How to make money on Pinterest: 9 Ideas

With 578M active users, Pinterest is packed with people searching for DIY projects, recipes, home ideas, and style inspiration. And over half of those users are scrolling the app specifically to find products to buy. 

That’s a huge audience ready to shop if you know how to reach them. In this article, we’ll cover nine proven monetization methods and give you all the tips you need to learn how to make money on Pinterest, from selling your own products to brand partnerships.

What makes Pinterest unique?

Pinterest is different from other social platforms because it’s a visual discovery engine where people search, plan, and act – not just scroll. Users come with the intent to buy and find inspiration, which makes them more likely to engage with products and brands.

Monetization methods

Pinterest turns attention into action. From selling products to forming partnerships, there are several ways to earn from the platform’s massive, active user base. 

1. Affiliate marketing

One of the most accessible ways to make money on Pinterest is through affiliate marketing. Instead of creating your own products, you promote items from partner programs and earn a commission on sales.

How to get started:

1. Set up a Pinterest business account so you can track performance with Pinterest Analytics and gain access to helpful tools like audience insights.

2. Select affiliate programs that match your niche (e.g., Impact or ShareASale).

3. Choose products that align with your target audience.

4. Create Pins of those products and include your link. 

Content tips:

• Use high-quality images and write optimized Pin descriptions with relevant keywords so your Pins appear in search results.

• Create Pins that are visually appealing, with direct links pointing to affiliate offers or landing pages.

• Always disclose relationships with brands by adding the paid partnership label where required.

Done thoughtfully, affiliate marketing turns your Pinterest profile into a reliable way to make money without upfront costs.

Read more: Using Pinterest for affiliate marketing: 9 Tips for success

2. Shoppable Pins

Product Pins are a must for eCommerce sellers. They let Pinterest users see real-time prices, availability, and direct links to checkout, making discovery and purchasing quick and easy. 

Getting started:

• Set up a Pinterest business account to gain access to rich Pins and other selling tools that enhance your listings.

• Organize boards strategically and create Pins that reflect seasonal ideas or trends in your niche.

Content best practices:

• Use high-quality images that showcase specific products in real-life settings, rather than just static mockups.

• Always write clear, keyword-focused Pin descriptions so your site ranks in search results.

How to boost reach:

• Test promoted Pins or run Pinterest ads to generate more traffic.

• A strong Pinterest strategy ensures your Pins reach a larger audience and attract potential customers.

With the right setup, shoppable Pins help you make money on Pinterest by seamlessly connecting inspiration to purchase.

3. Print on Demand (POD)

Print on Demand (POD) is one of the easiest ways to make money on Pinterest. You put your designs on popular products, publish them in an online store, and your Print Provider handles production and shipping whenever a customer orders. 

Getting started:

1. Sign up for a POD company like Printful. 

2. Select an eCommerce integration and set up your store.

3. Put your designs on products and add them to your store.

4. Set up a Pinterest business account and link it to your POD site or store so your Pinterest traffic flows directly to the product pages.

5. Plan products around holidays, evergreen ideas, or seasonal Pinterest offers.

Content best practices:

• Design eye-catching Pins that showcase lifestyle uses of your specific products, like t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags.

• Include relevant keywords in your titles and Pin descriptions so your designs surface in search results.

• Use the Pinterest Trends tool to identify seasonal demand so you know what to design next.

When you consistently create Pins tied to trends and intent, POD becomes a scalable way to make money on Pinterest while serving a ready-to-buy audience.

Read more: Sell on Pinterest with Printful and Shopify

4. Sponsored content

If you’re a content creator with an engaged following, brands may pay for sponsored content – Pins featuring specific products. These brand partnerships let you earn money on Pinterest by aligning your influence with a company’s goals.

How to qualify:

1. Grow a niche Pinterest profile.

2. Consistently create and post quality content that feels authentic.

3. Position yourself as a niche authority with a compelling bio, polished boards, and consistent posting to attract new followers and potential customers.

Best practices:

• Be transparent by using the paid partnership label or paid partnership tool so followers know when a collaboration is sponsored.

• When pitching yourself to brands, suggest promoting through Pinterest because it’s a search engine, not just another social media platform – your Pins have a longer shelf life.

• Integrate brand products naturally into lifestyle Pins or tutorials so the partnership feels seamless.

Done right, sponsored content is one of the most direct ways to make money on Pinterest.

Read more: Paid partnerships for creators

5. Ads

Running Pinterest ads is a proven way to make money on Pinterest by putting your content in front of a larger audience actively searching for the specific products you sell. 

Unlike on other social media channels, ads appear as sponsored Pins or promoted Pins, blending into organic Pinterest content without disrupting the user experience.

Getting started:

1. Set up a business account to track campaigns through Pinterest Analytics and refine your strategy.

2. Boost your best-performing organic product Pins first – these already resonate with your audience.

Content best practices:

• Write clear Pin descriptions with relevant keywords.

• Design visually appealing creatives that encourage clicks.

• Target by demographics, interests, or other audience insights to reach potential customers.

While ads require a budget, they deliver more traffic to your website, helping you grow faster than you would from organic reach alone. When combined with aesthetic boards and consistent posting, Pinterest ads are a fantastic way to make money.

6. Digital products

Selling digital products is a low-cost way to make money on Pinterest and build authority in your niche. Pinners love ideas they can instantly use, like templates, courses, or printables, which makes them a natural fit.

Since digital products don’t require shipping, you can sell to a global audience and generate passive income.

Getting started:

• Open a Pinterest business account to access audience insights and track Pinterest traffic.

• Design visually appealing Pins that highlight product benefits.

• Add direct links to your site so users can purchase easily.

Content best practices:

• Use the Pinterest Trends tool to identify seasonal or evergreen opportunities.

• Always create Pins with relevant keywords to get them shown higher in search results.

• Bundle products or offer freebies to drive traffic and increase the average purchase size. 

With the right Pinterest strategy, digital products provide steady, scalable money on Pinterest while positioning you as a trusted content creator.

7. Services

Pinterest is also a great way to promote services. Whether you’re a coach, designer, or consultant, you can make money on Pinterest by turning inspiration into client bookings.

Getting started:

• Build a Pinterest profile that highlights your expertise with Pins showcasing transformations, tips, or case studies.

• Create boards to organize your best content ideas.

• Design eye-catching Pins that link to your website or booking page.

Content best practices:

• A Pinterest business account gives you access to Pinterest Analytics, helping you refine your approach and reach potential customers.

• Use strong Pin descriptions with relevant keywords so your services appear in search results.

• Share engaging content that positions you as an authority and attracts your target audience.

8. Pinterest Creator Rewards/Inclusion Fund

 Pinterest has offered programs like Creator Rewards and the Inclusion Fund, which pay eligible users directly for producing engaging content that matches campaign goals. The Inclusion Fund is available by application only, and there’s usually a short window to apply each year.

How to qualify:

1. Set up a Pinterest business account.

2. Maintain a polished Pinterest profile.

3. Post consistently in line with the Pinterest Trends tool’s insights.

4. Focus on a clear niche and create content that stands out.

This program is part of the broader creator journey, where Pinterest rewards originality and consistency. Creating quality content helps establish authority and increase eligibility.

Even if access is limited to certain regions, staying prepared ensures you can apply when opportunities open. It won’t replace all other monetization methods, but it proves Pinterest values its content creators and supports their efforts to make money on the platform.

9. Driving traffic to a blog or website

Pinterest is one of the most reliable ways to drive traffic to your blog or website, making it a cornerstone of long-term financial success on Pinterest. Unlike posts on other social platforms that get buried and stop showing up on explore pages over time, Pins can generate more traffic for months or even years, thanks to Pinterest’s search engine function.

Getting started:

1. Begin by creating a Pinterest business account.

2. Optimize your Pinterest profile with a compelling bio and clear branding.

3. Use the Pinterest Trends tool to find content ideas.

Content best practices:

• Create Pins with relevant keywords in titles and Pin descriptions.

• Add direct links to blog posts, freebies, or landing pages on your site to capture potential customers.

• Schedule Pins consistently and track performance with Pinterest Analytics.

Comparing Pinterest monetization methods

Niches and content strategy

A strong Pinterest strategy starts with the right niche. Since Pinterest is both a search engine and a social platform, you’ll succeed by posting content that people actively search for. Use the Pinterest Trends tool and audience insights from your Pinterest business account to identify topics that are rising in demand.

A carefully chosen niche, paired with visually appealing design and smart keyword use, ensures your Pins rank in search results, reach a larger audience, and attract potential customers ready to buy.

High-converting niches include:

• DIY and crafts

• Home decor

• Food and recipes

• Fitness and wellness

• Beauty and style

• Personal finance

Select a niche where you can consistently deliver unique value and connect with your target audience.

Content types that work

• Static Pins: Evergreen traffic drivers

• Video Pins: Tutorials, transformations, storytelling

• Idea Pins: Step-by-step projects or tips that spark saves and engagement

Focus on engaging content with high-quality images, text overlays, and relevant keywords in titles and Pin descriptions. Seasonal content is especially powerful, so plan boards around holidays, cultural moments, or seasonal events to capture intent when it’s highest.

Design and branding

Keep your design consistent across your Pinterest profile. Use the same fonts, colors, and branding elements so your Pins are instantly recognizable. Consistency builds trust and reinforces your identity.

Tools and resources

Begin with a Pinterest business account. It unlocks key features like Pinterest Analytics, audience insights, and rich Pins – all essential for refining your Pinterest strategy and understanding what content is most effective. 

Let’s look at some of the best tools to use if you’re learning how to make money on Pinterest. 

Design and creation tools:

• Canva and Adobe Express make it easy to create Pins with branded colors, overlays, and templates sized for Pinterest.

• Focus on eye-catching Pins and visually appealing layouts to stand out in the feed.

Scheduling and consistency:

• Tailwind helps you schedule Pins and maintain a steady posting rhythm.

• Scheduling keeps your profile active and drives more traffic without requiring daily effort.

Monetization and management:

• Use affiliate platforms like Impact or ShareASale to track commissions and manage product links.

• POD sellers benefit from integrations with Printful or Printify, which connect directly to your online store. Create Pins with links to your store, and once a customer comes from your Pinterest page to purchase, the POD provider handles fulfillment.

Data and trends:

• The Pinterest Trends tool shows what’s gaining traction in search results, so you can plan seasonal boards and content calendars around demand.

In short, pairing design, scheduling, analytics, and monetization tools provides a comprehensive toolkit for building a profitable Pinterest account.

Final thoughts on how to monetize Pinterest

With the right niche, consistent Pins, and data-backed planning, Pinterest is a powerful platform to build steady income streams. Whether through affiliate links, product Pins, or services, the platform rewards creators who post with intent.