5 Best Ways to Make Money on Pinterest
Last Updated on August 28, 2025 by Himanshu Rawat
“Don’t use social media to impress people; use it to impact people.” — Dave Willis
Pinterest is no longer just a platform for recipes, wedding inspiration, or DIY projects—it’s evolved into one of the most powerful and overlooked income channels in the digital world. Whether you’re an aspiring creator, a small business owner, or simply looking for a side hustle, Pinterest offers a visually driven, high-intent audience ready to engage—and buy.
Unlike fast-scrolling social apps where content disappears within hours, Pinterest works more like a search engine. Your content doesn’t just live for a few moments — it continues working for you, often bringing in traffic and revenue months (or even years) after being posted. That’s the magic of a well-optimized pin.
The best part? You don’t need millions of followers to make money on Pinterest. What you do need is a smart strategy. From affiliate marketing and digital products to eCommerce integration and brand collaborations, Pinterest gives you multiple paths to monetize—many of which can be started with minimal upfront investment.
Cool Facts About Pinterest Monetization (That Might Surprise You)
Pinterest isn’t just a mood board—it’s a money board. These facts reveal why creators, entrepreneurs, and side hustlers are doubling down on Pinterest as a serious income stream:
- Pinterest Users Are Buyers, Not Browsers
Over 85% of Pinners use the platform to plan purchases, and 97% of top searches are unbranded—which means they’re open to discovering new products, including yours. - Pins Have a Long Life Span
Unlike Instagram or TikTok, a single well-optimized pin can continue driving traffic for 3 to 6 months, sometimes longer. That’s compounding value. - Affiliate Links Are Fully Supported
You can now use direct affiliate links on Idea Pins and standard Pins without needing a blog or website—Pinterest wants you to earn. - Product Pins Boost Sales by 70%
Pins that include pricing, availability, and product tags see significantly higher engagement and conversion. Shoppable content works. - High-Earning Niches Thrive on Pinterest
Popular (and profitable) niches include home décor, fashion, food, travel, wellness, and personal finance. If it’s visual, it can sell. - Pinterest Predicts Trends Early
Pinterest’s annual Predicts report claims an 80% accuracy rate in spotting upcoming consumer trends. That’s a crystal ball for creators.
Pro Tip: Use these facts to build trust and excitement in your audience. Whether in captions, landing pages, or email content, they show that Pinterest isn’t just creative—it’s commercial.
Success Stats – Why Pinterest Means Business
Still wondering if Pinterest is worth your time? These key statistics show just how powerful Pinterest can be when it comes to monetization. Whether you’re selling products, using affiliate links, or promoting services, Pinterest users are ready to click—and buy.
- Pins with product tags get 70% more engagement
According to Pinterest Business, product-tagged Pins drive significantly more interactions—turning casual browsers into buyers. - Pinterest users spend 2x more per month than users on other platforms
As shared by Hootsuite’s Social Trends Report, Pinterest shoppers don’t just scroll—they shop. That’s double the average monthly spend compared to other platforms like Facebook or Instagram.
Takeaway: If you’re not monetizing on Pinterest yet, you’re leaving serious money on the table. These stats prove Pinterest isn’t just a visual search engine—it’s a revenue engine for sellers and creators.
The 5 Best Ways to Make Money on Pinterest
Whether you’re a creator, small business owner, or side hustler, Pinterest offers powerful tools to generate real income. Here’s a breakdown of the top five monetization methods—complete with real examples and proven best practices.
1. Affiliate Marketing
Promote products. Earn passive income. No inventory needed.
Affiliate marketing is the fastest way to start earning on Pinterest. You pin products with your affiliate link, and every time someone clicks and buys, you get a commission.
- Best Practice: Use high-quality vertical Pins (2:3 ratio) with keyword-rich descriptions.
- Example: A fashion blogger pins “10 Must-Have Summer Dresses” with affiliate links to each item.
- Pro Tip: Disclose affiliate relationships clearly in the Pin description.
2. Selling Physical Products
Drive traffic directly to your eCommerce store.
If you have a Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce store, Pinterest is a goldmine for organic traffic. Pins act as evergreen content that keep sending buyers your way.
- Best Practice: Enable Rich Pins and use product tags for shoppable Pins.
- Example: A home decor store posts seasonal boards like “Fall Entryway Ideas” with tagged products.
- Pro Tip: Pin consistently and use keywords your ideal buyer would search.
3. Promoting Digital Products (eBooks, Courses, Printables)
Create once, sell forever.
Digital products are a passive-income powerhouse on Pinterest. From eBooks to Canva templates and online courses, creators are cashing in.
- Best Practice: Use visually compelling mockups and link directly to your Gumroad, Payhip, or Teachable pages.
- Example: A productivity coach pins “Free Daily Planner Download” leading to a $9 digital bundle upsell.
- Pro Tip: Create a landing page with a freebie to grow your email list and build long-term revenue.
4. Sponsored Pins & Brand Collaborations
Work with brands to promote products authentically.
Once you grow a niche audience, brands may approach you (or you can pitch them) to create sponsored Pins featuring their products.
- Best Practice: Focus on engagement rate over follower count—brands value influence, not just numbers.
- Example: A fitness creator partners with a protein shake brand, posting “Post-Workout Smoothie Ideas” using the product.
- Pro Tip: Use platforms like Aspire or Influencity to find collaborations.
5. Pinterest Creator Rewards / In-App Monetization Tools
Monetize directly inside Pinterest.
Pinterest has introduced native monetization tools for select creators through programs like Creator Rewards (currently limited by region). These include Idea Pins bonuses and performance-based payouts.
- Best Practice: Create Idea Pins consistently and engage with trends.
- Example: A DIY crafter earns through Creator Rewards by posting step-by-step projects as Idea Pins.
- Pro Tip: Turn on your Pinterest Business account and apply for the Creator Fund when available.
Ready to Get Started?
You don’t need millions of followers to start earning on Pinterest. With the right strategy and a bit of consistency, you can turn your boards into a business.
Top 10 Pinterest Income Ideas of All Time
Creative, proven, and wildly profitable ways to monetize your Pinterest presence
Want to go beyond the basics? This bonus list highlights 10 evergreen income ideas that have helped creators and sellers build real, sustainable revenue streams through Pinterest. Each one blends creativity with commerce—and yes, they actually work.
1. Recipe Pins with Affiliate Kitchen Gear
Turn your favorite meals into income. Share recipes and link to blenders, utensils, or cookware using affiliate links from Amazon, Target, or RewardStyle.
Example: “3-Ingredient Smoothie Recipes” featuring an affiliate Vitamix blender.
2. Printable Planners via Etsy
Design once, earn forever. Sell printable calendars, budgeting templates, or meal plans and promote them on Pinterest through aesthetically styled Pins.
Example: “Planner Bundle” linked to your Etsy shop.
3. Fashion Roundups with Affiliate Links
Create curated style boards—“Summer Wardrobe Must-Haves” or “Fall Layering Looks”—and earn from every product click via affiliate networks like LTK or ShareASale.
Example: “Capsule Wardrobe for Working Moms” with affiliate links for each item.
4. Wedding Boards Driving Shopify Sales
Weddings are one of Pinterest’s hottest niches. Create mood boards like “Boho Wedding Ideas” and link to your own Shopify store selling decor, invites, or gifts.
Example: “Rustic Wedding Decor” leading directly to your Shopify product pages.
5. Home Decor DIYs with Sponsored Products
Post DIY tutorials for small-space makeovers or budget decor, then partner with home brands for sponsored Pins.
Example: “Small Apartment Entryway Revamp” featuring a sponsored bench and rug.
6. Kids’ Activities with Affiliate Craft Supplies
Crafting with kids? Share ideas like “5 Rainy Day Activities” and monetize the Pin by linking to glue sticks, watercolor sets, or books via affiliate links.
Example: “No-Mess Finger Painting for Toddlers” linked to washable paints on Amazon.
7. Fitness Routines with Digital Product Sales
Combine exercise tips with monetizable digital assets like workout guides or meal plans.
Example: “7-Day At-Home Workout Challenge” with a $9 PDF guide download.
8. Travel Itineraries with Affiliate Luggage & Gear
Create Pinterest boards with “3-Day Paris Itinerary” and link to travel backpacks, walking shoes, or hotel deals.
Example: “What to Pack for Rome in Spring” with affiliate recommendations.
9. Seasonal Gift Guides
Holiday and seasonal boards like “Mother’s Day Gift Ideas” or “Back-to-School Must-Haves” are perfect for high-converting affiliate Pins.
Example: “Top 10 Gifts for Book Lovers” featuring links to Amazon, Bookshop, or your own store.
10. Skincare Routines with Brand Partnerships
Beauty is booming on Pinterest. Share your skincare steps, then pitch to brands or use affiliate links to monetize.
Example: “Nighttime Routine for Sensitive Skin” with affiliate links or sponsored tags.
Each of these ideas can work on its own—but magic happens when you stack them. A fashion roundup can link to affiliate products, digital downloads, and a Shopify store all at once. That’s how Pinterest pros scale to full-time income.
Top 10 Do’s of Pinterest Monetization
The habits that separate profitable Pinners from passive posters.
Monetizing on Pinterest isn’t guesswork—it’s a strategy. If you want your Pins to drive clicks, sales, and serious income, these are the essential behaviors to adopt. Do these consistently, and you’ll turn Pinterest into a true business asset.
- Do Use a Business Account
A Pinterest Business account unlocks rich analytics, ad tools, and the ability to claim your website—all critical for tracking income and scaling results. - Do Optimize for Search (SEO)
Pinterest is a visual search engine. Use keywords in your profile, board titles, descriptions, and Pins to make your content discoverable long after it’s posted. - Do Create High-Quality Vertical Pins (2:3 Ratio)
Design clean, on-brand Pins that are visually striking. Vertical Pins perform best and are prioritized by the algorithm. - Do Include a Clear CTA on Every Pin
Guide the user—don’t leave them guessing. Use calls like “Shop now,” “Download here,” or “Click to learn more” to boost conversions. - Do Pin Consistently
Pinterest favors active accounts. Whether it’s 3 fresh Pins a week or 5 a day, consistency signals credibility to the algorithm. - Do Diversify Your Monetization Streams
Don’t rely on just affiliate marketing or digital products. Mix methods—sell, promote, collaborate—to create a robust income ecosystem. - Do Stay on Top of Trends
Leverage Pinterest Predicts and seasonal interest spikes to plan your content calendar. Early pins = early traffic = better earnings. - Do Disclose Affiliate or Sponsored Content Properly
Build trust and stay compliant. Use #ad or #affiliate clearly in your Pin descriptions and follow FTC guidelines. - Do Use Idea Pins for Reach, Standard Pins for Clicks
Idea Pins get massive impressions (great for visibility), while Standard Pins with links are best for conversions. Balance both in your content plan. - Do Monitor Pinterest Analytics Weekly
Use your data. Learn what gets clicks, what drives saves, and what leads to sales—then double down on what works.
Success comes from systems, not stunts. Follow these Dos and you’ll build not just traffic—but trust, engagement, and income.
Top 10 Don’ts of Pinterest Monetization
Avoid these mistakes if you’re serious about making money on Pinterest
Success on Pinterest isn’t just about what you do—it’s also about what you don’t do. These are the mistakes that can tank your visibility, sabotage your sales, or even get your account flagged. If you want to turn your Pins into profit, skip these missteps at all costs.
1. Spamming Group Boards
Dumping the same Pins across dozens of group boards may have worked in 2015—but today, it’s a fast track to invisibility (or worse, suspension). Prioritize quality over quantity and tailor Pins to relevant boards.
2. Using Unapproved Affiliate Links
Not all affiliate networks are Pinterest-friendly. Some links (especially from Amazon) break Pinterest’s rules or tracking. Use trusted platforms like LTK, ShareASale, or Impact that allow clean, trackable links.
3. Ignoring SEO
Pinterest is a visual search engine, not just a social network. If your Pins don’t use keywords in titles, descriptions, and file names, they won’t get found—let alone clicked.
Tip: Use tools like Pinterest Trends or Ubersuggest to find high-performing keywords.
4. Poor Pin Design
Blurry images, off-brand fonts, or mismatched colors instantly lower credibility. Pinterest is a visual-first platform—good design = trust = clicks.
Fix it fast: Use Canva’s free Pinterest templates and always design in a vertical 2:3 ratio.
5. No CTA on Pins
You’ve got their attention—now what? Every Pin should tell the viewer what to do next: “Click to shop,” “Download the free guide,” or “Save for later.”
No CTA = no action = no earnings.
6. Not Claiming Your Website
Claiming your site unlocks analytics, rich Pins, and authority. Without it, Pinterest sees you as just another user—not a business.
7. Inconsistent Posting
Posting once a month? Pinterest will treat your content like it doesn’t matter. Use a scheduler like Tailwind to pin consistently—even if it’s just 3–5 fresh Pins a week.
Consistency builds trust with the algorithm and your audience.
8. Skipping Analytics
If you don’t know what’s working, you’re just guessing. Pinterest analytics show you what content gets saves, clicks, and conversions—so you can double down on what works.
9. Ignoring Seasonal Trends
People plan early on Pinterest. If you’re posting Christmas gift guides in December, you’re already too late. Pin holiday and seasonal content 2–3 months ahead.
Stay ahead, not behind.
10. Not Following FTC Guidelines
Yes, even Pins need disclosures. If you’re using affiliate links or posting sponsored content, you must label them clearly with #ad, #sponsored, or a clear disclaimer.
Pinterest can be a serious income stream—but only if you play smart. These mistakes are all avoidable, and skipping them can put you miles ahead of most creators.
Final Takeaway
Pinterest isn’t a lottery — it’s a strategy.
If you’re here looking for a get-rich-quick scheme, you’ve missed the point. The creators and sellers making real money on Pinterest aren’t chasing virality. They’re building a system — rooted in consistency, powered by clarity, and driven by content that converts.
Whether you’re a solo creator, Etsy seller, or full-scale brand, the monetization potential on Pinterest is real and growing. With the right mindset, tools, and tactical content, you can turn every Pin into a profit pathway.
ONE MORE THING: Your Pinterest Monetization Starter Plan
Before you click away — take action. Save or screenshot this checklist and start building your Pinterest income stream today:
- Pick one monetization path (affiliate, products, digital, sponsorship, or rewards)
- Set up your Pinterest Business account and claim your website
- Create 5–10 SEO-rich boards around your niche
- Post consistently (use a scheduler like Tailwind if needed)
- Track what works — clicks, saves, conversions — and adjust weekly
“Pinterest is not about likes. It’s about lasting impact. Your Pins don’t disappear — they work for you for months, even years.”
This is your moment.
Start pinning with purpose—and start getting paid.
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