inside this Article:
- Can you get paid through Pinterest?
- Step 1: Set Up a Pinterest Business Account
- Step 2: Grow Your Audience (Your Pinterest Traffic Engine)
- Step 3: Join the Pinterest Creator Rewards Program
- Step 4: Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest
- Step 5: Get Sponsored by Brands (Influencer Marketing)
- Step 6: Sell Your Own Products (Physical or Digital)
- Step 7: Scale with Promoted Pins (Pinterest Ads)
- Step 8: Track Performance with Pinterest Analytics
- Step 9: Stay Compliant and Agile
- Step 10: Cross-Promote to Amplify Reach
Pinterest has evolved from a digital scrapbook into a full-fledged marketing powerhouse. With over 400 million monthly active users, the platform offers unique opportunities for creators, influencers, and business owners to make real money. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your side hustle, here’s a comprehensive, actionable guide on how to get paid through Pinterest.
Can you get paid through Pinterest?
Step 1: Set Up a Pinterest Business Account
To access Pinterest’s full suite of monetization tools, you need to use a business account.
How to Do It:
- Visit pinterest.com/business/create
- Fill in your business name, email, and website.
- Verify your website to gain access to analytics and Rich Pins.
Profile Optimization Checklist:
- Choose a high-resolution profile photo (your logo or a clear headshot).
- Write a keyword-rich bio that explains what you do and who you help.
- Add a clickable link to your blog, online store, or Linktree-style landing page.
Why It Matters:
A business account unlocks tools like Pinterest Analytics, Pinterest Ads Manager, and the Pinterest Shopping feature—all crucial for monetization.
Step 2: Grow Your Audience (Your Pinterest Traffic Engine)
Before you can monetize effectively, you need an engaged audience.
Build a Smart Content Strategy:
- Choose a niche you’re passionate about (e.g., fashion, DIY crafts, wellness, or productivity).
- Post 5–10 high-quality pins daily using fresh images.
- Use Canva or Photoshop to create scroll-stopping vertical pins (2:3 ratio is best).
Pinterest SEO Tips:
- Use keywords in your pin titles, descriptions, and board names.
- Research keywords using Pinterest’s search bar —look at autocomplete suggestions.
- Tailwind and Pin Inspector can also help identify trending topics.
Community Engagement:
- Join niche-relevant group boards to expand your reach.
- Repin others’ content to stay active.
- Enable Rich Pins to automatically pull metadata (for blog posts, products, recipes).
Why It Works:
Pinterest is a visual search engine, not a social media platform. SEO and consistency trump virality. Over time, this builds your monthly views—essential for brand deals and Creator Rewards eligibility.
Step 3: Join the Pinterest Creator Rewards Program
One of Pinterest’s newest monetization methods is through Creator Rewards , designed to pay creators for producing Idea Pins.
Program Requirements (subject to change):
- 10,000 followers or more
- 100,000 monthly views
- At least 3–5 Idea Pins posted in the last month
- Content aligned with Pinterest's current themes (e.g., sustainability, wellness, parenting)
How Payments Work:
Pinterest issues challenges like “Create 3 Idea Pins about eco-friendly living.” You earn set payouts (e.g., $100–$500 per challenge) for meeting the criteria. Payments are made via PayPal or bank transfer.
Tip:
Use Canva to design engaging Idea Pins with step-by-step tutorials, mini vlogs, or before/after transformations. Add voiceovers and music directly in the Pinterest app.
Step 4: Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest
You can earn commissions every time someone clicks your pin and makes a purchase.
Affiliate Network Options:
- Amazon Associates
- ShareASale
- Impact
- RewardStyle (LTK)
- Rakuten
Best Practices:
- Use your affiliate link as the destination URL in the pin.
- Create visually appealing pins that clearly showcase the product.
- Always disclose affiliate relationships (#ad or “affiliate link” in the pin description).
High-Converting Pin Ideas:
- Product comparisons (“Best Blenders Under $100”)
- Gift guides (“Top Gifts for Dog Lovers”)
- DIY tools and supplies used in your tutorials
Important:
Pinterest limits some direct affiliate links. Always test your link before publishing. If needed, use a bridge page (like a blog post or landing page) to route traffic.
Step 5: Get Sponsored by Brands (Influencer Marketing)
Pinterest influencers are increasingly in demand—especially those with niche authority and high engagement.
How to Land Sponsorships:
- Sign up for influencer platforms: AspireIQ, Influence.co, Activate, or Fohr.
- Pitch brands directly via email. Show how your audience aligns with their target market.
Create a Media Kit:
Include:
- Your Pinterest stats (followers, monthly views, average saves/clicks)
- Demographics (from Pinterest Analytics)
- Examples of successful pins
- Testimonials or past brand partnerships
Sponsored Pin Ideas:
- A branded Idea Pin showing how you use a product
- A carousel of styled photos featuring a brand’s product
- A tutorial using the brand’s product (e.g., “How to style this jacket 3 ways”)
Step 6: Sell Your Own Products (Physical or Digital)
Pinterest is perfect for driving product discovery and sales.
Physical Products:
- Connect your Shopify or Etsy store.
- Enable product tagging through Pinterest Shopping.
- Create product-specific boards (e.g., “My Handmade Jewelry” or “Eco-Friendly Decor”).
Digital Products:
- Sell eBooks, online courses, checklists, or templates using Gumroad, SendOwl, or Payhip.
- Link your pins to landing pages with strong CTAs.
Example:
A Pinterest VA might sell a “Pinterest Starter Kit” eBook through a pin reading: “Ready to grow your blog traffic with Pinterest? Download my free guide!”
Step 7: Scale with Promoted Pins (Pinterest Ads)
When organic growth plateaus, paid ads help scale traffic and conversions.
How Promoted Pins Work:
- Choose your campaign goal (traffic, conversions, awareness)
- Set your budget and target audience (by age, gender, interests, or keywords)
- Analyze results with Pinterest Ads Manager
A/B Testing Ideas:
- Test different pin designs for the same product
- Try multiple keywords
- Change call-to-action copy (“Shop Now” vs. “Discover More”)
Bonus: Retarget visitors who clicked your pins or visited your website to improve ROI .
Step 8: Track Performance with Pinterest Analytics
Key Metrics to Monitor:
- Monthly views (top-level reach)
- Link clicks (traffic driver)
- Saves (content value)
- Audience insights (gender, location, interests)
Use these insights to:
- Focus on top-performing boards or pins
- Double down on high-CTR designs
- Improve underperforming content
Step 9: Stay Compliant and Agile
Legal Compliance:
- Disclose affiliate links and sponsored content clearly.
- Avoid misleading content (fake before-and-afters, exaggerated claims).
Stay Updated:
Pinterest frequently updates its features—like Story Pins, Video Pins, and new algorithm tweaks. Join creator newsletters or follow Pinterest’s official blog to stay in the loop.
Step 10: Cross-Promote to Amplify Reach
Pinterest isn’t a silo—connect your efforts across platforms.
Where to Share Your Pins:
- Instagram Stories (with a “Visit My Pinterest” swipe-up)
- Your blog (embed pins in posts)
- YouTube (mention pins in video tutorials)
- Email newsletters
- Bonus Tip:
Repurpose content—turn blog posts into pins, or TikToks into Idea Pins to save time.
Final Thoughts: Build Smart, Monetize Wisely
Making money on Pinterest takes time, testing, and consistency. But with the right strategy, it’s possible to turn your boards into a business.
Key Takeaways:
- Start with value—focus on helping your audience.
- Build a following before monetizing aggressively.
- Mix income streams: affiliate marketing, product sales, sponsored content, and Creator Rewards.
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