In this post, I’m answering a common question I receive on TikTok. Making money from Pinterest is easier than you think! I’m sharing 8 ways to bring in some extra $$ using Pinterest – let’s dive in.
I’ve been more active on TikTok lately, and a question I get asked a lot is, “How do I make money on Pinterest?”
Even if you’re currently marketing your business on Pinterest, and feel like you have a good handle on it, I wanted to break down multiple different ways that you can monetize Pinterest and your efforts.
I want to share these different options because as the platform grows and evolves, the opportunities for monetization continue to evolve as well, which is exciting. So let’s get to it, and talk about how you can be bringing in the moolah on Pinterest!
#1 The Creators Rewards Program
You know how I just said the platform continues to grow and evolve? Well, The Creators Rewards Program is the perfect example of this!
This program is currently being tested with select users as part of an “early access”, but basically, you have to apply to join the program and you’ll get paid for creating Idea Pins!
Now there’s obviously more to that, so here’s a quick breakdown of exactly what Pinterest has on their website as far as the criteria:
- You have to have Pinterest Business Account
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have created at least 3 Idea Pins
- Have at least 1,000 followers
- Create original content
- Use the Pinterest app on your mobile phone
Pinterest will also give different monthly rewards goals, and you’ll actually connect your bank account so you can get paid directly from Pinterest! This is also obviously based on your organic engagement and reach (aka no paid advertising).
If you meet the criteria for the Creators Rewards Program, you can apply within your Pinterest App, and you’ll see an option that says, “Get Started”. If you don’t see this yet, you either aren’t eligible or hang tight, because it just hasn’t been rolled out to you yet!
Remember, I mentioned it’s only currently available for select users. I think it’s a really cool new feature, and a huge perk for Pinterest Creators, especially since Idea Pins not being linkable has become a point of contention among content creators.
I think it’s awesome that Pinterest has created this new way to reward creators for their work and amazing content on the platform!
#2 Paid Partnerships
You can get paid by brands to promote products or services! All roads lead back to Idea Pins it seems, but you can tag brands in your Idea Pins, and once they approve the tag, it will show up with a “paid partnership” tag on your Idea Pin!
Wondering how to get started or how you get paid? Well, those terms will be defined between you and the brand you’re partnering with.
#3 Products and Product Tagging
Pinterest is obviously a great place to market your products! You can do this by creating Standard Pins, Video Pins, Idea Pins, and obviously Product Pins.
Product Rich Pins:
Product Pins are great because they lead people directly to products available on your website! There are a few steps to take in order to create the Product Pins, but once you do so it will sync information from your website to your Pins!
Pinterest gives the following definition: Product Rich Pins include the most up-to-date pricing, availability, and product information right on your Pin.
Verified Merchant Program:
I highly recommend applying to be a Verified Merchant on Pinterest! When you’re approved, you’ll get the shop tab on your profile, a verified blue checkmark, and your product Pins will be updated by price and availability.
There are definitely stipulations and criteria for becoming a Verified Merchant, so you’ll want to read more about it and if it’s something you’re eligible to apply for!
Product Tagging Idea Pins:
You can tag products in your Idea Pins, which is a great user experience because it makes it easier for your followers to learn more or purchase the products you’re sharing and love! PLUS you can tag affiliate products in your Idea Pins so you can earn a commission off of your recommendations. The terms of payment would be defined between you and the merchant.
#4 Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing can be a great way to monetize your Pinterest marketing efforts, and of course, since I’m adding this as an option for ways to make money on Pinterest, they DO allow affiliate links!
If you’re wanting to share direct affiliate links via your Pins, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- You’ll need to check that the program you’re affiliated with accepts direct linking on Pinterest because not all programs do.
- You need to disclose in your Pinterest Pin description that you’re an affiliate partner for the brand you’re sharing.
- Maintain best practices with your Pinterest content and make sure you’re using keywords, inspiring Pinterest users, etc.
The other option is to share your affiliations through your blog posts! This is what I personally do. I feel like it’s easier to not only share your experience with the brand but why you use it and love it.
This not only builds a relationship with the Pinterest user but depending on what you’re an affiliate for, can be more convincing as well in regards to getting the Pinner to actually take action!
Reminder: I already mentioned it, but you can tag affiliates in your Idea Pins as well! Once again, you’ll need to check the terms for your affiliate and if they allow this on Pinterest.
If you can’t tell, Idea Pins are a common thread here for ways to make money on Pinterest. If you’re feeling lost with Idea Pins, or know you need to step up your game, I highly recommend checking out my Idea Pin Starter Kit…. it’s exactly what you need!
#5 Ads on Your Website
Ads on your website are one of my least favorite ways to monetize Pinterest, but let me break this down for you.
You can use advertisements on your website to make money, and obviously, if ads are paying you money, your site needs to be receiving traffic. Pinterest is a traffic driver, so you can see how the two go hand in hand.
You can use Pinterest to drive traffic to your website, you get more traffic, your ads get more visibility, and then you make money.
It’s not really that simple though. You really need to have some serious traffic going to your website for this to be profitable, which obviously will take effort and consistency to build over time.
Plus, you have to think about the user experience. Yes, paid advertising is VERY common on websites, but honestly from my user perspective, I hate it.
Sometimes there are so many ads I can barely read/find the content I want, and then sometimes I accidentally click on the ad that I’m not even interested in, and then I’m being redirected. Can I just say GRRR? Terrible user experience in my opinion.
I think it can take away from your services, products, and content. So for me, ads are a no, but Pinterest CAN help you make money in this way since it can drive more traffic.
#6 Marketing Your Services
Are you a service-based business owner and wondering if Pinterest is right for you? It definitely is!
When I first started using Pinterest, I was using it to drive traffic to my blog, and I was strategically creating blog content that targeted my ideas client with the call to action at the end of the blog post to book a discovery call with me!
Not to toot my own horn, but when I get people on discovery calls, I have a very good conversion rate. So the blog was a great way to nurture people, and to naturally want to take the next step and learn more about my services.
Another bonus of sharing your blog and services via Pinterest is that once you create your strategy and you’re getting good traffic to your site if you add in any products, you already have a loyal following. That means that while you’re building that email list, there are people ready and wanting to buy from you!
#7 Marketing Your Course
Is someone going to buy your $997 course the first time they visit your sales page? Probably not. Especially if they’re coming from Pinterest and they’re way in the “search and discovery” phase.
But, you know what people ARE more willing to say yes to? A free training, checklist, PDF, etc, that basically gives them more information on something they are already interested in – aka your lead magnet.
If you already know that your sales funnel is proven to convert, then Pinterest is a great platform to use to drive people to your blog, landing pages, podcasts, etc. That will then nurture them and get them to say yes to signing up for your email list.
Then as I mentioned, if you have a solid email sequence, you should be selling your courses!
I have a client who literally has a $997 course, so our objective is to use Pinterest to build her email list. Which is a great strategy when you know you have a rock-solid email sequence.
#8 Become a Pinterest Strategist
Technically, I make money on Pinterest! Not referring to my own business either. I literally get paid for using Pinterest because I market my clients’ content, products, services, courses, etc. on Pinterest!
This isn’t necessarily what you might instantly think of when you think of “making money on Pinterest”, but I am getting paid to use Pinterest. Now clearly, there’s a lot more that goes into it, but let’s say you’re super intrigued with becoming your own boss and helping other business owners market their offers on Pinterest, you need to check out this blog post where I share How to Become a Pinterest Manager!
That’s a Wrap!
Every week I swear I say, “short and sweet, Emilee, short and sweet”, but behold, another blog post that’s a novel.
What can I say, I could talk about Pinterest all day! But hopefully, you found this super informative and feel like you have a better handle on HOW to actually make money on Pinterest.
Let’s give a quick rundown one last time on the different ways I mentioned to monetize your Pinterest:
- The Creators Rewards Program
- Paid Partnerships
- Products and Product Tagging
- Affiliate Marketing
- Ads on Your Website
- Marketing Your Services
- Marketing Your Course
- Become a Pinterest Strategist
Hopefully, if it’s a given, but in case it wasn’t, you can do multiple combinations of the list above in regards to making money! Right now, I’m a Pinterest strategist, I market my own service, my own course, and I also share affiliations!
If you know you want to learn more about Pinterest marketing in general for your business, a great place to start is by downloading my FREE Pinterest strategy guide or checking out my signature course, Pinterest Marketing Magic.
Now if you’ve already gotten the hang of Pinterest, but realized you need help with the recurring theme of Idea Pins, be sure to check out my Idea Pin Starter Kit!
