When I started using Pinterest years ago, I honestly didn't know I could make money from it. I thought it was just a platform to check out beautiful images and gather information. With time, however, I learned different ways to monetize the platform, and Pinterest has become one of my most consistent income sources.
The best part? There's no ceiling on what you can earn. Some bloggers make a few hundred dollars monthly, while others generate five or six figures annually. Your earnings depend on the monetization methods you choose, how effectively you implement them, and how consistently you show up.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll share the exact strategies I use to make money on Pinterest. These aren't theoretical concepts—they're proven methods that work when you understand the platform and put in consistent effort.
Let's get to it.
Understanding Pinterest as a Monetization Platform
Before diving into specific money-making methods, you need to understand why Pinterest works so well for monetization compared to other social platforms.
Pinterest has become a powerful platform that benefits not just people searching for inspiration, but also creators and entrepreneurs who want to build income streams. What started as a simple visual discovery tool has evolved into a legitimate business platform with over 570 million monthly active users actively looking for solutions, products, and ideas.
1. Pinterest is a Visual Search Engine, Not Social Media
This distinction matters more than you might think. While Instagram and TikTok prioritize recent content and require constant posting to maintain visibility, Pinterest functions like Google—users search for specific information, and relevant content surfaces regardless of when it was created.
Current data shows that 60% of pins surfacing in feeds and search results are over a year old. This means content you create today can continue driving traffic and generating income for months or even years. Your pins become evergreen assets rather than disappearing content.
2. The Pinterest Audience Has Buying Intent
Recent statistics reveal compelling reasons why Pinterest works for monetization. According to Thunderbit's research, Pinterest users are 18-49 years old, 70% female, and 85% of weekly users make purchases based on Pins they discover. These aren't casual browsers—they're actively looking for products, services, and solutions.
The platform reports that Pinners are 1.4 times more likely to take shopping-related actions compared to users on other social platforms. According to recent data from Podbase, over 50% of Pinterest users view the platform as a shopping site, not just entertainment. One in three Pinterest users has an annual household income over $100,000, and these users are actively looking to make purchases. This isn't passive scrolling—it's intentional discovery with commercial intent.
When you share monetization-focused content on Pinterest, you're reaching an audience already in a buying mindset.
3. Content Longevity Creates Compounding Returns
Unlike other platforms where your content's lifespan measures in hours or days, Pinterest pins peak between 1-2 years after posting. This creates a compounding effect where your content library continuously works for you, generating traffic and income long after the initial effort.
Realistic Income Expectations
Let me be honest about what you can actually earn. According to analysis from SQ Magazine, earnings typically range from $1-5 per 1,000 views, with highly profitable niches reaching $10-20 per 1,000 views when properly monetized through affiliate links and products.
To put this in perspective, making $500 monthly at $3 per 1,000 views requires approximately 167,000 monthly views across your pins. This sounds like a lot, but with consistent effort, many creators reach this milestone within 6-12 months.
Real blogger case studies show modest beginnings with significant growth over time. One lifestyle blogger reported earning $3,530 in their first year from Pinterest, which grew to $7,171 in year two as their content library expanded and older pins continued driving traffic.
The key takeaway? Pinterest monetization isn't a get-rich-quick scheme. It requires upfront work creating quality content, but the payoff compounds over time as your pin library grows.
Step 1: Set Up Your Pinterest Business Account
To make money on Pinterest, you need a Pinterest Business account, not a personal one. This unlocks critical features that personal accounts don't have access to.
Why Business Accounts Matter
A business account gives you access to Pinterest Analytics, advertising options, rich pins, and the ability to claim your website—features essential for serious monetization.
The setup process is straightforward and completely free. Head to pinterest.com/business/create and follow the prompts to create your account.
Converting an Existing Personal Account
If you already have a personal account, don't worry—you can convert it without losing followers or existing pins.
Here's how:
Log into your Pinterest account
Click your profile picture and navigate to settings
Select "Account Management"
Look for the option to convert to a business account
Provide your business information—website, business name, and description
During setup, Pinterest will ask you to follow some topics. Choose topics directly related to your niche. This helps Pinterest understand what kind of content creator you are and shows you relevant trending content in your industry.
Optimize Your Profile for Discovery
Your profile is your first impression and plays a role in search visibility.
Profile optimization checklist:
Use a clear, professional photo (personal photos build connection, but logos work for brand-focused accounts)
Write a concise bio incorporating 2-3 relevant keywords naturally
Display your website URL prominently
Add your location if relevant to your niche
Complete all profile fields
For example, if you blog about personal finance, your bio might read: "Helping millennials master budgeting and build wealth | Personal finance tips for real life | Founder of [Your Blog Name]"
Claim Your Website
Claiming your website establishes credibility and unlocks analytics showing how your Pinterest content drives traffic to your site. This is crucial for tracking which monetization methods work best.
For WordPress users with Yoast SEO:
Go to Pinterest settings and find "Claimed Accounts"
Enter your website URL and click "Claim"
Pinterest provides an HTML tag—copy it
In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Yoast SEO settings
Find the social tab and Pinterest verification section
Paste the tag and save changes
Return to Pinterest and click "Verify"
Pinterest typically claims your website within 24 hours. Note that website claiming must be done from desktop or laptop—mobile apps don't support this feature.
Method 1: Blogging + Pinterest Traffic
In my experience, blogging tops the list of Pinterest monetization methods. Most other strategies I'll share actually require having a blog or website as the foundation.
Overview
Pinterest has enabled bloggers like me to reach hundreds of thousands of people monthly. Here's how it works: when someone searches for information like "how to save money on groceries," pins with relevant content appear in search results. The user clicks your pin and lands on your blog article, where they can see advertisements, purchase your products, click affiliate links, or sign up for your email list.
This traffic compounds over time. Pins I created two years ago still send visitors to my blog daily, generating income without additional effort.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Choose Your Niche
Before starting your blog, determine your niche—the specific market segment you'll serve. You can blog about finances, fitness, fashion, health, technology, business, family, or countless other topics. The key is selecting something you're knowledgeable and passionate about.
Your niche should meet three criteria: you have genuine interest and knowledge, there's an audience searching for this content, and there are monetization opportunities (products to promote, ads that pay well, or services you can offer).
Step 2: Set Up Your Blog
You'll need a domain name, web hosting, and a content management system like WordPress. Services like Bluehost or SiteGround offer affordable hosting packages that include WordPress installation.
Step 3: Create Valuable Content
Focus on creating comprehensive, helpful articles that solve specific problems. Pinterest users are searching for solutions—your content should deliver them. Aim for in-depth articles (1,500+ words) that thoroughly address topics rather than superficial posts.
Step 4: Create Pinterest-Optimized Pins
For each blog post, create 3-5 different pin designs using tools like Canva. Use vertical format (2:3 aspect ratio), clear text overlays, and high-quality images. Include keywords in your pin titles and descriptions that match what your target audience searches for.
Step 5: Pin Consistently
Share your content regularly on Pinterest—3-5 fresh pins daily works well for most bloggers. Use scheduling tools like Tailwind to batch-create and schedule pins in advance, maintaining consistency without daily manual work.
Tools You Need
Blogging platform: WordPress (most flexible option)
Design tool: Canva for creating pins
Analytics: Google Analytics and Pinterest Analytics
SEO plugin: Yoast SEO for WordPress
Earning Potential
Blog monetization through Pinterest happens via multiple income streams:
Display advertising: Once you reach traffic thresholds, ad networks like Mediavine or AdThrive pay $15-40 per 1,000 page views. At 50,000 monthly page views, this generates $750-2,000 monthly.
Affiliate marketing: Promoting relevant products earns commissions ranging from 4-50% depending on programs. Many bloggers earn $1,000-10,000+ monthly from affiliate income once traffic grows.
Digital products: Selling your own products (ebooks, courses, templates) keeps 100% of profits. Successful bloggers often earn more from products than any other income stream.
Sponsored content: Brands pay $200-5,000+ per sponsored post depending on your traffic and niche.
Realistic timeline: Most bloggers earn $0-500 in their first 3-6 months, $500-2,000 monthly by month 12, and $3,000-10,000+ monthly by year two with consistent effort.
Success Tips
Focus on creating evergreen content that remains relevant for years rather than trendy topics that quickly become outdated. Create multiple pin designs for your best-performing posts to extend their reach. Join Pinterest group boards in your niche to initially expand reach (though these matter less than they once did). Most importantly, be patient—blog traffic compounds, and your best earnings come in years 2-3, not month one.
Method 2: Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest
Affiliate marketing is one of the most accessible ways to monetize Pinterest because you don't need to create products—you earn commissions promoting what already exists.
Overview
Affiliate marketing involves partnering with companies to promote their products. You receive unique tracking links, share them in your pins and content, and earn commissions when people purchase through your links.
According to Authority Hacker's industry research, Pinterest affiliate marketing taps into the $17 billion affiliate marketing industry, which grows approximately 10% yearly. Pinterest's visual format makes it particularly effective for affiliate promotion since users are already in discovery and shopping mode.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Join Affiliate Programs
Start with beginner-friendly programs that accept new affiliates:
Amazon Associates: 1-10% commissions on millions of products
ShareASale: Thousands of merchants across all niches
CJ Affiliate: Premium brands and higher commissions
ClickBank: Digital products with 50-75% commissions
Rakuten Advertising: Major retailers and brands
FlexOffers: Diverse product categories
Choose programs relevant to your niche. If you blog about home organization, join programs for storage solutions, furniture, and organizational tools.
Step 2: Select Products to Promote
Don't promote everything—focus on products you genuinely use or believe in. Your recommendations carry weight only if you're authentic. Choose products your target audience actually needs and searches for on Pinterest.
Step 3: Create Valuable Content Around Products
Instead of creating "buy this" pins, create helpful content that naturally incorporates your affiliate recommendations. Examples: "10 Kitchen Gadgets That Make Meal Prep Easier," "Best Running Shoes for Beginners: Honest Reviews," or "Budget-Friendly Home Office Setup."
Step 4: Disclose Affiliate Relationships
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires clear disclosure when content includes affiliate links. Pinterest also requires transparency. Include disclaimers like "This post contains affiliate links" in your pin descriptions and blog posts.
Step 5: Track Performance
Monitor which products and content types generate the most clicks and sales. Double down on what works and adjust what doesn't. Most affiliate programs provide detailed analytics showing clicks, conversions, and earnings per product.
Pinterest Affiliate Guidelines & Compliance
Pinterest has specific rules for affiliate marketing you must follow:
Do not shorten affiliate links. Pinterest requires full, visible URLs so users know where links lead. Use your full affiliate links or Pinterest's built-in affiliate disclosure features.
Provide value beyond selling. Pinterest penalizes pins that exist solely to push products without offering helpful information. Create content that genuinely helps users, with affiliate links as bonus recommendations.
Follow each program's rules. Amazon, for instance, has specific requirements about how you can use product images and where you can share links. Violating program terms can result in account closure.
Earning Potential
Affiliate income varies dramatically based on niche, traffic, and commission rates:
Beginners: $50-300 monthly in months 3-6 as traffic builds
Intermediate: $500-2,000 monthly by month 12 with established traffic
Advanced: $3,000-15,000+ monthly with significant traffic and optimization
Commission structures vary widely. Amazon pays 1-10% depending on product categories, while digital product programs like ClickBank often pay 50-75%. Choose higher-commission products when possible to maximize earnings per sale.
One successful lifestyle blogger reported netting approximately $500 monthly from a single viral pin that continues driving affiliate sales 18 months after creation. This illustrates Pinterest's long-term earning potential.
Success Tips
Create "best of" roundup posts featuring multiple related products—these perform exceptionally well on Pinterest. Focus on products with higher price points when possible (a $200 commission beats ten $20 commissions). Build an email list alongside your Pinterest strategy, as email subscribers convert to affiliate sales at higher rates than cold traffic. Always prioritize transparency—disclosed affiliate content actually converts better because it builds trust.
Method 3: E-commerce & Product Sales
If you sell physical or digital products, Pinterest is a powerful traffic driver that can significantly boost sales.
Overview
Pinterest works exceptionally well for e-commerce because users actively search for products to purchase. Recent data shows that Pinterest users are 55% more likely to buy products after watching videos about them, and over 50% view Pinterest specifically as a shopping platform.
Whether you sell on Etsy, Shopify, or your own website, Pinterest can drive massive traffic to your store.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Set Up Product Pins
Product pins (also called shopping pins) display pricing, availability, and purchase information directly on the pin. To enable these, ensure your product pages have proper meta tags—most e-commerce platforms handle this automatically.
Step 2: Create Compelling Product Visuals
Product photography matters enormously on Pinterest. Use high-quality, well-lit images showing products from multiple angles. Lifestyle photos showing products in use outperform plain white-background shots. Include text overlays highlighting key benefits or uses.
Step 3: Optimize for Search
Research what keywords your target customers use when searching for products like yours. A jewelry maker might target "handmade silver earrings," "minimalist jewelry gifts," or "bohemian style accessories." Include these keywords naturally in pin titles, descriptions, and board names.
Step 4: Create Helpful Content, Not Just Product Shots
Don't just post product photos. Create content that provides value: gift guides, styling tips, how-to tutorials featuring your products, or before-and-after transformations. This content ranks better and converts more effectively.
Step 5: Consider Pinterest Ads
Pinterest ads can accelerate traffic to new products. Start with a small budget ($10-20 daily) promoting your best sellers. Target users interested in relevant keywords and topics rather than broad demographics.
Platform Options
For physical products:
Etsy: Built-in Pinterest integration, ideal for handmade and vintage items
Shopify: Full-featured e-commerce platform with excellent Pinterest integration
Amazon Handmade: Tap into Amazon's massive audience
For digital products:
Gumroad: Simple platform for selling ebooks, courses, templates
Teachable: Ideal for online courses
Creative Market: Marketplace for design assets and templates
Creating Effective Product Pins
Product pins should include:
High-quality main image (vertical format, 2:3 ratio)
Clear text overlay highlighting main benefit
Keyword-rich title (50-100 characters)
Detailed description (150-300 characters) with relevant keywords and hashtags
Direct link to product page, not just your homepage
Price displayed (Pinterest adds this automatically for product pins)
Earning Potential
E-commerce earnings via Pinterest vary significantly based on product prices, profit margins, and traffic:
Handmade products: $500-3,000+ monthly after building presence
Print-on-demand: $200-2,000 monthly with optimized designs
Digital products: $1,000-10,000+ monthly with strong pin strategy
Established stores: $5,000-50,000+ monthly at scale
The key factor is conversion rate. Pinterest traffic typically converts at 2-5% for well-optimized stores, meaning 100 visitors might generate 2-5 sales. Focus on improving this metric by creating clear product descriptions, competitive pricing, and seamless checkout processes.
Success Tips
Seasonal planning is crucial—start pinning holiday products 3-4 months in advance. Create gift guides featuring your products for occasions like Mother's Day, Christmas, weddings, and birthdays. Use Pinterest Analytics to identify your top-performing pins and create more similar content. Enable rich pins to automatically sync product information from your website to Pinterest. Join relevant Pinterest trends early to ride viral waves related to your products.
Method 4: Pinterest Virtual Assistant Services
Becoming a Pinterest Virtual Assistant is one of the most direct ways to earn money from the platform, requiring no blog, products, or large following.
Overview
Pinterest Virtual Assistants help businesses and content creators manage their Pinterest accounts. As a Pinterest VA, you handle account setup, create pins, optimize boards, schedule content, analyze performance, and implement growth strategies.
The Pinterest VA field has exploded because businesses recognize Pinterest's traffic potential but lack time or expertise to manage accounts effectively. According to industry research, an absolute beginner can earn around $25-$30 per hour, with experienced Pinterest VAs earning up to $100 per hour.
Services to Offer
Basic Services (Beginner-Friendly):
Pinterest account setup and optimization
Pin design using templates
Scheduling pins using tools like Tailwind
Board creation and organization
Basic keyword research
Monthly analytics reporting
Advanced Services (Higher Rates):
Pinterest SEO strategy development
Custom pin design and branding
Pinterest ad campaign management
Competitor analysis and benchmarking
Conversion rate optimization
Growth strategy consulting
You don't need to offer everything initially. Many successful VAs start with basic services and add advanced offerings as they gain experience.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Learn Pinterest Best Practices
Before offering services, ensure you understand Pinterest fundamentals. Take courses like Pinteresting Strategies or Become a Pinterest VA Today to learn current best practices.
Alternatively, practice on your own Pinterest account or volunteer services for a friend's business to build skills and case studies.
Step 2: Define Your Service Packages
Create clear service packages rather than charging per task. Examples:
Starter Package ($300-500/month):
Account optimization
30 pins designed and scheduled monthly
Basic keyword research
Monthly performance report
Growth Package ($600-1,000/month):
Everything in Starter
60 pins designed and scheduled monthly
Advanced SEO optimization
Board strategy development
Bi-weekly strategy calls
Premium Package ($1,200-2,000/month):
Everything in Growth
100+ pins monthly
Pinterest ad management
Detailed analytics and recommendations
Weekly communication and support
How to Get Clients
Build Your Portfolio: Create case studies showing results you've achieved, even if from your own account or volunteer work. Document traffic growth, engagement increases, and sales generated.
Leverage Your Network: Start by reaching out to bloggers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs in your existing network. Offer introductory rates to build testimonials and references.
Use Social Media: Promote your services on LinkedIn, in Facebook groups for entrepreneurs, and through your own social channels. Join groups like "Pinterest Marketing," "Bloggers Helping Bloggers," and niche-specific entrepreneur communities.
Create a Portfolio Website: Set up a simple website using Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress showcasing your services, case studies, and contact information.
List on Freelance Platforms: Create profiles on Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer to access clients actively seeking Pinterest help.
Required Skills
You don't need formal marketing education, but these skills help:
Graphic design basics (using Canva or similar tools)
Understanding of SEO principles
Copywriting for pin descriptions
Basic analytics interpretation
Time management and organization
Client communication
Most skills can be learned through free YouTube tutorials, affordable courses, or practice.
Earning Potential
Generally, Pinterest VAs earn anywhere between $50-$100+ per hour, usually via one-off services that cost between $250 and $500, and via monthly packages that range from $300-$1,200 per month.
Income progression typically follows this path:
As a beginner, you can make $25-$30 per hour offering Pinterest Management services. At this rate, managing 3-5 clients at $400-500 monthly each generates $1,200-2,500 monthly income.
Within 6-12 months, as you gain experience and results, you can increase rates to $40-60 per hour or $800-1,200 per client monthly. Managing 5-8 clients at this rate produces $4,000-9,600 monthly.
As your experience grows, you can raise your rates and transition from "Pinterest VA" to "Pinterest Manager" or "Pinterest Strategist," commanding $75-150 per hour or $1,500-3,000+ per client monthly. At this level, just 4-6 clients can generate $6,000-18,000 monthly.
Most Pinterest VAs charge $7–$20/hour or $600–$1,500/month, depending on experience and task volume. The key is starting with reasonable rates to build experience and testimonials, then systematically increasing as your track record grows.
Success Tips
Specialize in a niche (e-commerce, food bloggers, coaches) rather than being a generalist—this allows you to charge premium rates and attract ideal clients. Document everything you do for clients to create processes and eventually templates, making you more efficient. Set clear boundaries about response times and revision limits to prevent scope creep. Consider creating your own Pinterest management course or resources as a passive income stream alongside client work. As you scale, hire subcontractors to handle execution while you focus on strategy and client relationships.
Method 5: Creating & Selling Pinterest Courses/Templates
Teaching others about Pinterest creates scalable income since you create content once and sell it repeatedly.
Overview
Thousands of people want to learn Pinterest strategies but don't know where to start. If you've successfully grown your own Pinterest presence or worked as a VA, you have valuable knowledge others will pay to learn.
What to Create
Pinterest Courses:
Pinterest for Bloggers
E-commerce Pinterest Marketing
Pinterest Affiliate Marketing Mastery
Becoming a Pinterest Virtual Assistant
Pinterest Ads Strategy
Pin Templates:
Niche-specific pin design templates (fitness, recipes, fashion, business)
Canva template bundles
Pin description formulas
Board organization templates
Other Resources:
Pinterest SEO keyword guides
Analytics interpretation templates
Client pitch templates for VAs
Pinterest content calendars
Where to Sell
Online Course Platforms:
Teachable - Full-featured course platform
Thinkific - Customizable course site
Kajabi - All-in-one platform for courses and membership sites
Udemy - Massive existing marketplace (lower prices but built-in audience)
Skillshare - Subscription model with monthly royalties
Template Marketplaces:
Creative Market - Design asset marketplace
Etsy - Accessible to buyers, good for beginners
Gumroad - Simple platform for digital products
Your Own Website: Selling directly keeps 100% of profits (minus payment processing fees). Use WordPress with e-commerce plugins or platforms like Shopify.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Validate Your Idea Before creating a full course, validate demand. Survey your audience, check if similar products exist and sell well, or create a simple lead magnet (free mini-course) to gauge interest.
Step 2: Create Quality Content Don't aim for perfection initially—focus on delivering genuine value. Your first course won't be flawless, and that's okay. You can update and improve it based on student feedback.
For courses, outline key lessons, record video content, create worksheets and resources, and build actionable homework assignments.
For templates, create high-quality designs, provide clear usage instructions, and offer variations (color schemes, styles) to increase value.
Step 3: Price Strategically Research competitor pricing. Pinterest courses typically range from $49-497 depending on depth. Template bundles often sell for $19-79. Start conservatively and adjust based on conversions and feedback.
Step 4: Market Your Products Create pins promoting your course or templates (of course!), build an email list and nurture subscribers toward purchase, offer limited-time discounts to create urgency, and collaborate with influencers or affiliates who can promote your products for commissions.
Earning Potential
Course income scales significantly once created:
Initial Launch: $500-3,000 in first month depending on audience size
Ongoing Sales: $1,000-5,000+ monthly with consistent marketing
Established Courses: $5,000-20,000+ monthly with large audiences and proven results
Template income is typically more modest but requires less effort:
Template Bundles: $200-1,500+ monthly depending on marketplace and marketing
Custom Templates: Higher prices ($100-300 per custom set) but requires ongoing work
The beauty of digital products is scalability—once created, there's no limit to how many you can sell without additional work.
Success Tips
Create free content (blog posts, YouTube videos, free pins) demonstrating your expertise before selling courses—this builds trust and audience. Include bonuses (templates, checklists, community access) to increase perceived value. Gather testimonials and case studies from early users to boost credibility. Update content regularly to remain current with Pinterest's evolving algorithm. Consider creating a membership or community for ongoing revenue beyond one-time course sales.
Method 6: Brand Partnerships & Sponsored Content
Once you've built a Pinterest following and traffic, brands will pay you to promote their products or services.
Overview
Brands invest billions in influencer and content creator partnerships because it drives sales more effectively than traditional advertising. If you have consistent Pinterest traffic and engaged audience, you're valuable to brands in your niche.
Sponsored content typically involves creating pins, blog posts, or video content featuring a brand's product, with payment ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per campaign.
How to Get Started
Build Your Foundation First: Brands rarely work with creators who don't have proven reach. Focus on growing your Pinterest traffic to at least 50,000 monthly views and establishing your blog or platform first.
Create a Media Kit: Professional media kits showcase your value to potential brand partners. Include:
Your monthly Pinterest impressions, clicks, and reach
Website traffic statistics
Audience demographics
Previous brand partnerships (if any)
Sponsored content rates and packages
Contact information
Tools like Canva offer media kit templates you can customize.
Define Your Niche and Values: Be selective about partnerships. Only work with brands whose products you'd genuinely recommend. Your audience trusts your recommendations—preserve that trust by being authentic.
How to Get Brand Partnerships
Direct Outreach: Research brands in your niche and reach out directly. Find their marketing or PR contacts through their website or LinkedIn. Send personalized pitches explaining why partnership makes sense and what you offer.
Influencer Networks: Join platforms connecting creators with brands:
Respond to Brand Inquiries: As your traffic grows, brands may contact you directly. Have clear rates and partnership guidelines ready to respond professionally.
Pitching Brands
Effective pitches include:
Personalized introduction showing you understand their brand
Specific collaboration ideas, not just "I'll promote your stuff"
Your relevant statistics (Pinterest reach, blog traffic, audience demographics)
Examples of previous sponsored content (if applicable)
Clear call-to-action (schedule a call, review campaign brief, etc.)
Keep pitches concise—busy marketing managers receive dozens daily.
Earning Potential
Sponsored content rates vary dramatically based on your reach, niche, and negotiation skills:
Micro-influencers (50,000-100,000 monthly Pinterest views): $200-800 per sponsored campaign
Mid-tier creators (100,000-500,000 monthly views): $800-3,000 per campaign
Established influencers (500,000+ monthly views): $3,000-10,000+ per campaign
Niche matters significantly. Finance, business, and technology content commands higher rates than general lifestyle content due to advertiser competition and customer lifetime value.
Many creators earn $2,000-10,000+ monthly from brand partnerships once established, combining this with other monetization methods for diversified income.
Success Tips
Disclose sponsored partnerships clearly—the FTC requires this, and transparency builds trust. Maintain creative control in contracts to ensure content aligns with your style and audience expectations. Track campaign performance carefully to demonstrate ROI to brands, increasing likelihood of repeat partnerships. Build long-term relationships rather than one-off campaigns—retainer agreements provide income stability. Never promote products you wouldn't personally use—your reputation is your business.
Method 7: Pinterest Ads Management for Clients
If you understand Pinterest advertising, you can offer paid ad management as a service, often earning more than organic Pinterest management.
Overview
Many businesses want to run Pinterest ads but lack expertise or time to manage campaigns effectively. As a Pinterest Ads Manager, you create, monitor, and optimize paid campaigns on behalf of clients, typically earning monthly retainers plus performance bonuses.
Skills Needed
To offer Pinterest ads management, you should understand:
Pinterest ad formats (standard pins, video pins, carousel ads, shopping ads)
Targeting options (keywords, interests, demographics, retargeting)
Bidding strategies and budget optimization
Conversion tracking and attribution
Campaign structure and organization
Analytics interpretation and reporting
Many of these skills can be learned through Pinterest's own Business Learning Hub which offers free certification courses.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Learn Pinterest Ads
Start with Pinterest's official certification program. The platform offers free courses covering campaign setup, optimization, and best practices. Complete the certification to add credibility to your services.
Step 2: Run Practice Campaigns
Before offering services to clients, run ads for your own business or blog to gain hands-on experience. Even with a small budget ($100-200), you'll learn valuable lessons about what works.
Step 3: Define Your Service Packages
Pinterest ads management typically includes:
Campaign strategy development
Ad creative design and copywriting
Campaign setup and launch
Ongoing monitoring and optimization
Performance reporting
Strategy adjustment based on results
Package examples:
Starter Ads Management ($800-1,200/month + 10% ad spend):
$500-2,000 monthly ad budget managed
Campaign setup and optimization
Basic creative design
Monthly reporting
Growth Ads Management ($1,500-2,500/month + 10% ad spend):
$2,000-10,000 monthly ad budget managed
Advanced targeting and testing
Custom creative development
Bi-weekly optimization
Detailed analytics reporting
Enterprise Ads Management ($3,000-5,000+/month + 5-10% ad spend):
$10,000+ monthly ad budget managed
Full-funnel campaign strategy
A/B testing programs
Weekly optimization
Executive-level reporting and strategy sessions
How to Get Clients
Target e-commerce businesses, product-based companies, and established bloggers who already have marketing budgets but lack Pinterest advertising expertise.
Where to find clients:
LinkedIn - Connect with marketing managers and business owners
Facebook groups for entrepreneurs and e-commerce sellers
Direct outreach to businesses advertising on other platforms
Freelance platforms like Upwork (though rates are typically lower)
Your existing network of contacts
Earning Potential
Pinterest ads management offers some of the highest earning potential in Pinterest-related services:
Management fees: $1,000-5,000+ monthly per client depending on ad budget size
Performance bonuses: 5-15% of ad spend or percentage of revenue generated
Multiple clients: Managing 3-5 clients simultaneously = $5,000-20,000+ monthly income
The key advantage is that clients with advertising budgets are serious about results and willing to pay premium rates for expertise that drives ROI.
Success Tips
Always set clear KPI expectations upfront—whether that's cost per acquisition, return on ad spend, or total sales generated. Document everything you do and every result you achieve for case studies and testimonials. Start with smaller budgets to prove results before scaling—this reduces client risk and your pressure. Stay current with Pinterest's algorithm and ad features through their official updates and industry blogs. Consider specializing in specific industries (e-commerce, digital products, B2B) to become the go-to expert and command premium rates.
Advanced Strategies for Maximizing Pinterest Income
Once you've implemented one or more monetization methods, these advanced strategies can significantly boost your earnings.
1. Using Pinterest Analytics Effectively
Pinterest Analytics provides crucial insights into what's working and what isn't. Don't just glance at vanity metrics like followers—focus on data that impacts income.
Key metrics to track:
Outbound clicks: The number of people clicking through to your website—this directly correlates with monetization opportunities.
Top pins: Which specific pins drive the most traffic? Create more content similar to these winners.
Audience insights: What are your followers interested in beyond your content? This reveals expansion opportunities.
Traffic sources: Where does your Pinterest traffic come from—search, home feed, or other sources? This informs your optimization strategy.
Review analytics monthly to identify trends and adjust your strategy accordingly. Double down on what's working and eliminate or modify what's not generating results.
2. Leveraging Scheduling Tools
Consistency matters on Pinterest, but manually pinning daily is exhausting. Scheduling tools let you batch-create content and maintain consistent presence without daily effort.
Top scheduling tools:
Tailwind: Pinterest-approved scheduler with smart scheduling, analytics, and community features. Most popular among serious Pinterest creators. Pricing starts around $15/month.
Buffer: Multi-platform scheduler including Pinterest. Good if you manage multiple social accounts. Plans start at $6/month.
Later: Visual content calendar with Pinterest scheduling. Clean interface and affordable pricing from $18/month.
Hootsuite: Comprehensive social media management including Pinterest. Better for teams or agencies. Plans from $99/month.
Most successful Pinterest creators schedule 2-4 weeks of content in advance, spending a few hours monthly on batch creation rather than daily posting.
3. Seasonal Content Planning
Pinterest users plan ahead—way ahead. Understanding this seasonal behavior dramatically impacts your monetization success.
Pinterest works on a 3-4 month lead time:
Start creating and pinning Christmas content in September
Valentine's Day content in November
Spring/Easter content in January
Summer content in March
Back-to-school content in May
Fall/Halloween content in July
This lead time exists because users search for inspiration and plan purchases months before events. If you wait until December to pin Christmas content, you've missed the peak search volume.
Create seasonal content calendars planning 3-6 months ahead, ensuring you capture search traffic when users are actively planning rather than when events occur.
4. Building an Email List from Pinterest Traffic
Pinterest drives traffic, but email converts at higher rates and provides direct access to your audience regardless of algorithm changes.
Strategies for converting Pinterest visitors to subscribers:
Create compelling lead magnets (free resources) relevant to your popular pins. If your "budget meal prep" pin drives significant traffic, offer a free meal prep template or shopping list in exchange for email addresses.
Use exit-intent popups on your blog to capture visitors before they leave. Tools like ConvertKit, Mailchimp, or Flodesk make this easy.
Include email opt-in forms within blog posts, not just in sidebars or footers. In-content forms convert 3-5x better than sidebar placements.
Once you build an email list, promote affiliate products, courses, and services directly to subscribers who already trust you—this audience converts at 10-20x higher rates than cold Pinterest traffic.
5. Tracking Conversions and ROI
Understanding which Pinterest activities generate income rather than just traffic is crucial for maximizing earnings.
Set up conversion tracking:
Install Pinterest Tag on your website to track actions visitors take after clicking your pins—purchases, email signups, or page views. This data shows which pins drive valuable actions, not just clicks.
Use UTM parameters in your links to track Pinterest traffic in Google Analytics. Create specific UTM codes for different boards or pin types to see what drives the best results.
Calculate your actual ROI: If you earn $1,500 monthly from Pinterest but spend 20 hours on content creation, your effective hourly rate is $75. Understanding this helps you decide whether to scale Pinterest efforts or focus elsewhere.
6. Repurposing Top-Performing Content
Your best Pinterest content can generate income beyond the platform itself.
Repurposing strategies:
Turn popular pins into YouTube videos, Instagram reels, or TikToks to reach new audiences who might become Pinterest followers.
Compile your most popular Pinterest content into an ebook or course you can sell as a digital product.
Use top-performing pin topics as the basis for guest posts on larger blogs, driving new traffic back to your Pinterest and website.
Create physical products based on Pinterest trends you've identified—many successful product creators validate ideas through Pinterest engagement before manufacturing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learning from others' mistakes saves time and frustration. Here are the most common Pinterest monetization errors I see creators make:
1. Expecting Overnight Results
Pinterest is a long-game platform. Most creators don't see significant traffic or income for 6-12 months. The algorithm favors aged content, meaning your best results come from pins created months ago that continue accumulating engagement.
Reality check: Expect to invest 6-12 months building your pin library before seeing substantial returns. This isn't a get-rich-quick platform—it's a build-real-assets-that-pay-long-term platform.
2. Ignoring Pinterest SEO
Pinterest functions as a search engine, yet many creators treat it like Instagram, using clever captions instead of searchable keywords. This is leaving money on the table.
Use Pinterest's search bar to identify actual search terms your audience uses, then incorporate these naturally into pin titles, descriptions, and board names. Don't stuff keywords unnaturally—write for humans while including relevant search terms.
3. Creating Generic, Non-Branded Pins
Early advice suggested removing branding from pins to encourage saves. This has backflipped. Today's best practice includes subtle, consistent branding so users recognize your content and seek out more.
Include your logo or website URL on pins, use consistent colors and fonts across your designs, and make your pins visually distinctive so your target audience recognizes them immediately.
4. Violating Pinterest or Affiliate Program Terms
Pinterest and affiliate programs have specific rules. Violating them can result in account suspension or program removal, destroying income streams overnight.
Common violations to avoid:
Using shortened or cloaked affiliate links (Pinterest requires full URLs)
Failing to disclose affiliate relationships (FTC requirement)
Creating spammy content that exists only to push products
Violating individual affiliate program rules about promotional methods
Always read and follow platform guidelines. When in doubt, err on the side of transparency and value-first content.
5. Giving Up Too Soon
This deserves its own section. Most people quit Pinterest monetization right before it would have started working.
Pinterest compounds over time. Month 1 sees minimal results. Month 3 shows slight traction. Month 6 brings moderate traffic. Month 12 delivers significant returns as your content library matures and older pins peak in distribution.
The pattern is consistent: slow start, gradual build, then exponential growth as everything compounds. Quitting at month 3 or 6 means missing the payoff from the work you've already invested.
6. Not Diversifying Monetization Methods
Relying solely on one income stream creates vulnerability. If Pinterest changes its algorithm, affiliate programs modify terms, or ad networks adjust rates, single-income-stream creators face financial instability.
Successful Pinterest monetizers typically combine 2-4 methods: display ads plus affiliate marketing, e-commerce plus blog content, Pinterest VA services plus your own digital products. This diversification provides stability and maximizes earning potential from your Pinterest traffic.
Conclusion
Making money on Pinterest is absolutely possible—I do it, and thousands of other creators do too. But it requires understanding the platform, choosing monetization methods aligned with your skills and interests, and committing to consistent effort over months, not days.
The strategies I've shared aren't theoretical—they're proven methods that work when properly implemented. Whether you choose blogging, affiliate marketing, e-commerce, virtual assistance, or a combination of methods, success follows the same pattern: create valuable content, optimize for Pinterest search, engage consistently, and be patient while your efforts compound.
Here's what I want you to remember: Pinterest isn't social media where you compete for attention in crowded feeds. It's a visual search engine where your content can continue driving traffic and generating income for years after creation. The pins you create today might become your top performers 18 months from now, still bringing visitors and sales long after you've moved on to new content.
Your first step? Choose one monetization method from this guide and implement it fully rather than trying everything simultaneously. Master one approach, see results, then add additional income streams to diversify and scale your earnings.
The opportunity is real. Pinterest's 570 million monthly users are actively searching for solutions, products, and inspiration. Position yourself as the answer to their searches, provide genuine value, and the income will follow.
Start today. Set up your business account if you haven't already. Create your first optimized pin. Join an affiliate program. Reach out to your first potential client. Small actions compound into significant results—your future self will thank you for starting now rather than waiting for the "perfect" moment that never comes.
You've got this. Now go create something valuable and let Pinterest do what it does best—connecting people searching for solutions with creators who provide them. That creator can be you.