How to Make Money on Pinterest for Beginners in 2024

Are you looking for ways to make money on Pinterest and monetize your account? If you’re passionate about visual content and keen on earning a steady, online income, this guide is definitely for you.

Pinterest is not just a social media platform for inspiration; it’s also a goldmine for making money online. In this simple guide, we’ll explore 7 strategies to help you make the most out of Pinterest in 2024.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I personally use and believe will add value to my readers.

Why Pinterest?

Before we dive into the strategies, let’s understand why Pinterest is an excellent platform for you to start earning money:

High Engagement: Pinterest users are highly engaged and actively looking for inspiration and products to buy. They often turn to Pinterest when planning purchases or searching for solutions .
Visual Appeal: Pinterest’s visually driven platform makes it easier to capture attention and drive traffic. Attractive images and well-designed pins are a great way to significantly boost engagement .
Longevity: Unlike other social media platforms, Pinterest pins have a longer lifespan, providing ongoing traffic and engagement. A pin can generate clicks and impressions for months or even years after it’s been posted .
Searchability: Pinterest functions more like a search engine than a social network, making it easier for users to find your content through keyword searches .

Key Strategies for Making Money on Pinterest

1. Affiliate Marketing

Pinterest affiliate marketing is a popular way to make money on Pinterest and my favorite passive income method.

By promoting products and earning a commission on sales, you can generate a steady income from affiliate products. Here’s how to get started:

Steps to Get Started with Affiliate Marketing:

1.1. Choose Your Niche:

Focus on a Specific Niche: Your first step is to select a niche that aligns with your interests and expertise. Popular niches include fashion, beauty, home decor, fitness, and technology. Choosing a niche you are passionate about will make content creation more enjoyable and authentic.
Research Affiliate Programs: Look for affiliate programs that offer products related to your niche. Consider programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or Rakuten. Ensure that the products you choose have a good reputation and align with your audience’s needs. (Make sure to have a pinterest business account set up for this!)

1.2. Create High-Quality Pins:

Design Visually Appealing Pins: Create eye-catching pins using design tools like Canva, Adobe Spark, or Visme. Incorporate high-resolution images, bold text, and appealing color schemes. Ensure your pins are visually consistent to build brand recognition.
Use Relevant Keywords: Optimize your pins with relevant keywords in titles, descriptions, and image alt text to enhance discoverability on Pinterest. Conduct keyword research using Pinterest’s search bar and tools like Pinterest Trends to identify popular search terms.

1.3. Add Affiliate Links:

Shorten Affiliate Links: Use tools like Bitly or Pretty Links to shorten and track your affiliate links. This not only makes your links look cleaner but also provides valuable insights into click-through rates.
Disclose Affiliations: Include a disclosure in your pin descriptions to comply with FTC guidelines. For example, “This post contains affiliate links.” Transparency builds trust with your audience and ensures compliance with regulations .

1.4. Optimize for SEO:

Use Descriptive Titles: Craft compelling pin titles that include primary keywords. Make your titles informative and attention-grabbing to encourage clicks.
Write Engaging Descriptions: Write detailed descriptions that entice users to click through. Include secondary keywords naturally.

2. Sell Products via Shopify or Etsy

If you have products to sell, Pinterest can be a powerful tool for driving traffic to your Shopify or Etsy store. Here’s how to leverage Pinterest for your e-commerce business:

Steps to Sell Products on Pinterest:

2.1. Set Up Your Store:

Create an E-commerce Store: Set up a Shopify or Etsy store with well-organized product listings. Use high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and clear pricing information.
Optimize Product Listings: Ensure that your product titles and descriptions are SEO-friendly and include relevant keywords.

2.2. Create Product Pins:

Design Attractive Pins: Use Canva or Adobe Spark to design pins that showcase your products attractively. Highlight features, benefits, and unique selling points.
Include Clear Calls to Action: Encourage users to click through with calls to action like “Shop Now” or “Learn More.”

2.3. Promote Your Pins:

Use Pinterest Ads: Consider using Pinterest Ads to reach a larger audience. Experiment with different ad formats like promoted pins, video pins, and carousel pins.
Participate in Group Boards: Join and contribute to group boards related to your niche to increase your pins’ visibility and reach .

2.4. Optimize for SEO:

Keyword-Rich Descriptions: Use relevant keywords in your product titles and descriptions to improve searchability.
Create Themed Boards: Create boards around specific themes or categories related to your products to attract targeted audiences.

3. Offer Pinterest Virtual Assistant Services

Pinterest management services are in demand as businesses and influencers seek to enhance their online presence. If you have expertise in Pinterest marketing, consider offering virtual assistant services.

Steps to Become a Pinterest Virtual Assistant:

3.1. Acquire Skills:

Learn Pinterest Marketing: Gain knowledge about Pinterest algorithms, SEO, and marketing strategies through online courses, webinars, and books. Consider resources from Skillshare or Udemy.
Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest Pinterest updates and trends to offer the best advice to your clients .

3.2. Create a Portfolio:

Build Experience: Start by managing your own Pinterest account or offer free services to friends or small businesses to build a portfolio. Document your achievements to showcase your expertise.
Showcase Success Stories: Highlight your achievements, such as increased followers, engagement rates, or website traffic, in case studies or testimonials.

3.3. Market Your Services:

Create a Professional Website: Build a website to showcase your services, portfolio, and client testimonials. Include a blog to share tips and insights about Pinterest marketing. I personally use Bluehost linked with WordPress for my site, they’re great!
Use Freelancing Platforms: Promote your services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn .

3.4. Offer Comprehensive Packages:

Tailor Services to Client Needs: Provide a range of services, such as pin creation, board management, SEO optimization, and analytics reporting. Customize packages based on client requirements.

7 ways to make money online using pinterest. Step by step beginner guide

4. Create and Sell Digital Products

Digital products such as eBooks, printables, and online courses can be lucrative on Pinterest. Here’s how to create and sell digital products:

Steps to Sell Digital Products on Pinterest:

4.1. Identify Your Niche:

Focus on a Specific Area: Choose a niche that interests you and has a demand for digital products. Popular niches include self-improvement, business, design, and education.
Research Popular Products: Look for inspiration on platforms like Etsy, Creative Market, or Gumroad.

4.2. Create High-Quality Products:

Design Digital Products: Use tools like Adobe Illustrator or Canva to design eBooks, printables, and templates. Ensure your products are valuable and well-designed.
Provide Clear Instructions: Include detailed instructions or usage guides to help customers use your products effectively.

4.3. Design Attractive Pins:

Highlight Product Benefits: Create pins that highlight the benefits of your digital products. Use clear images, engaging descriptions, and call-to-action buttons.
Use Mockups: Use mockups to show your digital products in use, making them more appealing to potential buyers.

4.4. Promote Your Products:

Use Pinterest Ads: Run ads to reach a broader audience. Target specific demographics and interests to increase conversions.
Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with influencers in your niche to promote your digital products and reach a larger audience .

4.5. Optimize for SEO:

Keyword Optimization: Use relevant keywords in your product titles and descriptions to improve search visibility.
Create Niche Boards: Create boards that showcase different aspects of your niche and attract targeted audiences.

An example of a small digital store owner that does graphic design, successfully launched her digital printables on Etsy.

By promoting her products and designs on Pinterest, and optimizing her pins, she was able to generate an extra $500 in sales within 2 months of using Pinterest.

5. Blogging and Content Creation

For method number 5 (my favorite) is blogging.

It can be a very profitable venture, especially when combined with Pinterest marketing.

By driving traffic to your blog, you can earn money through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.

Steps to Monetize Your Blog with Pinterest:

5.1. Choose Your Niche:

Focus on Your Interests: Select a niche that you are passionate about and has a demand for content. Popular niches include travel, food, finance, and lifestyle.
Research Popular Topics: Use tools like Google Trends and Rank IQ to find trending topics and keywords in your niche. I’ve been using Rank IQ’s keyword optimizer, which is fantastic because it handles all the keyword research for you, ensuring your posts rank on Google and make money.

5.2. Create High-Quality Content:

Set up your blog: For a blog you want to own all of your content and not risk loosing it! I have used Bluehost for the bast year and a bit and can’t recommend them enough. Create an account here and save 75%.

Write Engaging Posts: Create informative, valuable, and well-researched blog posts. Use high-quality images, infographics, and videos to enhance your content.
Optimize for SEO: Implement on-page SEO techniques, including keyword optimization, meta descriptions, and internal linking.

5.3. Design Pinnable Images:

Create Vertical Images: Use tools like Canva to design vertical images that are optimized for Pinterest. Use attractive visuals and clear text overlays to make your pins stand out.
Incorporate Branding: Use consistent colors, fonts, and logos to create a cohesive brand identity.

5.4. Promote Your Blog Posts:

Share on Pinterest: Share your blog posts on Pinterest and relevant group boards. Use captivating images and engaging descriptions to drive clicks.
Utilize Pinterest Ads: Invest in Pinterest Ads to reach a larger audience and boost traffic to your blog.

5.5. Monetize Your Blog:

Join Ad Networks: Sign up for ad networks like Google AdSense or Mediavine to earn money from display ads on your blog.
Collaborate with Brands: Work with brands for sponsored posts and product reviews.
Use Affiliate Marketing: Promote products related to your blog content and earn commissions through affiliate marketing.

My friend Morgan, a film & media blogger, used Pinterest to drive traffic to his blog and increase his ad revenue. By creating engaging pins and optimizing his blog for SEO, he was able to significantly boost his income from ads and affiliate marketing .

6. Pinterest SEO Consulting

If you have a deep understanding of Pinterest SEO, consider offering consulting services to businesses and influencers. Here’s how to become a Pinterest SEO consultant:

Steps to Become a Pinterest SEO Consultant:

6.1. Build Your Expertise:

Learn Pinterest SEO: Stay updated with the latest Pinterest algorithms and SEO best practices through courses and webinars. Platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning offer valuable resources.
Test Strategies: Experiment with different SEO strategies on your own or clients’ Pinterest accounts to understand what works best.

6.2. Create a Portfolio:

Showcase Results: Highlight your success stories, such as increased traffic, engagement, or conversions. Create case studies or presentations to demonstrate your expertise.
Offer Free Consultations: Provide free consultations to build your portfolio and gain initial clients.

6.3. Market Your Services:

Build a Professional Website: Create a website to promote your services and share your portfolio. Use platforms like Squarespace or Bluehost to build your site.
Network: Connect with bloggers, influencers, and businesses on LinkedIn and Pinterest. Attend industry events and webinars to expand your network.

6.4. Offer Comprehensive Packages:

Provide a Range of Services: Offer services like SEO audits, keyword research, and content optimization. Customize packages to meet the specific needs of your clients.

7. Become a Pinterest Influencer

If you have a substantial following on Pinterest, leverage this to earn money through brand collaborations and sponsored content.

Steps to Become a Pinterest Influencer:

7.1. Build Your Following:

Create High-Quality Content: Focus on creating visually appealing and valuable pins that resonate with your audience. Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages.
Use Consistent Branding: Develop a consistent brand image with specific colors, fonts, and themes.

7.2. Collaborate with Brands:

Reach Out to Brands: Contact brands that align with your niche and audience. Propose collaboration ideas to form brand partnerships. You can do this in a few different ways, create sponsored pins, product reviews, or giveaways for the brand.
Create a Media Kit: Develop a media kit that includes your Pinterest analytics, audience demographics, and collaboration options.

7.3. Promote Your Influence:

Cross-Promote: Use other social media platforms like Facebook to promote your Pinterest account. This will increase your following quickly.
Showcase Your Reach: Highlight your engagement rates, follower growth, and successful collaborations in your media kit.

7.4. Monetize Your Influence:

Charge for Sponsored Content: Set rates for sponsored pins and collaborations based on your reach and engagement.
Use Affiliate Marketing: Promote products through affiliate marketing to earn commissions.

Best SEO Practices for Pinterest

To maximize your earnings on Pinterest, it’s essential to follow SEO best practices. Here are some tips to help you optimize your Pinterest account:

Content Quality:

High-Quality Images: Use high-resolution images that are visually appealing and relevant to your niche.
Engaging Descriptions: Write detailed and engaging pin descriptions that provide value to your audience.

Keyword Optimization:

Relevant Keywords: Use keywords that are relevant to your niche and target audience. Include them in pin titles, descriptions, and image alt text.
Make sure to add in trending keywords that people will be searching for for optimal pinterest traffic. My favourite way to do this is to use the pinterest search bar – type in your new pin title idea and look at what dropdown suggestions there are too.
Keyword Research: Use tools like Pinterest Trends and Google Keyword Planner to find popular keywords.

Technical SEO:

Rich Pins: Enable Rich Pins to provide more context and information about your pins.
Website Verification: Verify your website to gain access to Pinterest Analytics and other features .

User Experience (UX):

Easy Navigation: Organize your boards in a way that makes it easy for users to find what they are looking for.
Consistent Branding: Use consistent branding elements like logos and colors to create a cohesive look.

On-Page SEO:

Pin Titles: Use descriptive and keyword-rich titles for your pins.
Board Titles and Descriptions: Optimize your board titles and descriptions with relevant keywords.

Content Structure:

Vertical Images: I personally use vertical images with a 1000×1500 or 700×1500 aspect ratio for optimal display on Pinterest.
Infographics: Create infographics that provide valuable information in an easy-to-digest format .

Performance Monitoring:

Pinterest Analytics: Use Pinterest Analytics to track the performance of your pins and boards.
A/B Testing: Experiment with different pin designs and strategies to see what works best .

Conclusion

Making money on Pinterest is a profitable venture, especially for entrepreneurs, bloggers, and beginners.

By leveraging the strategies mentioned in this guide, you can turn your Pinterest profile into a reliable source of income and earn some extra money. Whether you’re interested in affiliate marketing, selling products, or even offering services. There’s a path for everyone on this visual search engine.

Ready to take your Pinterest game to the next level? Check out Carly’s course I recently took that exploded my Pinterest views and traffic!

Start exploring the endless possibilities of making money on Pinterest today!

The information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only. Any actions taken based on this information are at the reader’s own risk. It is advisable to consult with relevant professionals or advisors for personalised advice.