Pinterest isn’t just for DIY ideas—it’s also a powerful tool for affiliate marketing on Pinterest, especially for beginners. With millions of users searching for products and inspiration every day, Pinterest offers an incredible opportunity to make money online. This guide will show you how to start affiliate marketing on Pinterest step by step—whether you have a blog or not—so you can turn your pins into profit.
A blogger planning her Pinterest affiliate marketing strategy on a laptop. Pinterest’s visual search engine and shopping-minded audience make it ideal for affiliate marketing.
Why Pinterest for Affiliate Marketing?
Pinterest stands out from other social networks because it’s essentially a visual search engine. Content on Pinterest (called “Pins”) can circulate and drive traffic for months or even years due to the platform’s long content lifespan. This means a single well-optimized pin can keep bringing you visitors (and potential sales) long after you post it. Pinterest users also come with a “ready to buy” mindset – they often search for ideas, products, and inspiration to plan future purchases. All these factors make Pinterest an excellent choice for affiliate marketing, especially for beginners looking for a side hustle with no website required.
Key Benefits of Pinterest for Affiliates:
- Huge Audience with Buyer Intent: Over 500 million people use Pinterest, and many are actively looking for products or project ideas to purchase. This high intent to buy leads to strong conversion rates when they click on your affiliate links.
- Visual Appeal and Inspiration: Pinterest is all about visuals. Eye-catching images and helpful graphics attract clicks. You can inspire users with lifestyle shots, infographics, or product photos that naturally lead them to make purchases.
- Long-Lasting Traffic: Unlike a fleeting social media post, a good pin can gain traction via search and continue driving traffic for weeks or months. Your affiliate links on popular pins can keep earning commissions passively over time.
- Direct Affiliate Links Allowed: Unlike some platforms, Pinterest allows direct affiliate links on pins as long as you follow their rules (more on that later). You don’t necessarily need a blog or online store – you can link straight to the product page using your affiliate URL.
Can You Do Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest Without a Blog?
Yes – you can absolutely start affiliate marketing on Pinterest without a blog or website. Pinterest’s system allows every pin to have a link back to a destination, which can be an affiliate link. This is great news for beginners who don’t have a website; you can create pins that go directly to a product or signup page using your affiliate URL. Many affiliate programs permit direct-to-merchant linking on Pinterest (for example, Amazon Associates links can be used on Pinterest). In fact, Pinterest is “a goldmine for affiliate marketing… – no website needed” as one guide puts it.
That said, keep a few things in mind when you’re doing affiliate marketing with no blog:
- Program Requirements: Some affiliate programs and networks require you to have an existing website or blog to get approved. Don’t be discouraged – plenty of programs accept social media influencers or direct affiliates without a traditional site. Focus on programs that allow social platform promotion or look for direct affiliate programs (brands that run their own affiliate scheme without requiring a blog). For instance, small businesses or popular platforms like Amazon often make the sign-up easy for non-bloggers.
- Link Destination: If you don’t have a blog as an intermediary, your pins will send users straight to the retailer’s site via your affiliate link. Make sure the product page or landing page you’re linking is relevant to your pin image and description to avoid confusing users.
- Content Quality Matters: Without a blog to provide extra context, your pin’s image and description have to do all the selling. Provide helpful info in the pin description and ensure the image clearly represents the product or idea you’re promoting. This builds trust so that users are comfortable clicking your direct link.
Benefits of Using a Blog with Pinterest (Optional)
While you can succeed on Pinterest without a blog, having your own website or blog can significantly boost your affiliate marketing results. One expert notes that having a blog claimed on Pinterest can “triple the amount of easy money you can make”. Here’s why a blog can help:
- Rich Pins and Credibility: By linking (claiming) your website on Pinterest, you unlock features like Rich Pins, which automatically pull in information (price, availability, descriptions) from your site to your pins. Rich Pins look more professional and can improve click-through rates. A blog also gives you a place to provide more in-depth content (e.g. product reviews or top-10 lists) that can warm up your audience before sending them to an affiliate offer.
- Join More Programs: Affiliate networks and high-paying programs are more likely to approve you if you have a quality website or blog as part of your application. It shows you’re a serious publisher. Even a simple blog with a few posts in your niche can open doors to better affiliate opportunities.
- SEO Traffic Synergy: You can use Pinterest to drive visitors to your blog posts, which in turn contain affiliate links. This two-step funnel (Pinterest -> Blog -> Merchant) gives you more control. Your blog post can pre-sell the product with a story or detailed info, potentially increasing conversion rates. Plus, your blog can also get traffic from Google SEO, not just Pinterest.
In summary, you don’t need a blog to start – many beginners thrive with direct affiliate pins – but building a blog over time can amplify your earnings and give you a more sustainable online asset. If you’re just starting out and not ready to invest in a website, feel free to begin with Pinterest-only affiliate marketing and consider adding a blog later as you grow.
How to Start Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest (Step-by-Step)
Ready to turn those pins into profits? Below is a step-by-step roadmap to begin affiliate marketing on Pinterest as a beginner. We’ll assume you already have an affiliate product or program in mind, but if not, don’t worry – we’ll cover finding affiliate programs too.
Step 1: Set Up a Pinterest Business Account
Your first step is to create a Pinterest Business account (or convert your personal account to business). A business account is free and unlocks crucial features like Pinterest Analytics, which lets you track pin performance and conversions. It also allows you to use your brand name on the profile (instead of just a first/last name) and run ads if you choose.
- How to Create/Convert: Go to Pinterest for Business and sign up with your email, or convert an existing account in your settings (under “Account management”). Pinterest will guide you through adding a business name, choosing your niche category, and picking a few interests to get started.
- Optimize Your Profile: Treat your Pinterest profile like SEO real estate. Fill out your profile name and bio with relevant keywords for your niche, because both can rank in Pinterest search. For example, if your niche is home décor, your profile might be “Jane @ CozyHomeTips – DIY Home Decor & Ideas.” Create at least a few boards with keyword-rich titles (e.g., “Cozy Bedroom Ideas” or “DIY Home Hacks”) and detailed descriptions. This helps Pinterest understand what your content is about and show your pins to the right audience.
- Claim Your Website (if you have one): In your Pinterest settings, you can claim your website or blog URL. This verification boosts your credibility and enables Rich Pins (enhanced pins that show extra info like product prices or article details). If you’re starting without a blog, you can skip this for now – but remember to add it later if you launch a site.
- Stay on Niche: Pinterest accounts that focus on a clear niche tend to grow faster. Decide on your niche or topic now if you haven’t. Whether it’s fashion, fitness, tech gadgets, or home decor, stick to boards and pins that cater to that audience for a cohesive presence.
Step 2: Research and Choose Your Niche
If you haven’t picked a niche yet, take some time to research what’s popular on Pinterest and what interests you. A niche is basically the category or topic you’ll center your content and affiliate promotions around. As the saying goes, “the riches are in the niches,” meaning a focused topic can help you attract a dedicated audience interested in those products.
- Use Pinterest Trends: Pinterest offers a Trends tool that shows you the latest trending searches and topics on the platform, filtered by region. This is a great way to gauge what people are actively looking for. For example, if “keto recipes” or “home office setup” are trending and those align with affiliate products you can promote, that might be a good niche to consider.
- Consider Seasonality: Some niches boom during certain seasons or holidays (think “gift ideas” around Christmas or “gardening tips” in spring). You can succeed in seasonal niches, but be prepared to adapt content year-round. Alternatively, choose an evergreen niche (like “fitness tips” or “home decor”) that’s steady throughout the year, then capitalize on seasonal trends within that niche when appropriate.
- Passion vs Profit: Ideally, your niche should hit the sweet spot between something you enjoy and something that has profitable affiliate programs. If you’re passionate about the topic, creating content will be fun and authentic. But also verify there are affiliate products people buy in that niche (for instance, there are plenty of affiliate programs in fashion, beauty, tech, lifestyle, finance, etc.).
Once you’ve chosen your niche, set up Pinterest boards dedicated to sub-topics within that niche. This will help organize your pins later. For example, a travel niche account might have boards for “Budget Travel Tips,” “Travel Gear Must-Haves,” and “Destination Guides.”
Step 3: Find and Join Affiliate Programs
With your niche in mind, you’ll need affiliate products or services to promote. This means joining affiliate programs or networks so you can get your unique referral links.
- Individual Affiliate Programs: Many companies run their own affiliate programs that you can apply to directly (often via their website footer or a “Partners” page). For example, Amazon’s Amazon Associates is a well-known program where you can promote millions of products on Amazon and earn a commission. Other individual programs might include retail brands, web services (like a web hosting company’s affiliate program), or small businesses that offer referral commissions. These direct programs often have simple sign-ups – sometimes you just need to fill a form, and they’ll give you a tracking link if approved.
- Affiliate Networks: These are platforms that host many affiliate offers from different companies. By joining a network, you gain access to numerous affiliate programs in one place. Popular networks include ShareASale, Awin, CJ (Commission Junction), and ClickBank, among others. You typically sign up to the network, then apply to individual merchants within it. Networks can be handy to track all earnings in one dashboard. Keep in mind some networks have stricter approval (they might ask for a website or social media stats).
- Choosing the Right Program: Aim for programs related to your niche with good commission rates and reputable products. For instance, if your niche is fitness, you might join supplement or sportswear affiliate programs. Check each program’s terms for things like commission percentage, cookie duration (how long you get credit after a user clicks your link), and payout methods. Also ensure the program allows promotion on social media/Pinterest.
- No Blog? Try Direct-Friendly Options: If you don’t have a blog, target affiliate programs that explicitly allow direct-to-merchant linking on social media. Amazon Associates generally permits you to share affiliate links on Pinterest and other social sites (just avoid link shorteners). Some networks like Awin or ShareASale also allow social media publishers; you may need to list your Pinterest profile as your “website” during sign-up. Additionally, look out for smaller brands or Etsy shops that have affiliate programs – they might be more lenient and excited to work with Pinterest influencers.
Tip: Don’t overwhelm yourself by joining too many programs at once. Start with one or two affiliate products that you genuinely like or that fit a need for your audience. You can always expand later. Once you have your affiliate accounts set up and some links to promote, you’re ready to create content!
Step 4: Create Attractive Pins with Your Affiliate Links
Now comes the fun part – designing and posting your pins. Your goal is to make scroll-stopping, informative pins that encourage users to click through your affiliate link. Here’s how to create pins that get results:
- Use High-Quality Vertical Images: Pinterest favors vertical images (typically a 2:3 aspect ratio, like 1000 x 1500 pixels). Use clear, high-resolution photos or graphics. You don’t need to be a pro photographer; you can create great visuals using free tools like Canva or Adobe Spark, which have Pinterest templates. If you’re promoting a physical product, lifestyle photos (the product in use) often perform well. If it’s a digital product or service, you might use an illustration or text graphic. Make sure your image is relevant to what you’re promoting to set the right expectation when they click.
- Compelling Titles & Text Overlay: Include a short text overlay on your image if it helps convey the message (for example, “5 Kitchen Gadgets You Need” or “How to Style a Summer Outfit”). Bold, easy-to-read text can draw attention as people scroll. Pinterest’s own tips say the text on your pin can affect how it ranks in search – it’s essentially part of your Pinterest SEO. So include your main keyword or product name if possible. Just don’t make it too spammy or cluttered.
- Pin Description = Your Sales Copy: When you upload your pin, you’ll add a title and description. Use this space wisely. Describe what’s in the pin and highlight the benefits or a call-to-action. For example: “Looking for cozy home decor ideas? Check out these handpicked fall throw blankets [aff]. They’re super soft, stylish, and on sale! 🍂 Click to see more colors.” Notice the use of an “[aff]” tag – that’s a simple disclosure (more on disclosures in the next step). Always be honest and accurate in your descriptions to build trust. Include relevant keywords naturally in the text so that your pin can appear in search results (e.g., “fall decor,” “cozy blankets”). Hashtags can be used sparingly (Pinterest is less hashtag-focused than Instagram, but one or two niche hashtags won’t hurt).
- Add Your Affiliate Link: Paste your affiliate URL into the “Destination Link” field when creating the pin. Double-check that it’s working. Do not use link shorteners or cloaking – Pinterest might flag or block pins with shortened links. Use the full clean affiliate link provided by your program. If the link is extremely long or unsightly, that’s usually fine on Pinterest. (If it really bothers you, one workaround is to use a simple redirect from your own website later, but again, Pinterest’s policy is to avoid redirects, so for now stick to the direct link).
- Product Tagging (Idea Pins): Pinterest has a format called Idea Pins (multi-page pins similar to stories) which, for some users, allow product tagging – essentially letting you tag products with affiliate links inside the pin. If you have access to this feature, it can be powerful: you could create a short slideshow or video and tag multiple affiliate products within it. Note that Idea Pins (now sometimes just called “Pinterest stories”) don’t expire after 24 hours like Instagram stories; they stay on your profile and in feeds. Not everyone has the product tagging feature yet, and Pinterest has been evolving this format, but keep an eye on it as it’s an easy way to showcase affiliate products natively.
While creating pins, always put yourself in the shoes of a Pinterest user: Would this image and description make me want to click? Aim to inspire or solve a problem. People often browse Pinterest for ideas (“What should I cook/wear/buy for X?”), so if your pin promises to answer that, you’re golden.
Step 5: Optimize for Pinterest SEO (Keywords)
Success on Pinterest often comes down to Pinterest SEO – making sure your content appears when users search for related keywords. Pinterest works like a search engine, so you’ll want to weave relevant keywords into your profile, boards, pin titles, and descriptions.
- Keyword Research on Pinterest: Start by typing a term into the Pinterest search bar and see the suggestions that drop down – these are popular searches. For example, typing “healthy recipes” might autocomplete to “healthy recipes dinner” or “healthy recipes for kids,” which indicates those are frequent searches. The search results page also often shows related keyword bubbles or ideas. Use these clues to refine your keywords. Additionally, Pinterest’s Trends tool (mentioned earlier) and the Pinterest Ads keyword planner can reveal high-volume terms. If you have a business account, you can even start to create an ad and use the keyword suggestion feature without finalizing the ad – this is a hack to see what keywords are searched and how often.
- Optimize Boards and Pins: Incorporate your keywords naturally. For example, if your niche is skincare, make sure words like “skincare,” “beauty tips,” or specific product types (vitamin C serum, moisturizer) appear in your board names, pin titles, and descriptions. However, avoid keyword stuffing – don’t just list keywords without context. Write for humans first, but keep keywords in mind. A good pin description might read: “10 Travel Packing Tips for Stress-Free Vacations 🧳✈️: Discover how to pack light, organize your suitcase, and carry travel essentials like a pro. (Includes my go-to travel gear recommendations!)” – This is rich in keywords (travel, packing tips, travel gear) but also genuinely helpful-sounding.
- Follow Trending Topics: Align some of your content with current trends or seasonal interests for a potential traffic boost. For instance, in November/December, people might search for “holiday gift ideas” or “Christmas decorating tips.” If it fits your niche, create pins for those topics. Pinterest even releases a yearly Pinterest Predicts report forecasting upcoming trends – using those in advance can give you an edge. Being early or on-trend with content can make your pins more likely to go viral or get featured.
Remember, optimizing for search on Pinterest is an ongoing effort. Keep researching new keywords as your niche evolves, and update older pins or create new pins to target those terms. Over time, SEO can snowball your traffic, because multiple pins that rank well will continually funnel users to your links.
Step 6: Follow Rules – Add Disclosures and Avoid Spam
When you’re posting affiliate content on Pinterest (or anywhere), transparency is key. Not only is it required by law and platforms’ policies, it also builds trust with your audience.
- Add Affiliate Disclosures: The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) requires that you clearly disclose affiliate links to your audience. In practice, on Pinterest this means you should indicate in the pin description (and/or on the image text) that it’s an affiliate link or sponsored recommendation. You can do this in simple ways: use hashtags like #affiliatelink or #ad, or include a note like “[affiliate link]” or “[aff]” in the description. Make sure this disclosure is visible before the user clicks (so put it at the start or middle of your description, not buried at the very end). For example: “Check out my review of the XYZ Planner [aff]. It’s been a game-changer for staying organized!”
- Don’t Spam or Mislead: Pinterest’s algorithm and community guidelines penalize spammy behavior. This includes posting too many pins too fast, repeatedly using the exact same image/link combo, or creating boards just to dump affiliate links without any curation. Pace your pinning – a good rule of thumb is to publish fresh pins consistently (e.g. once a day or a few per week), but avoid flooding the platform all at once. Also, ensure your pin content matches what you’re linking to. Never use a misleading image or description just to get clicks (for instance, don’t show a photo of a fashionable outfit but the link goes to an unrelated product). That’s a quick way to lose trust and potentially get your account suspended.
- Avoid Prohibited Content and Shortened Links: Stay away from disallowed topics (adult content, gambling, illicit products, etc., as per Pinterest’s policies) – most beginners won’t go there anyway. As mentioned, do not use URL shorteners or link cloaking services on Pinterest. Pinterest likes transparency; a raw affiliate link or a straightforward URL is best. If your affiliate program provides a very long URL, that’s okay. If you have a blog, another method is to use your site’s own short redirect (e.g., yoursite.com/productX) but ensure it’s still obvious and not disguising the destination.
- Use Only Original Content: Pinterest wants unique content that adds value. So, create your own pin images (don’t just download someone else’s pin and reuse it). If you use product photos provided by your affiliate program or brand (many have media galleries for affiliates), try to add your own twist – like adding text overlay or combining images – so it’s unique to you. The platform can detect duplicate images and may downrank or suspend accounts that just repost others’ content. Keep your boards tidy and filled with helpful, original pins.
Following these guidelines will keep you in Pinterest’s good graces and build credibility with your audience. It’s better to have slightly fewer pins that are high-quality and compliant than tons of spammy pins that risk your account.
Step 7: Be Consistent and Monitor Your Results
Just like any other platform, success on Pinterest doesn’t happen overnight. Consistency and continuous improvement are your best friends.
- Post Regularly: Pinterest’s algorithm favors fresh content. Try to add new pins on a regular schedule – for example, aim for daily pins or a few pins per week to start. You don’t need to pin 100 things a day; simply show Pinterest that your account is active and providing new ideas. Over time, you’ll build up a large portfolio of pins, each with the chance to rank and bring in traffic. Many successful affiliate pinners create content for months before seeing a big payoff, so patience is key.
- Engage and Grow: While Pinterest is more about content than social interaction, it still helps to engage. Follow other relevant accounts in your niche, respond to any comments on your pins, and consider joining group boards if they exist in your niche (group boards allow multiple people to contribute pins on a topic, which can amplify reach). Also, try different pin formats – static images, Idea Pins, and video pins. Pinterest rewards variety and experimentation. A short demo video of a product or a how-to Idea Pin can sometimes outperform static images, so it’s worth testing.
- Use Analytics: With your business account, you have access to Pinterest Analytics. This tool shows you which pins are getting impressions, saves (repins), clicks, and more. Keep an eye on what content resonates with the audience. Did that “10 Tips” infographic get a lot of saves? Great – maybe do more like it. Are pins about “summer outfits” getting more clicks than “winter outfits”? Maybe your audience skews to warm-weather planning. Use these insights to refine your strategy. Also, track your affiliate clicks and earnings from the affiliate program side (most programs have their own dashboards). See which links are converting into sales. Over time, you’ll identify your “power pins” – the pins that drive the most revenue – and you can focus on promoting or reworking those topics.
- Iterate and Optimize: Affiliate marketing (and Pinterest) involve some trial and error. Don’t be afraid to tweak your approach. If certain pins aren’t performing, try changing up the imagery or keywords. Stay updated on Pinterest features – for instance, if they launch a new feature for shopping or a change in the algorithm, adjust your strategy. Follow Pinterest’s official blog or other marketing blogs for the latest tips.
Quick Growth Tips: Keep an eye on trending Pinterest searches and seasonal events to inspire new pins (e.g., “back-to-school essentials” in late summer if that fits your niche). Leverage tools like Tailwind for scheduling pins in advance, so you maintain consistency even when you’re busy. And always aim to provide value – the more your pins help or inspire people, the more engagement and earnings you’ll see.
Conclusion: Start Your Pinterest Affiliate Journey Today 🚀
Affiliate marketing on Pinterest is one of the easiest ways for beginners to start making money online, thanks to its user-friendly interface and shopping-oriented audience. You’ve learned how to set up your business account, find profitable affiliate programs, create beautiful pins, and follow best practices to stay compliant. Now the real magic happens – taking action.
Remember, even if you start with no blog and just a passion for your niche, you can share useful pins and earn commissions whenever someone discovers a product through your content. It’s a fantastic feeling to see those first few dollars roll in from something you posted on Pinterest! As you grow, consider expanding your content (maybe start that blog, or add an email list) to boost your income even further.
Call-to-Action: Ready to turn your pinning into profits? Don’t just save ideas on Pinterest – start monetizing them. Create your Pinterest Business account, join a couple of affiliate programs in a niche you love, and design your first few pins. Consistency and creativity will pay off. Stay patient, keep learning, and soon you could be seeing those affiliate earnings pinging into your account. Start your Pinterest affiliate marketing journey today and pin your way to passive income! 😊