Affiliate links may generate a commission.
Pinterest stands as a significant social media platform, directing more traffic to retail websites than Facebook. For individuals who invest time in building a following, or who already possess one, Pinterest offers various avenues for income generation, establishing it as a popular side hustle. Monetization strategies typically fall into two main categories: supporting one’s own business or assisting another’s. Links are fundamental to earning money on Pinterest. This includes incorporating special product links into pins to earn a commission upon purchase, linking to an e-commerce site or blog, or enabling direct product purchases within Pinterest. Another approach involves managing Pinterest accounts for businesses lacking in-house social media personnel.
QUICK ANSWER
To generate income on Pinterest, individuals can embed links within their pins to support either their own business (via website links or shoppable pins) or another’s (through affiliate marketing). Additionally, income can be earned by creating content, such as pins about a company’s product, through direct agreements.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
- By including affiliate links in pins
- By driving traffic to your website
- By creating a Pinterest Business account
- By partnering with a brand
- By becoming a virtual assistant
- Through Pinterest Creator Rewards
By including affiliate links in pins
An affiliate link is provided by a company for inclusion in social media posts. A commission is earned when a user clicks the link and completes a purchase. Pinterest itself does not provide payment for affiliate links; compensation comes directly from the company supplying the link. To integrate an affiliate link into Pinterest content, one creates an Idea Pin, which offers expanded media options, and includes a product image. A sticker is then added by tapping the Stickers button in the lower right.
Tap to choose the Product sticker.
Select “Use a link” and input the affiliate link into the designated window. Pinterest will incorporate the link into the sticker. After saving the pin, viewers can click through to the affiliated site. It is important to verify with the affiliate program beforehand, as not all programs permit the posting of affiliate links on Pinterest.
By driving traffic to your website
For individuals with an existing business, Pinterest can be utilized to direct traffic to a website by developing engaging content. This involves creating an Idea Pin and embedding a link to a blog or e-commerce site when publishing the pin. Pinterest also facilitates the creation of a Shoppable Pin, which provides comprehensive product details (such as size and color) and allows for direct purchase within the platform.
By creating a Pinterest Business account
While a business account is not strictly necessary for posting affiliate links or e-commerce site links, its free nature and the valuable access to Pinterest analytics make it a strong consideration for anyone aiming to monetize the platform. A business account enables users to run ads and promote pins, thereby elevating content visibility in search results. It also grants access to rich pins, which offer detailed product information and a direct “Shop” button. For serious monetization efforts, a Pinterest business account is highly recommended.
By partnering with a brand
Brand partnerships are typically formed independently of Pinterest. Once a relationship with a brand is established, individuals can create Idea Pins featuring content relevant to that brand. Adding a paid partnership label to the pin will notify the company. Upon their approval, the brand’s name or logo will appear on the pin, and compensation will be provided according to the agreed terms. Pinterest does not directly pay for brand partnerships; payment comes from the brand itself.
By becoming a Pinterest virtual assistant
Earning income through Pinterest does not necessarily require owning a personal Pinterest account. Individuals can assist others with managing their accounts. Virtual assistants support small businesses across various sectors with online responsibilities, including social media management. Specializing in Pinterest offers particular value to retailers who may lack the time or digital expertise to manage their presence effectively. Responsibilities could range from maintaining a business’s posting schedule to actively shaping its Pinterest strategy. Content creation, such as writing brand-related posts for a company’s Pinterest, presents another income opportunity.
Through Pinterest Creator Rewards
Most monetization strategies discussed typically involve payment from a third party. However, Pinterest recently launched a new program called Creator Rewards, which offers direct payment from Pinterest. This program operates by Pinterest setting specific goals for pins, such as a target number of saves or comments. The objective is to create content that achieves these goals, with payment issued the following month upon success. As a new, invite-only program, detailed information regarding payment amounts or specific goals is currently limited.
FAQs
Does Pinterest pay directly?
Generally, no. Payment typically comes directly from the partnering company or the entity for which affiliate ads are posted. The new Creator Rewards program is currently the only initiative offering direct payment from Pinterest, and it remains a pilot program.
Is it possible to earn a full-time income on Pinterest?
Yes, some individuals achieve this. These professionals are highly skilled, often collaborating with multiple brands and companies. Their expertise includes strong time management and scheduling abilities, alongside a deep understanding of Pinterest’s functionality. A side hustle can also be scaled to a full-time income through the use of ads or promoted pins on Pinterest.
Can the same affiliate links be used across multiple social media platforms?
Yes, this is generally permissible. Most affiliate programs anticipate that links will be posted across all relevant accounts. However, restrictions do exist and vary by program, so it is advisable to verify terms before posting.
