How To Do Affiliate Marketing On Pinterest

Introduction.

Affiliate marketing on Pinterest is a powerful way to earn income by sharing products you genuinely like with an audience who’s already looking for inspiration and recommendations.

Pinterest is uniquely positioned as a visual discovery platform that doesn’t just drive traffic but also fosters high levels of intent among users.

In fact, Pinterest reports that 85% of its users turn to the platform when they’re starting a new project, from home decor ideas to fashion inspiration, recipes, and everything in between.

That means people browsing Pinterest aren’t just scrolling mindlessly—they’re often ready to act.

Now, why affiliate marketing on Pinterest? Unlike social platforms like Instagram or TikTok, Pinterest content has a long lifespan.

When you post a pin, it can stay relevant for months or even years, continuing to bring you traffic and clicks well beyond the day you posted it. For affiliate marketers, this “evergreen” quality of Pinterest is a game-changer.

More clicks mean more conversions, which means more potential earnings, and Pinterest users are 2.2 times more likely to make a purchase compared to other social media users.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making affiliate marketing on Pinterest work for you.

I’ll go over the basics, cover some best practices, and give you tips to boost your chances of success. And at the end, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions to clear up any final doubts.

Let’s dive into how you can turn your pins into profits! And by the end of this, you’ll not only understand how to get started but also feel confident in creating a Pinterest affiliate marketing strategy that works.

What is Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest?

Affiliate marketing is a way to earn a commission by promoting other people’s (or company’s) products.

You share a product or service through a unique affiliate link, and if someone clicks on your link and makes a purchase, you earn a small commission.

It’s a straightforward way to monetize the content you’re already sharing, especially if you enjoy curating products, giving recommendations, or helping others discover new items.

On Pinterest, affiliate marketing works particularly well because users are actively looking for ideas, often with buying intent.

Think about someone searching for “best skincare products for dry skin” or “top home office decor ideas.” If they see a pin that catches their eye, they’ll likely click through—and if that pin contains an affiliate link, you’ve got a chance to earn from their interest.

Why Pinterest is Perfect for Affiliate Marketing

Pinterest isn’t just another social media platform; it’s a search engine. This difference is essential because it means people go to Pinterest with specific searches in mind, often looking for inspiration or solutions to their needs.

When your pins are optimized with keywords related to products you’re promoting, they’re more likely to show up in relevant searches, potentially reaching thousands of people over time.

Here are a few reasons why Pinterest is great for affiliate marketing:

Longer Content Lifespan: Unlike Instagram or Twitter, where posts quickly disappear, Pinterest pins stay relevant and searchable for a long time. This longer lifespan means more clicks, views, and chances for affiliate earnings.
High Buying Intent: Pinterest users often come to the platform to find and buy products or plan purchases. They’re not just browsing for entertainment—they’re actively researching and planning.
Visual Appeal: Pinterest is visually driven, which makes it perfect for showcasing products, styles, or solutions in a way that immediately attracts users’ attention. Pins with high-quality images or creative layouts perform especially well.
Organized by Boards: Pinterest lets you create boards around specific topics, which helps in organizing affiliate links into themes like “Travel Essentials,” “Kitchen Gadgets I Love,” or “Best Books for Productivity.” This categorization makes it easy for followers to find what they’re looking for.

Getting Started with Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest

Set Up a Pinterest Business Account: A business account on Pinterest gives you access to analytics, which is helpful for tracking how your pins are performing. Plus, Pinterest’s terms of service prefer affiliate marketing to be done through business accounts.
Choose a Niche: The best affiliate marketing results usually come from choosing a niche that you’re genuinely interested in and can talk about naturally. A clear niche also helps Pinterest categorize your pins better, making them more discoverable.
Join Affiliate Programs: There are various affiliate programs to join, like Amazon Associates, RewardStyle, ShareASale, and others, depending on what you want to promote. Make sure to read each program’s rules on using links, as Pinterest’s policies require you to follow all affiliate guidelines.
Create Engaging Pins: High-quality images are key to grabbing attention on Pinterest. Use clear, bright images and add text overlays to describe the product’s benefits or appeal to the user’s needs. Canva is a popular tool for creating professional-looking pins without needing a design background.
Use Keywords in Your Pin Descriptions: Treat Pinterest like a search engine, and include relevant keywords in your pin descriptions to make your pins easier to find. Keywords should be naturally integrated, so describe what makes the product useful, interesting, or special.
Optimize with SEO: Pinterest SEO isn’t as tricky as it sounds. Just remember to use specific keywords related to your niche in your profile, board titles, descriptions, and pin descriptions. This will help Pinterest understand what your pins are about and show them to people searching for similar content.

Best Practices for Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest

Add Value: Don’t just promote products for the sake of it. Think about how each product can add value to your audience’s life or solve a problem. People appreciate recommendations that feel genuine and are more likely to trust your link.
Be Transparent: It’s essential to disclose when you’re using affiliate links. A simple “#affiliate” or “#ad” in your pin description is usually sufficient and builds trust with your audience.
Track Performance: Use Pinterest analytics to see which pins are driving the most traffic and clicks. By monitoring performance, you can see which types of products and pin designs work best for your audience, allowing you to refine your strategy over time.
Pin Consistently: Consistency is key on Pinterest. Aim to pin daily or weekly to keep your content active, and make use of scheduling tools like Tailwind to make posting easier.

FAQs

1. Can I use affiliate links directly on Pinterest?

Yes, Pinterest allows direct affiliate links, but some affiliate programs have their own restrictions, so it’s best to double-check with each program. Also, make sure to disclose affiliate links in your pin description to stay compliant.

2. Do I need a blog or website to do affiliate marketing on Pinterest?

No, you don’t need a blog or website. You can direct people straight to the affiliate product using your link, but having a blog can add more depth to your content and give followers additional value.

3. What are the best tools for creating Pinterest pins?

Canva is widely popular for creating beautiful pins. Pinterest also provides a variety of templates, and tools like Tailwind can help you schedule posts for consistent pinning.

4. How do I get followers on Pinterest?

Focus on creating high-quality, valuable content and organizing your boards clearly. Consistent posting and following relevant accounts in your niche can also help you grow your audience.

5. How much can I make from affiliate marketing on Pinterest?

Earnings vary greatly based on factors like your niche, engagement, and pin quality. Some affiliate marketers on Pinterest make a few extra dollars a month, while others have turned it into a significant income stream.