Pinterest is more than a place for recipes and dream home inspiration. It’s a powerful tool to earn money, and you’re about to learn how to make it work for you.
This post includes affiliate links to products I love and recommend, meaning I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Why Pinterest is Perfect for Making Money
Pinterest isn’t just social media; it’s a search engine with billions of monthly searches. People go there ready to act, whether it’s buying a product, learning a skill, or starting a project.
That’s where you come in. If you have a product, service, or even an idea, Pinterest helps you reach the right people.
I started using Pinterest in 2018, but like many, I quit because I didn’t know what I was doing. In 2019, I got serious, learned how to use it properly, and quickly saw results.
That success got me hooked, and I’ve been committed ever since, and honestly, it’s still fun for me to use. And now I will show you how to use Pinterest for business.
Set Up a Business Account
First things first, you need a business account. It’s free and gives you access to analytics, ads, and tools to grow. Here’s how to set it up:
- Go to Pinterest’s website and sign up for a business account.
- Fill out your profile with a clear bio, a website link, and a profile picture of you.
- Claim your website. This boosts your credibility and connects your content to your site.
Quick Tip: Use a username that reflects your brand or niche.
If you want to learn more about optimizing your Pinterest account, then read my other blog post: Pinterest SEO: How To Optimize Pinterest To Get More Traffic. I go more in-depth and show you exactly what to do.
Create Content That Converts
Not all pins are equal. To make money, your pins need to stand out. Here’s how to create content that converts:
- High-Quality Images: Use bright, clear images. Canva is a great free tool for designing pins. You can also make them with AI tools.
- Keywords: Include words your audience searches for. Think “easy dinner recipes” or “diy home decor ideas.”
- Call-to-Action (optional): Add text like “Learn More” on your pins and see if those work better than the ones without the call to action.
I’ve streamlined my pin creation process using AI tools. ChatGPT helps me write image prompts tailored to my blog posts, which I then use in tools like Leonardo.ai, Canva (Dream Lab), and Ideogram to design pins.
While these tools even generate text for the images, they’re not perfect, so I tweak them as needed to make sure everything looks polished and professional.
And remember, consistency matters. Aim to post daily and pin at least 2 pins daily, but if you can, go up to 10-20.
Monetize with Affiliate Links
Affiliate marketing is a simple way to earn. Promote products or services you love and get paid when people buy through your link.
- Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale.
- Create blog posts featuring the products with your affiliate links.
- Disclose that it’s an affiliate link (you can see my disclosure at the top of this blog post).
I use affiliate links in my blog posts to recommend products I actually like and know will help my audience. But I’ve seen people promote junk just to make quick money, and I’m not here for that.
My advice to you is to only share stuff you use and know will actually help your readers.
Sell Your Products
Pinterest drives traffic to your website or store. Here’s how to maximize sales:
- Set Up an Online Store: Platforms like Etsy or PayHip make it easy to sell.
- Pin Your Products: Add direct links to your store.
- Run Promotions: Create seasonal sales or discounts and promote them through pins.
Offer Paid Services
Are you a coach, designer, or consultant? Use Pinterest to book clients.
- Create Pins: Highlight your services with “before and after” images or testimonials.
- Link to Your Booking Page: Make it easy for people to hire you.
- Use Keywords: Help your ideal clients find you by including phrases they search for.
Earn Money with Ads on Your Blog
Ads are a simple way to make passive income. Join networks like Ezoic or Mediavine Journey to get started.
I’ve added ads to my blog, even though I find them a bit annoying. But they’re another stream of income, and they help me out financially.
It’s a win-win because my readers get valuable knowledge for free, and I still earn from the content I create.
- Use Pinterest to drive traffic by pinning blog posts on popular topics in your niche.
- Place ads in spots that are visible but not intrusive, like within your content.
- Focus on creating long-form blog posts for more ad placements.
Consistent traffic means steady earnings, so keep pinning regularly.
Create and Sell Digital Products
Digital products are a low-cost, high-profit way to earn. Think eBooks, printables, or online courses.
I’ve created different digital products like eBooks, planners, and courses. My top-selling product, 9+ Years of Social Media Content Ideas, has been a hit because so many people need content calendars, post ideas, captions, and graphic templates to save time in their business.
When creating digital products, focus on solving a specific problem your audience has, something they truly need and are willing to buy.
- Design products that solve problems. Examples: A meal planner or Instagram templates.
- Pin eye-catching images that showcase your product.
- Use keywords to reach your audience, like “small business tools” or “calendar templates.”
Build Your Email List
Pinterest can help you grow an email list fast, and here’s how:
- Offer a freebie (e.g., checklist, guide) in exchange for an email address.
- Create pins promoting your freebie.
- Use email to nurture relationships and promote products.
Track What Works
Analytics is your best friend. Pay attention to:
- Top Pins: Which ones get clicks and saves?
- Audience Insights: Learn about their interests and demographics.
- Traffic Sources: See what drives people to your site.
If you’re serious about improving your Pinterest strategy, PinInspector is a must-have. This software helps you find top-performing keywords, trending searches, and the most engaging pins directly from Pinterest.
You’ll save time, focus on what works, and grow your results faster. Plus, through my affiliate link, you can get PinInspector for $20 off right now. Snatch this powerful tool and take the guesswork out of Pinterest marketing.
Stay Consistent
Success on Pinterest doesn’t happen overnight. Consistency is your secret weapon.
Pin daily, analyze your results, and refine your approach. With time, your efforts will pay off.
Please share this article to help other digital marketers 💜
Petra Šranc (CEO of Big Income Paradise) is passionate about teaching female entrepreneurs how to do Social Media Marketing to grow their business online. She also focuses on teaching Social Media content tactics to skyrocket traffic, leads, and sales. 
