How To Make Money With Pinterest For Beginners
If you’re looking for more ideas to make money online, then Pinterest can be a great place to start. With over 450 million users, Pinterest is a goldmine for entrepreneurs looking to monetize their skills and talents.
As such, in this guide, I’ll show you how to make money with Pinterest, even if you’re a beginner.
And, while there are a ton of ways to make money online with Pinterest. Today, I’ll share five of the most lucrative options that you should consider.
So, whether you want to promote your blog, sell products on Etsy, market your printable shop, or earn commissions through affiliate marketing, Pinterest can help you achieve your goals.
But where do you even start? How do you get noticed on Pinterest, and can you even monetize your account?
That’s where this guide comes in. I’ll cover everything you need to know to get started, from the basics of what Pinterest is and how it works to more advanced strategies for maximizing your earnings.
So, if you’re ready to learn how to make money with Pinterest, let’s get started!
What is Pinterest?
Pinterest is a popular social media platform that functions as a visual discovery engine. As a Pinterest user, you can save and share images and videos on virtual pinboards, categorizing them by topic and interest.
This platform was established in 2010 and has since evolved into a massive company with millions of users worldwide. This is what Pinterest is about:
A Social Media Platform
Pinterest operates as a social media platform, allowing its users to connect with others, follow accounts, and share content. On Pinterest, you can create boards and collaborate with others, making it a great platform for businesses to showcase their products and engage with customers.
A Visual Discovery Engine
Pinterest’s primary function is to serve as a visual discovery engine. It uses algorithms to show users content that aligns with their interests and search history. This feature makes it a powerful tool for driving traffic to websites, increasing sales, and promoting businesses.
Shopping Integration
Pinterest has integrated shopping features that allow users to discover and purchase products directly through the platform. Businesses can showcase their products, and users can explore shopping recommendations based on their interests.
Smart Feed and Recommendations
Pinterest utilizes a smart feed algorithm that curates content for users based on their interests, searches, and engagement history. The platform also provides personalized recommendations, suggesting boards and pins that align with users’ preferences.
How Pinterest can help you generate traffic to any webpage
If you’re looking to drive traffic to your new or existing website, blog, Etsy shop, printable shop, e-commerce store, or your affiliate links, Pinterest is an excellent platform to utilize.
Because there are over 450 million active monthly users who are searching for amazing ideas, Pinterest can help you generate significant traffic to your webpages.
Why Pinterest is an effective traffic source
Unlike platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), Pinterest is a visual discovery platform that allows its users to search for ideas and save ideas and inspirations to boards.
Pinterest goes a step further, though. It allows its users to click through from pins to get more information via blog posts, web pages, videos, landing pages, etc.
The average Instagram or Twitter post does not link to an external webpage. Instead, all, or most, of the useful information is contained within an Instagram or Twitter post.
Compare this to Pinterest, where virtually every single pin on the Pinterest platform links to an outside webpage. This provides massive traffic potential.
As such, it is an excellent platform to showcase products, content or services and drive highly engaged traffic to various websites.
Making pins
To make money on Pinterest, you need to create pins and save them to properly keyworded boards. This is how you get free traffic from Pinterest to make money.
What is a pin?
A Pinterest pin refers to an image or visual content shared on the Pinterest platform. It typically includes a graphic, photograph, or illustration, along with a brief description or caption. Clicking on a Pinterest pin usually leads to an external link, such as a blog post, article, or website. This allows users to discover more about the content associated with that particular pin. You can see how to make Pinterest pins here.
What is a board?
A Pinterest board is a virtual space on the Pinterest platform where users can organize and save collections of related pins. Users create boards to categorize and curate content based on themes or topics of interest. Each board can be customized with a unique title, description, and cover image.
When someone on the Pinterest platform comes across a pin they like, they can save (“pin”) it to one of their boards. For example, someone interested in recipes might have boards for “Healthy Breakfast Ideas,” “Dinner Recipes,” or “Dessert Delights.”
Pinterest boards serve as a way for users to visually organize and share content that resonates with their interests, hobbies, or aspirations. Other users can follow boards they find appealing, and boards contribute to the overall collaborative and creative nature of the Pinterest community.
Maximizing Pinterest’s potential to drive traffic
To generate traffic with Pinterest, you need to share many eye-catching and visually appealing pins that will attract users’ attention. Pin them consistently. For the best results, share new or fresh pins every day.
It is important to ensure that your pins are well-designed, with high-quality images and clear text overlays.
When you design and share a pin on Pinterest, your ultimate goal should be to get as many saves and outbound clicks as possible.
Also, you need to use relevant keywords on your pin text overlay, in your pin description, title, and alt text to make it easier for users to find your content (pins or videos) when they search or in their home feed.
You can watch this video to see how to create pins for free.
Using Pinterest Analytics to track progress
Pinterest Analytics is a valuable tool that can help you track the success of your Pinterest efforts and make data-driven decisions. You can use it to monitor the performance of your pins, boards, and profile, track your audience engagement, and identify trends.
By tracking your progress on Pinterest, you can know exactly what type of content to create, so you can refine your strategies and maximize your Pinterest potential to drive traffic to your webpages.
Now, let’s discuss ways you can make money with Pinterest.
How to make money with Pinterest
Blogging and Pinterest
If you’re a blogger, Pinterest can be a game-changer for your website traffic and monetization efforts. Because this platform has over 450 million active users, it can drive a massive influx of visitors to your blog, helping you reach a broader audience and increase your readership.
If you have a blog or want to start one, and you want to grow your traffic fairly quickly, then you should know that popular topics are your best bet for getting there.
Some of the most sought-after topics on the platform include recipes and cooking, home decor and DIY projects, fashion and style, travel destinations, health and fitness, do-it-yourself crafts, beauty and skincare, wedding planning, parenting tips, inspirational quotes, photography, and gardening. Each niche encompasses a wealth of content, making Pinterest a dynamic space for users to explore and curate ideas they’re interested in.
If you want to learn how to start a blog, I highly recommend checking this post out. It is comprehensive and can help you start your own professional-looking blog in no time!
Monetizing your blog with Pinterest
Pinterest can also be a powerful tool for bloggers looking to monetize their content. With Pinterest, you can drive a lot of traffic to your blog, promote your affiliate products, sponsored content, and digital products, and showcase your display ads to make money.
Pinterest best practices for bloggers
Here are five effective tips for using Pinterest to drive traffic to a new blog:
- Create Compelling Pins: I’ve mentioned this before, but it deserves mentioning again. You need to design visually appealing and high-quality pins that stand out. Use vibrant images, clear fonts, and engaging graphics. Vertical pins tend to perform well on Pinterest, so optimize your visuals accordingly. Make sure each pin includes a clear call-to-action, branding, or a descriptive caption and links to a relevant webpage. Here is an example of a great pin:
- Optimize Pin Descriptions: You need to craft keyword-rich and compelling descriptions for your pins. Think about the terms users might search for when looking for content related to your blog. Include relevant hashtags and keywords to enhance discoverability. A well-optimized description increases the chances of your pins appearing in search results.
- Leverage Pinterest SEO: Understand Pinterest’s search algorithm and use it to your advantage. Utilize relevant keywords in your profile, board names, pin titles, and pin descriptions. Create boards that align with your blog’s niche and populate them with relevant content. This not only enhances your profile’s SEO but also makes it more appealing to users interested in your blog’s topics.
- Consistent Pinning Schedule: Maintain a consistent pinning schedule to keep your content in users’ feeds. Pin regularly and at optimal times, considering your target audience’s time zone. Consistency helps build your presence on the platform and keeps your audience engaged.
- Utilize Rich Pins and Pinterest Analytics: Enable Rich Pins for your blog. Rich pins provide additional information directly on the pin itself, offering users more context and increasing engagement. Additionally, use Pinterest Analytics to track the performance of your pins and boards. Again, analyzing your data allows you to understand what resonates with your audience, helping you refine your strategy for better results.
If I were to start a blog with the intent to use Pinterest as my platform of choice for promoting my content, I would start this blog with this simple guide. Publish 10–30 articles to start. Then, subsequently, 2–3 articles every week until I have 100+ blog posts.
Then, I would create 10–20 Pinterest boards with properly keyworded titles and descriptions.
I’d also design amazing pins and publish 5–10 pins per day to grow my traffic.
Potential Earnings
There are bloggers who generate more than 1 million monthly visitors to their blogs using Pinterest. A blogger like this can make anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000+ from their blog!
Others make more and some make less. This all depends on how much time you have, the niche of your blog (I recommend choosing from the popular Pinterest niches above), how captivating your pins are, and, of course, how often you are posting content to Pinterest.
I have a few different blogs on Pinterest, and I make anywhere from $1000 – $10000 per month by driving traffic to my blog’s. I make this money via Mediavine ads hosted on my blogs or affiliate commissions from affiliate links I share.
It is possible for this to work for you too, if you are willing to put in the work!
Using Pinterest for Your Etsy Shop
Are you an Etsy seller looking to increase your shop’s visibility and sales? Then Pinterest may be just the platform for you. With its visual focus and engaged user base, Pinterest provides a great opportunity to promote your Etsy products. Here are some tips for leveraging Pinterest to boost your Etsy shop.
Create a Business Account
First things first, make sure you have a business account on Pinterest. This will give you access to valuable analytics and allow you to promote your pins through advertising. It also establishes your Etsy shop as a professional brand on the platform.
Optimize Your Pins
When creating pins for your Etsy products, be sure to make them visually appealing and informative. Use high-quality images that showcase your products in the best light, and include keyword-rich descriptions and titles. Don’t forget to include a link back to your Etsy shop so users can easily purchase your products.
Create Boards for Your Products
Organize your pins into boards that group similar products together. This makes it easier for users to find what they’re looking for and can increase engagement with your content. Consider creating boards based on themes, occasions, or product categories.
Pin Consistently
Maintain a consistent pinning schedule to keep your content in users’ feeds. Also, pin a mix of your own products and relevant content from others.
Pinning consistently on Pinterest involves maintaining a regular and strategic schedule for sharing content on the platform. This practice is essential for keeping your Pinterest profile active, engaging your audience, and maximizing the visibility of your pins.
Personally, I like to start with 5 pins per day. But, as a shop owner, you may want to start with 1 – 2 pins per day based on the number of listings you have.
Collaborate with Other Etsy Sellers
Joining or creating group boards with other Etsy sellers can help you expand your reach and gain exposure to a wider audience. Collaborating with other sellers can also provide valuable networking opportunities and help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends in your niche.
Promote Your Pins
Consider promoting your pins through Pinterest ads to increase visibility and drive traffic to your Etsy shop. You can target specific audiences based on location, interests, and other demographics to ensure your ads are seen by the right people.
Measure Your Success
Keep track of your Pinterest analytics to measure the success of your efforts. Look for metrics such as impressions, saves, and outbound clicks, and calculate your click-through rates to gauge the effectiveness of your pins and boards. Use this data to refine your Pinterest strategy and optimize your results.
By utilizing these tips, you can effectively promote your Etsy shop on Pinterest and attract more customers to your products.
I personally have not started an Etsy shop. However, if you’re on Pinterest, I highly recommend checking out this detailed guide by someone who has!
Using Pinterest for Printable Shops
If you have a printable shop, marketing your products on Pinterest can be a lucrative strategy. With over 400 million active users, Pinterest is a valuable platform for promoting your printables and reaching potential customers.
Optimizing Your Printable Shop for Pinterest
Before you start marketing your printables on Pinterest, it’s important to optimize your shop. Here are a few tips:
- Create high-quality, visually appealing products that are relevant to your niche.
- Ensure your product descriptions are clear, concise, and include relevant keywords.
- Use attractive product photos that showcase your printables in use.
Promoting Your Printables on Pinterest
Once your shop is optimized, it’s time to start promoting your printables on Pinterest. Here are some effective strategies:
- It is paramount to create eye-catching pins that showcase your printables.
- Use keyword-rich descriptions that accurately reflect your products.
- Create well-keyworded boards that are relevant to your niche and feature your printables.
- If you can, join group boards related to your niche to increase your reach.
Driving Traffic to Your Printable Shop
To drive traffic to your printable shop using Pinterest, consider the following strategies:
- Pin regularly to keep your content fresh and engaging.
- Always include your shop’s URL in your profile and all your pins. Consider creating individual pins for each of your products and linking directly to corresponding products. It won’t benefit you to just add your homepage link to all your pins.
- Consider using paid advertising options on Pinterest to increase visibility.
- Be consistent. Pinterest loves consistency and will reward it over time.
Want to start a printable store marketed for free on Pinterest? Check out this amazing video guide.
Using Pinterest for E-commerce Stores
If you own an e-commerce store, Pinterest can be a powerful tool to drive traffic and sales.
Pinterest, with its visual appeal and engaged user base, is the perfect platform to drive traffic and increase sales for your online store. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to use Pinterest to make money with your e-commerce store.
Setup Your Account: Begin by creating a Pinterest business account. This gives you access to valuable features like Pinterest Analytics, which enables you to understand your audience better. Also, optimize your profile with a recognizable logo, a compelling bio, and a link to your e-commerce store.
Building Boards and Compelling Pins: You need to create themed boards that reflect the niche of your brand and products. Each board should tell a story, engage users, and invite them to explore. Pin consistently, using high-quality, visually appealing images. Ensure your pins align with your brand’s visual identity and can catch users attention. This is key!
Use advanced features such as rich pins and shopping pins: Enable Rich Pins to provide additional details about your products directly on the pin. Take it a step further with Shopping Pins, transforming your product catalog into a dynamic and shoppable showcase. These features enhance the user experience and drive traffic directly to your online store.
Strategic Descriptions and Keywords: Use relevant keywords to craft compelling pin descriptions. Marrying creativity with strategic use of keywords is one of the keys to success. Think about what your audience might search for and write for your potential audience.
Engaging with the Pinterest Community Pinterest is a social platform, and engagement matters. Interact with users by liking, commenting, and sharing content from others in your niche. Join group boards to expand your reach and collaborate with fellow businesses.
Pinterest Ads for Amplified Reach: Consider Pinterest Ads to give your products a boost. Whether you’re promoting your top-performing pins or creating dedicated ad campaigns, the platform’s advertising options can significantly increase your visibility.
Traffic and Income Potential: Pinterest has the potential to drive substantial traffic to your e-commerce store. The visual nature of the platform attracts users actively seeking inspiration and products. However, the income potential is variable and depends on factors such as product type, demand, and marketing strategies.
Timeline and Patience: Success on Pinterest is a marathon, not a sprint. While some businesses may see immediate results, building a robust presence and generating consistent income often takes time. Therefore, it is important to commit to a long-term strategy and consistently refine your approach based on insights from Pinterest Analytics.
Pinterest as a Revenue Stream Pinterest isn’t just a platform for inspiration; it’s a revenue stream waiting to be tapped. With a strategic approach, consistent pinning, and an understanding of your audience’s needs, Pinterest can elevate your e-commerce store to new heights.
Pinterest for Affiliate Marketing
Pinterest can be a lucrative platform for affiliate marketers to promote products and earn commissions. The first step to success in affiliate marketing on Pinterest is to identify the right products to promote.
Choose products that align with your niche and target audience.
Create Quality Pins
To effectively promote affiliate products on Pinterest, you need to create quality pins that catch the attention of your audience. Use high-quality images, relevant keywords, and compelling descriptions to make your pins stand out.
It’s also essential to disclose that you are promoting affiliate products to maintain transparency and build trust with your audience.
Join Group Boards
Group boards are a powerful tool for promoting affiliate products on Pinterest. Join group boards that align with your niche and have a significant following. Share pins regularly, engage with other members, and contribute valuable content to the group.
Measure Your Progress
Use Pinterest Analytics to track your progress and measure the success of your affiliate marketing efforts. Monitor the performance of your pins, track clicks and conversions, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to making money on Pinterest, analyzing your progress and tracking your success is crucial. That’s where Pinterest Analytics comes in. This powerful tool provides valuable insights into the performance of your pins, boards, and overall account. By monitoring your analytics regularly, you can make data-driven decisions to improve your strategy and increase your earnings.
Always measuring your progress on Pinterest is crucial to success. By tracking your progress over time, you can see which pins, boards, and strategies are working best for you. Here are a few key metrics to monitor:
- Monthly views: This metric shows how many times your pins have been viewed in the last 30 days. It’s a good indicator of your overall account performance.
- Engagement: Engagement measures how many times people have saved, liked, or clicked on your pins. It’s an important metric to track because it shows how much your audience is interacting with your content.
- Outbound clicks: Clicks measure how many times people have clicked through to your website from your pins. This is a crucial metric for driving traffic to your website.
- Conversion: Conversion measures how many people have taken a specific action on your website, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter. By tracking conversions, you can see which pins are driving the most sales or leads for your business.
I hope you have gained valuable insights into making money with Pinterest. Remember, success on Pinterest requires dedication, patience, and persistence.
So, what are you waiting for? Start your Pinterest journey today and unlock the full potential of this amazing platform. With the right approach and mindset, you can achieve success on Pinterest and build a thriving online business.
