Pinterest isn’t just another social media platform for sharing pretty pictures and DIY projects. This powerful tool has over 450 million monthly active users who are actively searching for products and inspiration. So below is my complete guide to affiliate marketing on Pinterest.
The best part about Pinterest is that its users typically have a higher household income than other social networks, making it perfect for affiliate marketing. A lot of people don’t realize that Pinterest functions more like a search engine than a typical social media network.
Starting an affiliate campaign on Pinterest can seem overwhelming at first, but this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover how to set up your personal Pinterest account and create pins that drive Pinterest traffic to your landing pages.
The great thing about Pinterest affiliate marketing campaigns is their visual appeal and long-lasting impact. Your original content can continue generating affiliate marketing income months after you first post it, unlike other platforms where content quickly disappears from feeds.
Let’s dive into how you can turn Pinterest into your next successful affiliate partner.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the power of Pinterest as a lucrative affiliate marketing platform
- Learn how to effectively use affiliate links and drive targeted traffic to your offers
- Uncover the best practices for optimizing your Pinterest presence and content for maximum impact
- Explore the top tools and resources to streamline your Pinterest affiliate marketing efforts
- Understand the pros and cons of Pinterest affiliate marketing to make informed decisions
Not sure how blogging works on Pinterest?
CLICK HERE to check out my complete guide to blogging on Pinterest!
What Is Pinterest Affiliate Marketing?
Pinterest affiliate marketing combines visual content with product recommendations to earn money. When you share Pinterest pins that include special tracking links from companies you partner with, you earn a commission when people buy through those links.
Think of it like being a digital shop window designer. You create beautiful pins featuring products you love, and Pinterest works as a visual discovery engine where new people can find your recommendations.
The good news is that you don’t need your own products to get started. You can promote items from other brands using different types of pins, from stunning product photos to helpful how-to guides.
What makes Pinterest unique among social networks is its focus on visual search engine capabilities. Your pins can keep bringing in sales for months or even years, unlike posts on other platforms that disappear quickly.
Remember that Pinterest isn’t just about pushing sales – it’s about sharing high-quality images and valuable content that genuinely helps people discover products they’ll love.
Using Pinterest for Affiliate Links
The first thing you need to do is convert to or create a business account (instructions below) and set up your own boards focused on specific topics. Make sure your profile description clearly tells new people what kind of product recommendations they can expect from you.
Following Pinterest’s best practices for affiliate links is crucial. Always disclose that your pins contain affiliate links and create high-quality images that provide real value to your followers.
When creating pinterest pins with affiliate links, you’ll want to use different types of pins to see what works best. Mix up your visual content between product photos, infographics, and instructional images.
Remember to add your external link properly in the pin’s destination URL, not in the pin description. This ensures people land directly on the product page when they click.
How Pinterest Drives Traffic
Pinterest works differently from other social media platforms because it acts like a visual search engine. When people search for ideas or inspiration, Pinterest shows them relevant pins based on their interests and search terms.
One big advantage of Pinterest is that your pins keep working long after you post them. Unlike regular social networks where posts disappear quickly, Pinterest pins can drive traffic for months or even years.
The right way to drive traffic is by creating high-quality images that catch attention and solve problems. Your visual content should be eye-catching and useful enough that people want to click through to learn more.
Pinterest also suggests your pins to new people who might like similar content, helping you reach a bigger audience naturally.
“Pinterest is a powerful platform for affiliate marketing, allowing you to reach a highly engaged audience and drive targeted traffic to your affiliate offers.”
How to Get Started with Pinterest Affiliate Marketing
Starting your Pinterest affiliate marketing journey is exciting and rewarding. To begin, you need to take a few important steps. We’ll cover setting up your account, finding your niche, joining affiliate programs, and doing keyword research.
Create a Pinterest Business Account
First, create a Pinterest business account. It offers valuable analytics and SEO optimization. Switching from a personal to a business account is easy on Pinterest.
Here’s how to do it:
- Visit Pinterest.com and click ‘Create Business Account’ or convert your personal account
- Fill in your business name, website URL, and choose your business category
- Enable the Pinterest tag for your website
- Set up your profile with a professional photo and keyword-rich description
- Create at least 3-5 boards relevant to your blog’s type of content
- Verify your website to unlock additional features and analytics
Pick a Niche for Your Pins
Choosing a niche is key. Pick something you’re interested in and know a lot about. Fashion, home decor, beauty, and lifestyle are popular choices for affiliate content on Pinterest.
Most Popular Pinterest Niches
- Home Decor & DIY: Interior design tips, DIY projects, home organization, and renovation ideas dominate Pinterest’s landscape.
- Food & Recipes: Quick meals, baking ideas, healthy recipes, and meal planning consistently rank among the most-pinned content.
- Fashion & Style: Outfit inspiration, seasonal fashion trends, and capsule wardrobe ideas attract millions of daily viewers.
- Beauty & Skincare: Makeup tutorials, skincare routines, and natural beauty remedies are consistently trending topics.
- Personal Finance: Budgeting tips, saving strategies, and passive income ideas attract a growing audience of finance-conscious pinners.
- Weddings & Events: Wedding planning, decoration ideas, and DIY party planning tips remain consistently popular.
- Health & Fitness: Workout routines, healthy lifestyle tips, and wellness advice attract health-conscious pinners.
- Parenting & Kids: Activities for kids, parenting tips, and family organization ideas create engaged communities.
- Travel: Travel guides, destination tips, and packing lists inspire wanderlust and practical planning.
- Arts & Crafts: DIY crafts, art tutorials, and creative project ideas attract both hobbyists and professional creators.
Join an Affiliate Program (or Multiple)
The first thing you need to do is research affiliate programs that match your interests and audience. Amazon Associates and ShareASale are popular places to start, especially for new people in affiliate marketing.
Choose programs for products you genuinely like and would naturally recommend to others. Your product recommendations will be more authentic when you believe in what you’re promoting.
The good news is that you can join multiple affiliate programs at once. This gives you more options for creating different types of pins and helps you figure out which products perform best.
Before applying, read each program’s rules about using Pinterest. Some have specific guidelines about how to share their external links and what kind of visual content you can use.
Do Pinterest Keyword Research
Doing Pinterest keyword research is crucial. Find out what your audience searches for. Use these keywords in your pin descriptions and board titles. This makes your content easy to find and appealing to your audience.
By following these steps, you’ll lay a solid foundation for your Pinterest affiliate marketing. Remember, success comes from consistent effort and creating valuable content.
PinClicks is what I use for Pinterest keyword research and I have a dedication section on that below.
Best Practices for Pinterest Affiliate Marketing
To succeed in Pinterest affiliate marketing, follow the best practices. Optimize your profile for search engines and disclose your affiliate links. These steps will help you use the platform well and get better results.
Optimize Your Profile for SEO
Make sure your Pinterest business account is SEO-friendly. Use the right keywords in your profile and board titles. This will help your pins show up in searches. Also, use rich pins to add more details and improve the user experience.
Disclose Affiliate Links Clearly
Being open about your affiliate links is important. Tell your followers about your affiliate ties in your pin descriptions or profile bio. This builds trust and follows Federal Trade Commission and Pinterest affiliate rules.
But each affiliate program will have their own rules and requirements too, especially Amazon.
Post Consistently and Frequently
Posting often is key to success on Pinterest. Try to share 3-15 new pins daily. This keeps your content fresh and boosts your chances of appearing in search results and Pinterest boards.
Create Multiple Pins for Each Product
For each product, make different pin designs. Try out various images, titles, and descriptions to see what works best. This makes your content diverse and lets you test different Amazon affiliate links or rich pins.
By following these best practices, you’ll be on the right path to using Pinterest for your affiliate marketing.
Tools to Enhance Pinterest Affiliate Marketing
Working in Pinterest affiliate marketing needs the right tools. These tools help you work smarter and get better results. We’ll look at key platforms that can make your Pinterest efforts more effective.
Using PinClicks for Keyword and Pin Research
PinClicks is a powerful tool that helps you master Pinterest SEO and understand what makes some pins go viral while others barely do anything. At $29 per month or $249 yearly, it offers amazing features for almost nothing that take the guesswork out of Pinterest marketing.
It is the ONLY paid tool I use specifically for Pinterest. And it helped take my Pinterest views from 67,000 to 1.3 million in under 12 months.
CLICK HERE to check out PinClicks on their site.
Keyword Research
Want to know what people actually search for on Pinterest? The keyword tool analyzes millions of searches to show you the most popular terms. No more guessing which phrases will work best – you get real numbers to guide your strategy.
Top Pins Analysis
See exactly what’s working in your niche by studying the most successful pins. Learn what kind of images, fonts, and layouts get the most engagement. The tool tracks pin performance over time, revealing which content has lasting appeal.
Interest Explorer
Discover trending topics that matter to your audience. Browse through categories and niches to find popular content ideas. The tool suggests related interests to help expand your reach and connect with new followers.
Pin Interest Tagging
Understanding how Pinterest categorizes content is key to success. Study how top-performing pins are tagged and use those insights for your own content. The tool reveals the exact interest tags that help pins get discovered.
Pin Bookmarker & Tracking
Save inspiring pins for later and track how your own pins perform. Monitor important stats like saves, clicks, and engagement rates. Use this data to refine your strategy and create more of what works.
With these powerful features working together, you can create pins that reach more people and drive real results. The learning curve is worth it for the insights you gain.
CLICK HERE to check out PinClicks on their site.
Using Canva for Pin Design
Canva stands out as an essential design platform that makes Pinterest pin creation accessible to everyone. The free version includes a robust set of features for crafting professional pins that drive engagement.
Canva simplifies the design process with its dedicated “Pinterest Graphic” template option, giving you the perfect dimensions instantly. They also support custom sizes for taller pins. Their user-friendly interface means anyone can create stunning designs without professional experience.
Successful Pinterest pins combine three core elements: compelling headlines, striking images, and brand identity. Canva provides a vast library of templates, typography options, and design elements. Mix their stock photos with your own images to create unique pins.
Building a recognizable brand means maintaining visual consistency across pins. Experiment with Canva’s font combinations, color palettes, and layouts to develop your signature style. Creating multiple pin variations helps identify what resonates with your audience.
Canva streamlines the creation process with helpful features like design duplication and brand kit storage. Update existing designs while maintaining your style by swapping images and text. Pro users can schedule their pins directly to Pinterest.
From simple article pins to dynamic idea pins, Canva provides the tools you need. Start with basic templates and expand your creativity as you become more comfortable with the platform.
Using Ideogram for Pin Design
Ideogram proves invaluable for generating eye-catching Pinterest images. Begin with the free version for basic image creation, or invest in the paid tier for enhanced features and quicker generation.
What sets Ideogram apart is its excellent handling of Pinterest’s preferred 9:16 ratio. This format ensures your pins maximize visual space and look polished in the feed. Simply specify these dimensions in your prompts for perfectly sized pins.
Here’s an effective pin creation strategy: Study top-performing pins in your niche, then use Ideogram’s “describe” function to analyze their elements. The AI dissects their visual components, helping you create unique pins that incorporate successful design principles.
Start with straightforward prompts like “Generate a Pinterest pin about [topic] with clean design and modern text.” Include specific details about brand colors and mood. Ideogram understands Pinterest-optimized content, helping create visuals that connect with your target audience.
Premium subscribers benefit from reduced generation time and expanded customization. Create multiple pin versions quickly to test different approaches. This streamlines the creation of original content.
Finish your pins by adding your brand elements and engaging titles. Ideogram expertly incorporates text overlays and logos into generated images.
Tailwind or the Native Pinterest Scheduler?
Maintaining an active Pinterest presence requires consistent scheduling. Choose between Pinterest’s native scheduler (free) or Tailwind’s comprehensive platform.
Pinterest’s Built-in Scheduler
The platform offers a free scheduling tool that’s perfect for beginners. Here’s the process:
- Open Pinterest’s pin creation tool
- Choose and upload your image (one at a time)
- Add your engaging title and keyword-rich description
- Input your URL and select a board
- Click the schedule option and pick your timing
- Plan pins up to 30 days ahead
The native scheduler serves beginners well but has limitations. Batch uploading isn’t available, and scheduling is restricted to 30-minute increments.
Tailwind Platform
Tailwind expands your scheduling capabilities with advanced features. Follow these steps:
- Create your account (includes trial period)
- Upload multiple pins simultaneously
- Create descriptions and titles for all pins
- Choose multiple boards for each pin
- Define intervals between board posts
- Utilize smart scheduling for optimal timing
- Schedule content months ahead
Tailwind’s plans start at $24.99 monthly (or $179.88 if you pay annually) although there is a very limited free plan also. While it’s a paid tool, it saves considerable time and improves content reach. The platform includes analytics to monitor content performance.
CLICK HERE to get started on Tailwind for FREE!
Leveraging Analytics Tools
It’s important to watch your Pinterest analytics to see how your affiliate marketing is doing. Tools like Pinterest Analytics, Google Analytics, and Tailwind give insights into your pin’s reach, engagement, and sales. This helps you improve your strategy and get more out of your efforts.
Using these tools can take your Pinterest affiliate marketing to the next level. You’ll make more effective pins and track your success more accurately. This leads to better results for your business.
Not sure how blogging works on Pinterest?
CLICK HERE to check out my complete guide to blogging on Pinterest!
Pros of Pinterest for Affiliate Marketing
Pinterest is becoming more popular for affiliate marketers. It offers several key benefits.
As a free traffic source, Pinterest can bring a lot of traffic to your affiliate campaigns. This helps content creators reach more people without spending a lot of money. The platform’s users also have a high purchase intent, making it great for promoting products and services.
One big plus of Pinterest for affiliate marketing is the long shelf life of pins. Unlike short-lived social media posts, pins can keep driving traffic and sales for a long time. This means affiliate marketers can get more value from their content for longer, thanks to their keyword research and pin optimization.
| Key Advantages of Pinterest for Affiliate Marketing |
|---|
| Free Traffic Source |
| High Purchase Intent Among Users |
| Long Shelf Life of Pins |
By using Pinterest’s unique features, smart affiliate marketers can grow their affiliate campaigns sustainably. They can do this by creating new pins and engaging with content creators.
Cons of Pinterest Affiliate Marketing
Pinterest can be a great tool for affiliate marketing, but it has its downsides. As a professional copywriter, I’ll look at some major challenges marketers face on this platform.
Navigating Algorithm Changes
Pinterest’s algorithm changes often, affecting how pins are seen. It’s vital to keep up with these updates and adjust your plans. Paying attention to Pinterest’s latest news and tips is key.
I like to stay current on all Pinterest trends with the Simple Pin Media YouTube channel.
Balancing Promotional and Informative Content
The best Pinterest affiliate marketing plans mix affiliate pins with informational content. It’s important not to overdo it with sales pitches. Too much can scare off customers and hurt engagement.
So while you can pin affiliate products directly, the ideal mix would also include pins that link to articles on your website about topics in that same niche.
Requires Daily Posting and Pin Creation
Creating and posting content daily is crucial for success on social networks. Affiliates need to spend time making new, quality pins. This step-by-step guide takes effort, but it’s necessary for attracting visitors and improving Pinterest seo.
Dealing with Pinterest affiliate marketing challenges can be tough. But, with the right approach and a focus on adding value, affiliates can succeed and make the most of Pinterest.
Tips for Success in Pinterest Affiliate Marketing
As you explore Pinterest affiliate marketing, it’s vital to keep up with the platform’s changes. Pinterest updates its rules often to keep users happy. Staying informed helps you follow the rules and avoid problems later.
Stay Updated on Pinterest’s Policies
Make it a habit to check Pinterest’s community and affiliate link policies. This knowledge helps you know what’s okay and what’s not when sharing direct affiliate links, affiliate pins, and direct links. It ensures your content meets Pinterest’s standards and keeps your audience happy.
For example, a few years ago, Pinterest banned the use of direct affiliate links in pins to cut down on spam. But these days they are back to allowing them.
Focus on Eye-Catching Visuals
On Pinterest, pictures are everything. Spend time making eye-catching pins with tools like Ideogram or Canva. Pins that are bright, informative, and match your brand grab attention. This can increase engagement with your affiliate pins.
Engage with Your Audience
- Answer comments and messages to build a community and trust.
- Join in on discussions to show your expertise and add value.
- Work with other creators to reach more people and grow your audience.
To succeed in Pinterest affiliate marketing, stay updated, create great visuals, and talk to your audience. Being consistent and connecting with your followers is crucial. This approach unlocks Pinterest’s full potential.
Final Thoughts
Starting your Pinterest affiliate marketing strategy might feel overwhelming at first, but remember that success comes with patience and consistency. Creating relevant pins and using specific keywords will help you reach your target audience more effectively.
One of the best ways to grow your presence is by mixing different pin types, from standard pins to video pins. Remember to schedule pins at the best time for your potential customers to see them.
Your affiliate campaign success depends on more than just creating pretty images. Focus on search engine optimization and building trust with your broader audience through original content that provides real value.
The next step is putting everything you’ve learned into action. Start with a few pins each week, track what works, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Soon you’ll develop an effective way to connect with weekly Pinterest users who are ready to engage with new products.
Remember, Pinterest isn’t just another social media network – it’s a discovery platform where your content can generate affiliate marketing income for years to come.
Not sure how blogging works on Pinterest?
CLICK HERE to check out my complete guide to blogging on Pinterest!
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting your Pinterest affiliate marketing journey? You might have some questions. We’ve answered some common ones to help you succeed.
How many followers do I need on Pinterest to make money?
There’s no exact number of followers needed to make money on Pinterest. It’s not just about how many you have. What matters more is the quality of your content and how well it fits your niche. Many have started with a small following and grown their earnings over time by creating valuable content.
How successful is Pinterest affiliate marketing?
Pinterest affiliate marketing can be very successful if done right. Pinterest users often look for products to buy. By using the platform’s visual features, you can attract a lot of traffic and make money. Success rates vary, but many people have made a good income from it.
Which niche is best for affiliate marketing on Pinterest?
There’s no single best niche for Pinterest affiliate marketing. But, niches like home decor, fashion, and DIY tend to do well. Choose a niche you love and that your audience will find interesting. This way, you can create engaging content that boosts your sales.
Does Pinterest block affiliate links?
Pinterest allows affiliate links but has rules to follow. You must clearly label affiliate links and avoid misleading tactics. Pinterest might remove links that break its rules. But, if you follow the guidelines, affiliate marketing can be a great way to earn on Pinterest.