Pinterest is not just a platform for discovering creative ideas and inspiration; it’s also a powerful tool for generating income. With over 400 million active users each month, Pinterest offers immense potential for businesses, bloggers, and content creators. Whether you’re new to Pinterest or a seasoned user, here are 10 proven ways to make money on Pinterest.
1. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the simplest ways to earn money on Pinterest. Here’s how it works:
- Join Affiliate Programs: Sign up for affiliate programs such as Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or ClickBank.
- Create Pin-Worthy Content: Design visually appealing pins that showcase products or services with your affiliate links.
- Disclose Partnerships: Always include a disclosure in your pin descriptions, as required by FTC guidelines.
For example, if you’re promoting a kitchen gadget, create a pin with a title like “5 Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets for Home Cooks,” and link it to your affiliate product page. Every time someone purchases through your link, you earn a commission.
2. Sell Digital Products
Pinterest is an excellent platform for marketing digital products like eBooks, printables, templates, or online courses. Here’s how to start:
- Identify Your Niche: Focus on a topic you’re knowledgeable about, such as meal planning, fitness, or budgeting.
- Design Eye-Catching Pins: Use tools like Canva to create pins that lead users to your sales page or website.
- Optimize Keywords: Use Pinterest’s search bar to find popular keywords related to your product and include them in your pin descriptions.
For example, you can create a printable wedding planner and promote it to brides-to-be using targeted keywords like “Wedding Planning Checklist.”
3. Promote Your Blog
If you’re a blogger, Pinterest can drive significant traffic to your blog, which you can monetize through ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate links. Here’s how:
- Create SEO-Optimized Blog Posts: Write high-quality blog posts targeting popular search terms.
- Design Engaging Pins: Each blog post should have at least 2-3 pins with different designs to test engagement.
- Use Pinterest Analytics: Track your pins’ performance to identify which topics resonate most with your audience.
For instance, a food blogger can create a pin for their “10 Easy Dinner Recipes” post, which leads readers to their blog featuring affiliate links or ads.
4. Offer Pinterest Virtual Assistant Services
Many businesses and bloggers struggle to manage their Pinterest accounts. As a Pinterest Virtual Assistant (VA), you can help clients with tasks like:
- Creating and Scheduling Pins: Design and schedule pins using tools like Tailwind.
- Account Optimization: Optimize profiles and boards for SEO.
- Analytics Tracking: Monitor performance and suggest improvements.
Market your services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or through your own website. Pinterest VAs can earn $15 to $50+ per hour, depending on experience.
5. Sell Physical Products
If you sell physical products, Pinterest is a fantastic platform to showcase them. Here’s how to maximize your reach:
- Set Up a Business Account: Create a Pinterest business account and claim your website to access analytics.
- Enable Rich Pins: Use Rich Pins to display real-time product information, such as price and availability.
- Use High-Quality Images: Post visually appealing photos of your products.
For example, Etsy shop owners can create pins for handmade items like jewelry, home decor, or artwork and link them directly to their Etsy store.

6. Monetize Video Pins
Video pins are highly engaging and can help you stand out in a crowded feed. Here are some ideas to monetize video pins:
- Create Tutorial Videos: Showcase how to use a product or service.
- Promote Affiliate Products: Use videos to demonstrate products and include your affiliate link in the description.
- Drive Traffic: Use video pins to direct users to monetized blog posts or sales pages.
For instance, a beauty influencer could create a makeup tutorial featuring affiliate links to the products used.
7. Launch an Online Course
If you have expertise in a specific area, creating and selling an online course can be highly lucrative. Here’s how Pinterest can help:
- Create Content That Educates: Share free tips or mini-guides related to your course topic.
- Drive Traffic to Your Sales Page: Use pins to direct users to your course landing page.
- Leverage Group Boards: Share your course-related pins in relevant group boards for increased visibility.
For example, if you’re a fitness coach, you could create a course on “How to Build a Home Workout Routine” and promote it with Pinterest pins.
8. Join Pinterest Creator Rewards
Pinterest’s Creator Rewards program compensates creators for producing high-quality content that aligns with monthly goals. While eligibility and rewards vary, here’s how to get started:
- Create a Business Account: Ensure your account meets Pinterest’s Creator Rewards criteria.
- Focus on Idea Pins: Pinterest prioritizes Idea Pins (short videos or images that tell a story).
- Engage Consistently: Post regularly and engage with your audience.
Joining the program can offer a steady income stream for consistent creators.
9. Promote Services
Pinterest isn’t just for physical or digital products; it’s also a great platform to promote your services. Here are some ideas:
- Freelance Services: Market your skills in graphic design, writing, photography, or social media management.
- Coaching: Offer life coaching, fitness coaching, or career mentoring services.
- Local Services: Promote services like interior design, event planning, or landscaping to local audiences.
For example, a graphic designer can showcase their portfolio using pins that link to their website or contact form.
10. Run Pinterest Ads
While organic strategies are powerful, Pinterest Ads can accelerate your growth. Here’s how to leverage paid ads:
- Choose the Right Ad Format: Pinterest offers several ad formats, including Promoted Pins, Video Ads, and Carousel Ads.
- Target Your Audience: Use Pinterest’s targeting options to reach specific demographics and interests.
- Track Performance: Use Pinterest Ads Manager to monitor and optimize your campaigns.
Running ads can boost your visibility and drive traffic to your monetized content or products.
Bonus Tips for Pinterest Success
To maximize your income potential on Pinterest, keep these tips in mind:
- Stay Consistent: Post regularly to keep your audience engaged.
- Use Analytics: Monitor your performance and adjust your strategy based on what works.
- Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and messages to build a loyal following.
- Stay Updated: Pinterest’s algorithm and features evolve, so stay informed about platform updates.
Conclusion
Making money on Pinterest is not a get-rich-quick scheme, but with the right strategies, it’s a highly effective platform for building a sustainable income. Whether you’re promoting affiliate products, selling your own creations, or offering services, Pinterest provides a wealth of opportunities for monetization. Start by choosing one or two strategies from this list, and scale up as you learn what works best for your niche. With consistency and creativity, you can turn Pinterest into a profitable venture.

