How to Make Money Pinning On Pinterest
If you’re looking for ways to make money online, Pinterest is an excellent platform to explore. With over 400 million active users, Pinterest is a visual discovery and bookmarking tool that allows users to save and organize ideas and inspirations onto virtual boards.
What’s more, Pinterest has evolved into a powerful marketing tool for businesses, bloggers, and content creators. By creating eye-catching pins and strategically sharing them on Pinterest, you can attract a significant amount of traffic to your website or e-commerce platform that can generate you real income.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the steps of making money by pinning on Pinterest. I’ll cover topics such as what Pinterest is, how to design an effective pin, how many pins to create and share per day, setting up a Pinterest account geared towards making money, and much more.
So, continue reading to see how you can leverage Pinterest, and turn your passion for pinning into a profitable venture!
What is Pinterest?
Pinterest is a social media platform that allows users to discover, save, and organize images and videos that they find interesting or inspiring. Unlike other social media channels that prioritize text-based content, Pinterest is mainly visual, with users creating and curating boards of images on specific themes or topics.
Launched in 2010, Pinterest has since grown to become a popular platform, with over 463 million active users as of Q2 of 2023. Its user base comprises predominantly women, with 60% of Pinterest users being female, and users aged between 25 and 54 making up the majority.
As a platform, Pinterest presents various opportunities to make money, particularly for those who have built a significant following or have expertise in certain niches.
Whether you intend to use affiliate marketing, ad income, e-commerce stores, or sponsored content, Pinterest provides a unique environment for reaching new audiences and driving traffic to external websites or online stores.
What is pinning?
Pinning is the act of saving content on Pinterest. When users come across something they like, they can save it to a board on their account.
Pinterest boards are like virtual bulletin boards where users can organize their content by theme or topic.
This is what a Pinterest board looks like:
Pins can be images or videos and can come from other Pinterest users, external websites, or images and videos that you create yourself.
Effective pinning involves more than just randomly saving content. It requires careful curation and strategic planning to attract and engage your audience.
Thus, high-quality pins with clear descriptions and relevant keywords perform best on Pinterest.
Pinning effectively can lead to increased traffic, engagement, outbound clicks, and ultimately, revenue.
How to Set Up a Pinterest Account That’s Ready to Make Money
If you’re looking to make money by pinning on Pinterest, setting up an optimized Pinterest account is crucial. Here’s how to get started:
Create a Business Account
First things first, create a free business account on Pinterest. This will give you access to valuable features such as analytics and promoted pins. Make sure to fill out your profile information accurately and completely, including a profile picture and a keyword-rich bio that clearly communicates what your brand is all about.
Create Relevant Boards
When creating boards, choose topics that are relevant to your brand and target audience. Consider what your potential customers might be searching for on Pinterest and create boards that align with those interests.
I like doing keyword research on Pinterest before creating my boards.
Also, aim to have a minimum of 10 boards with at least 10 pins on each. I personally like to save 30–100 pins (from other Pinterest users) to any board that I just started before even pinning any of my own pins! I speak about why I do this in more detail below.
Optimize Your Pins
Design visually appealing pins that effectively communicate your brand and entice users to engage with them. Use high-quality images and clear, attention-grabbing text overlays. Make sure to include keywords in your pin descriptions to increase discoverability and ranking.
Join Relevant Group Boards (optional but they can help increase your engagement)
Participating in group boards can help increase your reach and exposure on Pinterest. Look for group boards that are relevant to your niche and request to join them. Be sure to read and follow the group’s guidelines and actively engage with other members’ content.
Consistently Pin and Engage with Others
Pinning consistently and engaging with other users’ content is a key to growing your Pinterest account and attracting potential customers or visitors to your website. Aim to pin at least a few pins a day and regularly like and share others’ content. This will help increase your visibility on the platform.
I personally like to start with 3–5 of my own pins a day, then increase this number of daily pins as the months go by. By the sixth month of starting a Pinterest account, I aim to be pinning at least 20+ pins per day.
By following these steps and consistently implementing effective pinning strategies, you can set up a Pinterest account that is optimized for making money.
Where to send the traffic to
You can direct your Pinterest traffic to any destination that aligns with your monetization goals. There are several options to consider depending on your niche and business model:
1. Blog or Website: If you have a blog or website, consider directing traffic from Pinterest to your platform. This can help increase your page views and potentially lead to ad revenue, affiliate sales, or product purchases.
2. E-commerce Platform: If you sell products online, consider sending traffic from Pinterest to your e-commerce platform. This can include platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or Amazon. Make sure your product listings are optimized for conversions and include high-quality images and descriptions.
3. Landing Page: A landing page is a standalone webpage designed to convert visitors into leads or customers. Consider creating a landing page specifically for your Pinterest traffic, highlighting your offer or product, and providing a clear call-to-action.
4. Social Media Profile: If you want to build s strong social media presence, consider directing Pinterest traffic to your profile. This can help increase your followers and engagement across platforms.
Ultimately, the destination you choose should align with your monetization goals and provide a seamless user experience for your audience. Pinterest does not like spammy websites, so keep this in mind!
How to design a pin
Designing an eye-catching and compelling pin is crucial for success on Pinterest. Here are some tips to help you design the perfect pin:
- Use high-quality images: Pins with high-quality images are more likely to grab attention and encourage users to engage. Ensure that the images you use are clear, bright, and visually appealing.
- Choose the right size: Pinterest recommends using a 2:3 aspect ratio for pins. The optimal size Pinterest recommends is 1000 x 1500 pixels, although you can experiment with different sizes to see what works best for your content. I personally like using 750 x 1500 pixels or 900 x 1500 pixels for my pins.
- Keep it simple yet informative: Pins with a clear and concise message are easier to understand and engage with. Use simple and easy-to-read fonts and ensure that your pins provide useful information.
- Include a call-to-action: A clear call-to-action encourages users to engage with your pins by clicking through to your website or blog. Use phrases such as “Learn More,” “Shop Now,” or “Sign Up.”
- Add branding: Including your branding elements, such as a logo or brand colors, can help your pins stand out and be more easily recognized by users.
By the way, I like using Canva.com to create my pin designs. I use the paid version, but you can sign up for a free account to start. Canva is very beginner-friendly too, and there are loads of tutorials on YouTube if you need guidance.
These tips can help you create visually appealing and effective pins that attract engagement and drive traffic to your website or blog.
How many pins a day
One of the most common questions for those looking to make money by pinning on Pinterest is how many pins should be created and shared each day. The answer to this question varies, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
However, experts suggest that pinning consistently is more important than pinning in bulk. The ideal number of pins per day that maximizes engagement and visibility can vary from 5 to 30 pins. Some people even post as many as 100 pins per day!
It is essential to focus on quality over quantity. Always ensure that the pins being shared are relevant to the audience and visually appealing. Distribute the pins throughout the day to ensure maximum impact.
It is also crucial to analyze the performance of the pins by tracking metrics such as clicks, saves, and impressions. This information can be used to refine the pinning strategy and optimize it for better performance.
How long does it take to make money by pinning on Pinterest?
Now that we have covered the various strategies and tips for making money by pinning on Pinterest, you may be wondering how long it will take to start seeing results.
It’s important to understand that earning potential can vary greatly depending on factors such as your niche, pinning frequency, and the quality of your pins.
However, with consistency and effort, it’s possible to start generating income within a few months of launching your Pinterest account.
Keep in mind that building a successful Pinterest account takes time and patience, and it’s crucial to focus on creating high-quality content and engaging with your audience.
Ultimately, the timeline for making money on Pinterest is unique to each individual, and success may come faster or slower depending on various factors.
However, with dedication and a commitment to learning and improving your strategy, you can start earning a significant income through pinning on Pinterest.
I’ve personally found that it takes me 2 to 4 months of consistent pinning (at least 4 new pins to said board weekly) to get a new board from 0 outbound clicks to 1000+ outbound clicks in the last 30 days.
It could take less time or more time for you. This all depends on how popular your topic is on Pinterest.
If you have 15 boards that you pin to consistently over a few months, then this can mean 15,000+ outbound clicks/views to your blog, website, store, or landing page!
Do you need a blog or website to make money by pinning on Pinterest?
When it comes to making money through Pinterest, having a blog or website is not always a requirement. While it can certainly enhance your monetization potential, there are alternative options available.
However, having a blog or website can provide several benefits. For starters, it allows you to establish a brand identity and provide a platform for promoting your content and products. It can also enhance your credibility and authority in your niche.
If you do decide to create a blog or website, it’s important to choose a platform that is user-friendly and optimized for search engines. WordPress and Squarespace are two popular options that offer customizable themes and plugins to enhance your site’s functionality. I have a simple guide that shows you how to start a blog in under an hour. This guide is how I create my own blog that generates me money from Pinterest.
Alternatively, if you prefer not to create a blog or website, there are other options available for monetization on Pinterest. For example, you can use affiliate marketing to promote products from other companies and earn a commission on sales. You can also leverage Pinterest’s new features, such as Shop the Look and Buyable Pins, to sell your products directly on the platform.
Ultimately, the decision to create a blog or website depends on your goals and preferences. Keep in mind that having a solid online presence can help you stand out and increase your earning potential.
How I make money pinning on Pinterest
I make money from Pinterest via ads and affiliate links hosted on my various blogs. I am no expert, but I’ve made as much as $10,000 a month via ads and affiliate marketing by monetizing the traffic from Pinterest.
This is a screen grab of the ad income I made back in January 2021 via Mediavine ads. In that month, 90+% of the traffic, 302, 507 sessions came directly from the pins I pinned to Pinterest!
To make this money, I set up a blog and published an average of 5–10 blog posts to it every month. ‘I also created a Pinterest account for that blog. I created about 13 personal boards. Then, I pinned about 30–100 relevant pins from other bloggers to each board. This helps Pinterest understand what the board is about and helps the board and the pins rank better on Pinterest.
For example, if I created a board called ‘How to Crochet,’ I would pin about 45 pins that were related to crocheting before I even created and saved one of my pins to that board.
Not only that, I’d write a board description with keywords I found on Pinterest that related to how to crochet. So, for example, my board description would be something like:
‘FREE GUIDES on how to crochet for beginners include step-by-step tutorials, easy patterns, and so much more. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to crochet, this board has all the tools and guides you’ll ever need!’
Then I’d save 45 pins to that keyword-rich board, only pins that are about crocheting. How to crochet: step-by-step crochet tutorials.
Then, I’d start creating and saving my own crochet pins that link to my blog, affiliate program, or e-commerce store to that board.
Following this method helped me get 302,000 visits to my blog within a year and a half of starting my Pinterest account.
This traffic translated to me earning a little over $5000 via ads hosted on my blog and another $5000 from the affiliate links I promoted on my blog.
And it wasn’t a fluke either; the same thing happened again in February, with me driving over 200,000 sessions to my blog from Pinterest.
This traffic resulted in $4700.87 in ad income and a little over $3000 in affiliate income from my blog.
This is proof that you can make real money pinning on Pinterest if you follow the right strategy.
If you’re starting out and looking for legitimate way to make money, I highly recommend using this method since I know it works from experience.
Summary
So there you have it – a comprehensive guide on how to make money pinning on Pinterest. By understanding the platform, creating visually appealing pins, optimizing your profile, and directing traffic to the right place, you can turn your pinning hobby into a profitable venture. It’s important to remember that success won’t happen overnight, but with perseverance and the right strategy, you can start earning money in a few months.
Additional Resources
Are you eager to learn more about making money on Pinterest? Here are some additional resources to help you on your journey:
Pinterest Academy
Take advantage of Pinterest’s official academy, which offers courses on everything from setting up your profile to creating ads and measuring success.
Pinterest VA
If you’re looking for hands-on help with your Pinterest account, consider hiring a Pinterest virtual assistant. Platforms like Pinterest VA offer access to a talent pool of experienced Pinterest VAs who can help with everything from strategy to content creation.
Pinterest Marketing Facebook Group
Join these active Facebook groups to connect with other Pinterest marketers, get feedback on your pins, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices. It’s a great way to network and get support from like-minded individuals. I like Blogging Like We Mean It and Pinterest, Google Web Stories & Digital Marketing with Allison Lancaster.
MOST IMPORTANT PINTEREST PINNING TIP
No single pinning strategy fits everyone.
I’ve personally seen many people who’ve shared proof of their success on Pinterest by creating and pinning just 1–2 pins a day.
I’ve also seen proof of others who are seeing success by creating and pinning 20+ pins per day.
When you’re starting out, your goal should be to pin the number of pins you can stay consistent with daily since Pinterest LOVES AND REWARDS CONSISTENCY (from what I’ve seen).
With these resources and a willingness to learn and experiment, you can take your Pinterest account to the next level and start making money from it!
