Are you a Pinterest enthusiast? Do you spend hours scrolling through pins and boards, saving your favorite ideas and inspiration? If you are, did you know that Pinterest can also be a source of income? That’s right, you can make money on Pinterest, and there are many ways to do it!

 

Whether you’re a small business owner, a blogger, an avid pinner, or have never had a Pinterest account before, there are various ways you can monetize the time you spend and turn pinning on Pinterest into a profitable side hustle.

 

You cannot make money on the Pinterest platform directly, but you can use the platform to drive clicks to your money pages and earn money from pinning!

In this article, I’ll share 35 different ways to make money on Pinterest. From affiliate marketing to selling digital products, providing consulting services, and promoting your Etsy shop, there are plenty of options that actually work. 

 

What is Pinterest?

Pinterest is a social media platform that allows users to discover, save, and share ideas and content in the form of visual bookmarks known as “pins”.

Pins can be saved to themed collections known as “boards” and users can browse pins and boards created by others.

Pinterest is a valuable tool for businesses and individuals looking to promote their brand or monetize their presence.

With over 400 million monthly active users, Pinterest offers a vast audience for promoting products, services, and content.

When starting out, you can create either a personal or business account on Pinterest. But I think business accounts are the way to go because they give you access to additional features such as analytics and promoted pins. And analytics are a must if you want to scale.

Overall, Pinterest is a visually appealing and user-friendly platform with endless possibilities for discovery, creativity, and for making money.

It’s no wonder that many people and businesses are turning to Pinterest to make money and boost success. Below, I will show you the various ways you can do so for yourself!

 

Here are 17 ways you can tap into Pinterest to make money

 

Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest

Pinterest offers fantastic opportunities for affiliate marketing. In fact, affiliate marketing is one of the most popular ways to make money on Pinterest.

If you’re already an affiliate marketer or you’re just starting out, you can use Pinterest to drive more traffic and earn more commissions.

Affiliate marketing on Pinterest is simple: promote other companies’ products on Pinterest and earn a commission when someone makes a purchase through your link.

 

Here’s how you can get started:

Step 1: Choose the right affiliate program that aligns with your niche and interests. Look for products that have high-quality images and offer a solid commission rate.

Step 2: Create visually appealing pins that showcase the product. Use your own images or the ones provided by the company, but make sure they’re high-quality and eye-catching.

Step 3: Optimize your pins and boards with relevant keywords to ensure they’re discoverable by users. Use both long-tail keywords and popular keywords to get your pins out there to different audiences.

Step 4: Share your pins across relevant boards, including group boards, to increase the visibility and reach of your pins.

Step 5: Track your results and adjust your strategy accordingly. Monitor which pins are performing well, and adjust your promotion strategy to maximize your earnings. It is a great idea to double down on topics, pins, and boards that are producing results.

 

Pinterest can drive a lot of traffic to your affiliate offers if done right. The niche you choose is very important too.

Niches like weight loss, home decor, crafts, pets, gardening, travel, fashion, beauty, food and recipes, moms and babies, holidays, men’s fashion, and personal finance are some of the most popular niches on Pinterest.

Therefore, if you have affiliate offers, a blog or website with tons of affiliate links and offers, or landing pages that target these niches, you can leverage Pinterest to increase your affiliate sales exponentially!

 

Create and Sell Printables on Pinterest

Printables are digital products that can be downloaded and printed by the customer. These can be anything from templates, planners, calendars, checklists, or artwork.

Printables are incredibly popular on Pinterest.

The first step in creating and selling printables on Pinterest is to identify a niche or a target market. This could be anything from fitness enthusiasts to busy moms to entrepreneurs.

Once you have a niche in mind, brainstorm printable ideas that cater to their specific needs.

Next, it’s time to design your printables. You can use graphic design software like Canva or Adobe Illustrator to create visually appealing and high-quality printables.

Alternatively, you can use pre-designed templates and customize them to your brand and niche.

When it comes to marketing your printables on Pinterest, it’s important to create visually appealing pins that showcase your product. Make sure to include a clear and attention-grabbing title, a high-quality image, and a call-to-action that encourages users to click through and make a purchase.

You can also create multiple pins for each printable, each with a different design or angle. This will help increase exposure and appeal to different users. It’s also important to optimize your pins with relevant keywords and descriptions to ensure they appear in search results.

Selling printables using Pinterest can earn you some amazing passive income if done right. 

 

Promote Your Etsy Shop on Pinterest

If you have an Etsy shop, Pinterest can be an excellent platform to showcase your products and drive traffic to your shop to boost sales.

The first step to promoting your Etsy shop on Pinterest is to create visually appealing pins that showcase your products. Make sure your pins are high-quality and eye-catching, with clear and concise descriptions that highlight the features and benefits of your products.

Another effective strategy for promoting your Etsy shop on Pinterest is to create and join group boards related to your niche. Group boards are an excellent way to reach a wider audience and expose your products to potential customers.

In addition to creating your own pins and joining group boards, you can also take advantage of Pinterest advertising to promote your Etsy shop. Pinterest offers a range of advertising options, including promoted pins, promoted video pins, and promoted carousel ads, which can help you drive more traffic to your Etsy shop.

 

Provide Consulting Services for Pinterest

If you’re passionate about Pinterest and have expertise in the platform’s marketing potential, offering consulting services could be a lucrative way to earn money.

Many businesses, solopreneurs, and individuals are looking to tap into Pinterest’s vast user base but lack the time or knowledge to do so effectively. By providing consulting services, you can help these clients optimize their Pinterest account, increase engagement, and drive traffic to increase sales.

To get started, you’ll need to establish yourself as an authority in the field. This can involve creating a professional website, building a social media following, and developing a portfolio of successful case studies. You should also consider obtaining relevant certifications or attending industry conferences to stay up-to-date on the latest strategies and techniques.

Once you have a solid reputation and client base, you can start delivering value by providing personalized consulting services. This may involve conducting audits of clients’ Pinterest accounts, developing tailored strategies and content plans, and providing ongoing support and analysis to ensure optimal results.

This is a great way to make a solid income by leveraging the Pinterest platform.

You can take a look at Kate Ahl over at Simple Pin Media to see how she’s done this.

 

Freelance Pinterest Management

If you have a flair for social media and enjoy managing online platforms, freelance Pinterest management might be an ideal career choice for you. As a freelance Pinterest manager, you can help businesses and individuals create and manage their Pinterest accounts, optimizing them for engagement and increased sales.

Managing a Pinterest account for clients can involve several tasks, like creating and scheduling pins, optimizing board descriptions, and implementing analytics to track performance. Other tasks may include managing group boards, collaborating with other Pinterest users, and conducting Pinterest SEO research to optimize content.

Freelance Pinterest management can be a lucrative business, and you’ll be able to work with clients from different niches, from e-commerce businesses to bloggers.

To find clients, you can leverage your existing network or use online platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or even blogging Facebook groups to showcase your skills and build a portfolio. 

You can take a look at how Allison Lancaster does this.

 

Sell Physical Products on Pinterest

If you have a physical product to sell, Pinterest can be a great platform to showcase it to potential customers. Here are some tips to help you sell your physical products on Pinterest:

1. Create stunning product pins: Your pins should be visually appealing to catch the attention of potential customers. Make sure your product images are high-quality and well-lit, and consider adding lifestyle shots to show your products in use.

2. Optimize your product descriptions: Your product descriptions should be clear and detailed, highlighting the unique features of your product. Use relevant keywords to make it easier for users to find your products through search.

3. Make it easy to purchase: Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) in your pin descriptions, and make sure your website or online store is linked in your profile. You can also use buyable pins to allow users to purchase products directly from Pinterest.

4. Utilize Pinterest Analytics: Use Pinterest Analytics to track which of your pins are performing well and adjust your strategy accordingly. You can also use analytics to learn more about your target audience and what types of products they are interested in.

If you’re interested in learning how to effectively sell your physical products on Pinterest and potentially reach a whole new audience of customers, You should read this article about selling physical products on Pinterest.

 

Create a Pinterest Virtual Assistant (VA) Business

If you have experience managing Pinterest accounts and strategies, you can offer your services as a Pinterest VA. Many businesses and content creators require assistance with their Pinterest accounts, and by providing VA services, you can help them grow their reach and engagement while earning money.

As a Pinterest VA, you can offer a range of services, such as:

• Setting up and optimizing Pinterest accounts
• Creating and scheduling pins
• Managing Pinterest boards and groups
• Conducting keyword research for pins and boards
• Monitoring analytics and performance

To get started, you can market your services in Facebook blogging groups, job boards, or freelance platforms.

When setting your rates, keep in mind the level of expertise and time required for each task. You can charge hourly rates, flat fees, or a combination of both. As you build your portfolio and gain more clients, you can gradually increase your rates and grow your Pinterest VA business or side hustle.

You can also read more about how to become a successful Pinterest VA from Kristine Larson.

 

Sell Stock Photos

If you have a passion for photography and a collection of high-quality stock photos, you can sell them on Pinterest and create a new revenue stream. Pinterest provides a space for photographers to showcase and sell their work, reaching a wide audience of potential buyers.

By leveraging Pinterest’s visual nature, you can attract customers by creating visually appealing pins that highlight your portfolio. Include relevant keywords in your pin descriptions to help your photos appear in search results.

How to do this:

List your images on stock photo marketplaces like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Deposit Photos, or iStock.

Jump into Facebook blogging or business groups where you can showcase your stock photos for sale. Many people love using unique images to make their pins, but they just don’t have the time or expertise to take amazing photos themselves. 

You can fill that gap by providing stunning visuals for a good price.

 

Pinterest Ads Management

Pinterest offers a range of advertising tools that businesses can use to promote their products or services. If you’re a digital advertising expert, you can offer Pinterest Ads Management services to these businesses and help them optimize their ad campaigns on the platform.

Running ads on Pinterest involves creating engaging and visually appealing promoted pins that reach your target audience. Pinterest has a variety of ad formats, including video ads, carousel ads, and shopping ads, making it a versatile platform for advertising.

By offering Pinterest advertising services, you can help businesses identify their target audience, develop a strategy, and track their ad performance to achieve their marketing goals.

The demand for Pinterest ad management is growing, and this can be a viable way to make money while helping businesses succeed on the platform.

 

Sell Handmade Items

If you have a knack for creating unique, handmade products, Pinterest can be an excellent platform to showcase and sell your crafts. The platform’s visual appeal is perfect for displaying your creations and attracting potential customers. It also doesn’t hurt that Pinterest has a wide audience for DIY and Crafts.

To maximize your exposure and sales, optimize your Pinterest profile and boards for the keywords related to your products, such as “handmade jewelry” or “unique home decor.” Use high-quality images and descriptions that accurately depict your products and grab the attention of potential buyers.

You can also join Pinterest groups and communities related to your niche to connect with like-minded individuals and increase your visibility. 

 

Sell your Writing on Pinterest with E-books

If you’re a talented writer, Pinterest can be an excellent platform for selling and monetizing your work through e-books. The platform offers a massive audience of potential readers and book buyers, making it an attractive option for self-publishing authors.

Creating an e-book is relatively simple, and platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and Barnes & Noble’s PubIt! allow you to publish your work for free. Once published, you can promote and sell your e-book on Pinterest by creating enticing pins, eye-catching pin titles, and compelling descriptions.

You can also collaborate with other Pinterest users to increase your e-book’s visibility and attract more readers. For example, you can partner with bloggers or influencers in your niche and offer them a free copy of your e-book in exchange for promoting it to their followers or readers.

When promoting your e-book on Pinterest, make sure to use relevant keywords to make your content more discoverable. You can also link to your sales page or website, where readers can purchase your e-books in your profile.

 

Sell hardcopy books on Pinterest

If you’re an author of books or interested in becoming one, you can easily increase your reach and sales on Pinterest. The types of books are important, though, since not all topics are popular on Pinterest.

If I were selling hardcopy books and wanted to promote them on Pinterest, here’s what I’d do:

Step 1: Write and publish books on Amazon Kindle Publishing (or another preferred platform).

Step 2: Create an affordable website and write some reviews of books (including your own).

Step 3: Create some roundup articles of the best books and always include links to a few or all of your own books where potential customers can purchase them. For example, an article idea would be, 25 best steamy romance novels. These are likely to do very well on Pinterest and drive tons of clicks.

Step 4: Create a Pinterest account and start promoting those books, roundups, and book reviews for free through the use of visually appealing, properly key-worded pins.

Here are some examples of pins that are ranking highly and generating loads of traffic for the keyword “romance books”. You too can have a few pins ranking up there if you want!

The five pins at the top are likely getting thousands of clicks every single month!

 

Create and Sell Online Courses

If you’re an expert in a particular field, you can create an online course and promote it on Pinterest to make sales. 

To get started, identify a topic that you’re knowledgeable and passionate about. It can be anything from photography to business marketing strategies. Develop a course curriculum, create engaging visuals and descriptions, and upload your course materials to a learning management system.

Once your course is ready, promote it on Pinterest by creating pins that link to your sales page. Use enticing pins, persuasive descriptions, and relevant keywords to attract potential learners.

 

Offering Pinterest Template Design Services

Pinterest is a visual platform, and the right design can make all the difference when it comes to standing out. That’s why many businesses and bloggers seek out custom Pinterest templates that align with their brand aesthetic. If you have a knack for design, you can monetize your skills by offering Pinterest template design services.

To get started, consider the types of templates that are in high demand, such as product pins, blog post graphics, and quote pins. You can create templates using design software like Adobe Photoshop or Canva. Once you have a few designs under your belt, it’s time to start pitching your services to potential clients.

You can promote your services on social media or freelance websites, or reach out to businesses and bloggers directly through email. Be sure to showcase your portfolio and highlight any relevant experience or skills.

To increase your chances of success, consider offering multiple pricing tiers that cater to different budgets and needs. You can also offer customization services for an additional fee, allowing clients to tweak your templates to better fit their brand.

Designing Pinterest graphics can be quite time-consuming for busy people who want to stay engaged on Pinterest, but who also have a hundred other tasks to do between family life, social life, and work.

You can provide an awesome service that cuts down on the amount of time they need to spend working on their business, blog, website, store, or brand!

 

Creating and Selling Travel Guides

Travel is one of the most popular categories on Pinterest, making it an awesome place to create and sell travel guides. Pinterest users use the platform to plan their trips, discover new destinations, and research travel options. With the right approach, creating and selling travel guides on Pinterest can be a lucrative business opportunity.

The first step in creating a successful travel guide is selecting your destination. Use Pinterest to research popular travel destinations and identify opportunities that are not already covered by existing travel guides. You can also use Pinterest to gather inspiration for your travel guide’s design and format.

Once you have selected your destination, focus on creating engaging content that will capture the interest of potential buyers. Your guide should include visually appealing photos, detailed descriptions of attractions, and insider tips that only a local would know. Consider breaking your guide down into sections, such as “Top Attractions” and “Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures.”

When it comes to promoting your travel guide, Pinterest is the perfect platform. Create visually stunning pins that showcase your guide’s content and share them on relevant travel boards (that you create yourself) and group boards. Use SEO-optimized keywords in your pin descriptions and titles to ensure your guide shows up in relevant search results.

Another strategy for selling your travel guide is to offer it as a free download in exchange for email addresses. This will allow you to build an email list of potential customers for future travel guides or related products.

 

Shop Your Look

Pinterest is a hub for fashion and style inspiration, making it the perfect platform for monetizing your fashion expertise. With the “Shop Your Look” feature, you can showcase your personal style and earn money at the same time. Here’s how:

Create Captivating Content

The key to monetizing your fashion and style on Pinterest is by creating captivating content that resonates with your followers. Curate boards that highlight your personal style and include links to purchase the products in your outfit. You can also create blog posts or articles that dive deeper into certain fashion topics or trends.

Optimize for Search

It’s important to optimize your content for Pinterest searches to ensure that it’s discoverable by Pinterest users. Use relevant keywords such as “shop your look” and “fashion on Pinterest” in your board descriptions, article titles, and pin captions. This will increase your chances of appearing in search results when someone searches on Pinterest, reaching a wider audience.

Collaborate with Brands

As your following grows, you should consider collaborating with brands that align with your style and values. You can then promote their products through sponsored content or become an affiliate to earn a commission on sales. Just make sure that any brand partnerships feel authentic and genuine to your audience.

With these tips, you can monetize your love for fashion and style on Pinterest through the “Shop Your Look” feature. 

 

Blogging

Many people want to know ways to make money on Pinterest without blogging, and I’ve shared 16 great ideas above that are worth checking out. But I simply cannot overlook blogging since it is one of the most lucrative ways to make money on Pinterest.

By combining the power of blogging and Pinterest, you can unlock massive income potential.

I’ve been blogging and using Pinterest as one of my platforms of choice to increase exposure to my various blogs since 2016, and it has worked wonderfully for me! This is why I always recommend blogging as a way to make money on Pinterest since I have first-hand knowledge that it can work for the long term.

If you’re interested, then you should pick a popular blogging niche on Pinterest and start blogging to earn money! Here are some of the most promising niches that can help you attract a large audience and generate income through blogging and Pinterest.

Popular Blog Niches on Pinterest

1. Food and Recipe Blogs

Food and recipe blogs are highly popular on Pinterest, with users constantly searching for new recipes to try. If you have expertise in cooking or baking, creating a niche blog focused on food can be a profitable opportunity. You can share your own recipes, review products, and even partner with sponsors to promote their food-related products.

You can earn money through ads, affiliates, cook book sales, sponsored content,, and more. If you’re interested in taking advantage of this massive opportunity, you can check out my guide on how to start a food blog here.

 

2. DIY and Crafts Blogs

Pinterest is a hub for DIY and crafts enthusiasts, making this niche an ideal option for bloggers. By sharing tutorials, tips, and tricks on DIY projects, you can attract a loyal following. You can monetize your blog by creating and selling digital products like printables or even physical items like handmade crafts. You can also earn good money through ads, affiliate commissions, and sponsored content.

 

3. Travel Blogs

Travel blogging is another popular niche on Pinterest, with users constantly searching for travel inspiration, tips, and recommendations. If you have a passion for travel, you can start a blog and share your experiences, recommendations, and travel hacks.

You can monetize your blog through sponsored travel, affiliate marketing, ads hosted on your blog, and even by selling your own travel products like e-books or travel guides.

Another great way to earn money via a travel blog is by promoting huge affiliate sites like bookings.com. You can make money by promoting Bookings.com travel offers every time a customer purchases through your unique affiliate link.

 

4. Parenting and Family Blogs

Parenting and family blogs are highly engaging on Pinterest, with users constantly looking for parenting tips, product recommendations, and family-related content.

If you have experience in parenting or family-related topics, creating a blog in this niche can be a great opportunity. You can monetize your blog through sponsored content, affiliate marketing, ads, and even by selling your own digital products like parenting courses or e-books.

 

5. Fitness and Wellness Blogs

Fitness and wellness blogs are highly sought-after on Pinterest, with users constantly searching for workout routines, healthy recipes, and wellness tips.

If you have expertise in fitness or wellness, creating a blog in this niche can be an excellent opportunity. You can monetize your blog by promoting health-related products, doing affiliate marketing, and even creating your own fitness plans or wellness retreats. You can also host ads on your fitness blog to make more money!

Each way to make money above can make you anywhere from $0–$100,000+ per month. What you earn is directly tied to the effort you put in and your willingness to learn and implement solid Pinterest pinning strategies (if you don’t know them yet).

 

Steps to start using Pinterest to make money

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make money on Pinterest:

Create a business account:

• If you don’t already have one, convert your personal Pinterest account into a business account. This gives you access to analytics and advertising features.

Optimize your profile:

• Craft a compelling profile with a clear profile picture, a concise description, and a link to your website or landing page.

Identify your niche.

• Determine your niche or area of expertise. Sometimes, focusing on a specific niche helps attract a targeted audience.

Create high-quality pins:

• Design visually appealing and high-quality pins. Use tools like Canva or Adobe Spark to create eye-catching graphics. If you’re new to pin designing, start with templates (Canva.com has a ton) until you get the hang of things.

Use SEO strategies:

• Optimize your pin descriptions and board names with relevant keywords. This helps your content appear in search results on Pinterest.

Build relevant boards:

• Organize your pins into themed boards related to your niche. This makes it easier for users to explore your content. I typically like to start with at least 10–15 properly key-worded boards. You can read more about how I keyword my board here.

Pin consistently:

• Regularly pin content to keep your profile active. Consistency contributes to increased visibility on users’ feeds. When I start a new pinterest account, I typically like to start by pinning 2–5 new pins I create using Canva. I do this every day for the first two months. Then I like to increase my daily pins to about 7–10 pins per day as the account ages.

Engage with others:

• Like, comment, and repin content from other users in your niche. Engagement fosters a sense of community and can lead to increased visibility for your own pins. I typically start all my boards with 30–100 pins from other accounts or users in my niche. It helps increase engagement on your boards.

Join group boards:

• If you can find them and get on them, participate in relevant group boards to expand your reach. Group boards allow multiple contributors to share content with a larger audience.

This comprehensive guide shows you all the brilliant ways you can make money using Pinterest. If you’ve been looking for ideas, I hope this post was helpful. Also, if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below!