Pinterest Affiliate Marketing: 2025 Quick Start

Table of Contents

A cheerful woman in an orange shirt and headband holds a clock. Multiple document thumbnails are behind her. Pinterest logo is in the corner.

Struggling to find success with Facebook ads or Google Ads? Or maybe you suspect your audience is hanging out somewhere different? Enter Pinterest—a visually driven platform where users actively search for ideas, inspiration, and products.

With Pinterest Affiliate Marketing, you can turn Pins into profit. By sharing engaging content with affiliate links, you earn commissions when users purchase through your links. 

Most importantly, in comparison to other platforms, Pinterest is the “road less traveled”. Meaning that if you decide to go the paid route on Pinterest, it can cost less and offer more than other options. 

Understanding Pinterest Affiliate Marketing

Pinterest is a platform where users share ideas and inspirations through images called Pins. It’s popular for discovering new products and DIY projects. This makes it a great place for affiliate marketing.

Affiliate marketing on Pinterest involves promoting products by sharing Pins with your affiliate links. When someone buys a product through your link you earn a commission. This is a good way to make some money while sharing what you love.

  • To get started, create a Pinterest account and focus on a niche like fashion, beauty, decor or food.
  • Use attractive images and include your affiliate links in the Pin descriptions. Make sure to comply with Pinterest’s rules. Always disclose that your Pins contain affiliate links.
  • Pinterest affiliate marketing works best with high-quality content.
  • Create boards with themes that align with what your audience wants. Engage with followers by repinning and commenting on their Pins.

It is simple but not easy. So let’s get down into the nitty gritty of it!

Getting Started with a Pinterest Business Account

To begin using Pinterest for affiliate marketing, you need a Pinterest Business Account. It’s important to set up Rich Pins for more detailed information and use Pinterest Analytics to track performance. 

Creating Your Pinterest Profile

First, you’ll need to set up your Pinterest Business Account. Fill in details such as your business name, email address, and password. Choose your business type and add a profile picture that represents your brand.

Your profile description should clearly explain what your business is about. Be concise and include keywords that reflect your niche.

PRO TIP:

If you are struggling to think of the right keywords, use Tailwind’s Pinterest Keyword Tool.

Setting Up Rich Pins

Rich Pins offer more details directly on a Pin. They automatically sync information from your website to your Pinterest account.

To enable Rich Pins, you must first add meta tags to your site following instructions from Pinterest’s developer tools. Verify your domain to let Pinterest know you own the website.

Understanding Pinterest Analytics

Pinterest Analytics helps you track how your content performs. You’ll see data on impressions, saves, and clicks.

Accessing Analytics is straightforward: Go to your profile and click on ‘Analytics’. The dashboard shows insights about your audience, top-performing Pins, and boards.

By analyzing these metrics, you can understand what content works best. Identify trends in your audience to tailor your marketing strategies effectively.

Developing a Strategic Approach to Pinterest Content

Creating effective content on Pinterest involves crafting engaging Pins, implementing keyword research, using strong visuals, and maintaining user interest. By focusing on these areas you can reach a wider audience and drive more traffic to your content.

Pin Creation and Optimization

Start by designing appealing Pins that catch the eye. Use high-quality images and bold text to make your Pins stand out.

How to design an appealing Pin?

  • Use High-Quality Images: Choose bright, clear, and visually engaging photos or graphics. Avoid cluttered or low-resolution visuals that may appear unprofessional.
  • Incorporate Text Overlays: Add concise, easy-to-read text overlays to highlight the key message or value of your Pin. Use bold fonts and contrasting colors for maximum visibility.
  • Stick to Vertical Layouts: Pinterest favors vertical Pins with a 2:3 ratio (e.g. 1000 x 1500 pixels). This format takes up more space in feeds and grabs more attention.
  • Include Branding Elements: Add your logo, brand name, or website URL subtly to establish credibility and make your content recognizable while avoiding distraction.
  • Leverage Eye-Catching Colors and Visuals: Use vibrant, on-brand color schemes and visually compelling elements like patterns, icons, or call-to-action buttons to draw viewers in.
  • Consider what works best in your category. For example, certain Pins in certain categories get better results with a “raw” or undesign image, while other perform best with a designed Pin. 
Table categorizes content topics by image style: Mostly raw, such as decor and art; Balanced, like DIY; to Mostly designed, including food and quotes.

Make sure each Pin is clearly related to your content and fits the Pinterest style. Include your brand elements, like logos or colors, to make your Pins easily identifiable.

PRO TIP:

To fit Pinterest’s style, use high-quality, bright visuals that inspire or solve problems, and stick to a vertical 2:3 format (e.g., 1000 x 1500 pixels) for better visibility. Keep text overlays minimal, clear, and easy to read, using clean, modern fonts. Focus on creating Pins that evoke emotion or provide solutions, such as DIY ideas or helpful tips. Incorporate subtle branding elements like logos, colors, or fonts to maintain consistency and make your Pins easily recognizable.

Optimize Pins for SEO by adding detailed, relevant descriptions and hashtags. This helps your content show up in searches. More details on Pinterest SEO can be found here.

Keyword Research for Maximum Reach

Using the right keywords is crucial. Use Tailwind’s Pinterest Keyword Tool to find the best keywords for your niche. 

List potential keywords and include them in your Pin titles and descriptions. This boosts visibility and ensures your content reaches the right audience.

Remember to incorporate long-tail keywords. These are longer phrases that people use when searching for specific information. They can drive targeted traffic to your Pins.

Leveraging Visual Content

Visual content is key on Pinterest. Your images should be bright, clear, and relevant to your topic. This makes them more shareable and clickable.

Vertical images perform better on Pinterest as they take up more space on the feed. Maintain a 2:3 ratio to ensure Pins are displayed optimally.

Bar chart comparing Pinterest image metrics by aspect ratio. Vertical taller than 2:3 has highest outbound clicks in orange, also high in saves in blue.

Here is a complete guide on Pinterest Image Sizes.

Maintaining Engagement with Eye-Catching Pins

Keep your audience interested by regularly updating your content. Introduce new Pins that reflect current trends or seasonal themes.

Encourage interaction by asking questions in your Pin descriptions or inviting users to visit your homepage. This can increase clicks and engagement.

Ensure your Pins have a consistent style, which creates a recognizable brand presence. Use compelling calls-to-action to entice users to interact with your Pins, such as “Learn More” or “Get Started”.

Finding and Joining Relevant Affiliate Programs

To earn effectively from Pinterest, you need to find the right affiliate programs that fit your niche and understand their commission rates and guidelines. This helps you choose programs that offer good returns and fit your posts.

Selecting Programs in Your Niche

Start by identifying your niche. It could be fashion, home decor, or technology. Once you know your niche, look for affiliate programs that align with it. 

Make a list of potential programs and check if they offer products or services that match your Pinterest content. This ensures your audience will be interested in what you promote.

Understanding Commission Rates and Guidelines

Each affiliate program has unique rules. Look at the commission rates, which tell you how much you earn per sale or click. Rates can vary widely, from 2% to 50% from the sales amount or sometimes on a per email / per per lead basis.

Read through guidelines to understand things like payment schedules, promotional methods, and restrictions. This ensures you comply with their rules, which is crucial for getting paid.

Consider these points:

  • Commission Rates: Higher rates mean more earnings, but might have stricter requirements.
  • Payment Methods: Ensure they offer a method that works for you, like PayPal or bank transfer.

Crafting Effective Pin Descriptions with Affiliate Links

Image showing a Pinterest marketing ad with two sections. Left side: A smartphone displaying keyword list like 'jewelry' and 'wedding rings' against a blue background. Right side: A description explaining the benefits of using Tailwind’s Keyword Finder to enhance Pinterest SEO. The tone is informative and promotional.

Writing Pin descriptions on Pinterest requires precision. Including relevant keywords helps your Pins appear in search results, while being clear about any affiliate links ensures trustworthiness.

Integrating Relevant Keywords

To make your Pin descriptions effective, incorporate keywords that align with your content. Keywords should reflect what users are searching for, which can help increase your Pin’s visibility.

Using a mix of broad and specific keywords can broaden your reach. Just make sure that your keywords fit naturally into the description and don’t look forced.

Leveraging SEO Techniques for Increased Visibility

To boost your visibility on Pinterest, using SEO techniques is key. This involves smart use of hashtags and optimizing Pins so they appear more often in searches.

PRO TIP:

If you want to quickly add alt text to your images but don’t know where to start – try out Alt Text Generator. Drop your image there and just copy paste the generated text! 

Utilizing Hashtags for Discovery

Hashtags on Pinterest act as keywords, helping to classify your content and improve discovery. While there’s no penalty for using them, data shows that around 19% of viral Pins included hashtags, with an average of 3-7 being effective.

Best Practices:

  • Use a mix of broad (e.g., #decor) and specific (e.g., #containerhome) hashtags.
  • Place them in Pin descriptions where they’re visible.

Experiment with hashtags to enhance your content’s reach and relevance!

For more details on which hashtags to use, please refer to Tailwind Pinterest Research – Hashtags

Optimizing Pins for the Pinterest Search Engine

Start with a clear, catchy title that includes keywords users might search for. The description is another place to add keywords but keep it natural.

Use high-quality images. They should be visually appealing and related to your content. Consider using text overlays on your images; it can make your Pins stand out.

Pay attention to your boards’ titles and descriptions as well. Name them with relevant terms and make sure their descriptions include keywords. 

Engaging with the Pinterest Community

Participate in group boards and build a targeted following to increase engagement with your Pins and increase your traffic and engagement. 

Participating in Group Boards

Pinterest Group boards are shared spaces where multiple pinners collaborate by adding Pins. Joining these boards can increase the visibility of your Pins and reach a wider audience.

Finding Relevant Boards: Look for group boards that fit your niche. Use keywords related to your content to search. Evaluate the board’s activity level to ensure engagement. (Tip: Use our Board Finder tool find the best group boards for your brand!)

Joining and Contributing: To join, follow the board’s instructions, which often involve contacting the owner. Once part of the board, contribute valuable Pins regularly. This keeps your content fresh and increases your chances of engagement.

Building Relationships: Engage with other members by liking and commenting on their Pins. Building a positive rapport can lead to collaboration and even more visibility.

It is important to note that in the last couple of years, group board strategies have seemingly lost their importance — but can still be a viable strategy when you are starting out. 

Building a Targeted Following

A targeted following helps ensure your Pins reach the right audience and increase potential conversions from affiliate links.

Identifying the Target Audience: Understand the demographics and interests of pinners you aim to attract. Tailor your content to meet these preferences.

Creating Quality Pins: Design eye-catching and informative Pins. Use clear images, concise text, and engaging descriptions to draw in viewers.

Tracking Growth: Use Pinterest analytics to monitor your audience growth. Analyze which Pins are performing well and adjust your strategy accordingly to maintain an engaged following.

Exploring Pinterest Advertising Options

Pinterest Ads offer a range of tools to help you promote products and increase brand visibility. By choosing the right types of ads and strategies, you can reach your target audience effectively.

Creating Compelling Product Ads

Creating product ads on Pinterest can help you showcase your items and catch the eyes of users. Use high-quality images that display your product clearly. Add concise and persuasive text to highlight its features and benefits. Include keywords that users might search for to increase your ad’s visibility.

Also, make sure to link directly to your product’s purchase page. This simplifies the buying process for interested users. Experiment with formats like carousel ads, which can show multiple images in a single post.

A/B testing different versions of your ads is critical. If you are not seeing any results, it might just be that you did not test enough ad angles yet. 

By monitoring performance, you can refine your approach to maximize engagement and conversions. Focus on what attracts your audience most effectively.

Measuring Performance and Analytics for Improvement

To succeed in Pinterest affiliate marketing, it’s key to monitor Pin performance and understand your audience. This helps improve strategies and boost monetization.

Tracking Pin Performance and Engagement

Bar chart comparing pin ages in two categories: number of pins and new saves. Older pins over two years comprise 38% and 41% respectively.

Start by checking metrics like impressions, click-through rates, and saves. Pinterest Analytics offers detailed insights into these aspects.

Look for which Pins get the most engagement. Notice patterns in successful Pins to figure out what catches your audience’s attention.

Keep an eye on link clicks. This shows how effective your call-to-action is and whether users are moving from Pinterest to your target site.

Reviewing these metrics regularly helps refine your strategy for better results and increased earnings.

We just launched a brand new report going in-depth about top Pins — check it out! 

Gaining Insights from Audience Analytics

Utilize this information to create content appealing to your audience. Make sure your Pins align with their interests to get more engagement and conversions.

Check when your audience is most active. Posting when they are online can improve visibility and interactions.

By understanding your audience deeply, you enhance targeted Pin strategies, which can lead to amplified monetization of your Pinterest affiliate marketing efforts.

Building a Sustainable Income with Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing can provide a reliable source of income when approached with a strategic mindset. To maximize earnings on platforms like Pinterest, focus on crafting enduring tactics and diversifying your affiliate offers.

Crafting Long-Term Strategies for Passive Income

Developing a stable income requires well-planned strategies. Start by creating high-quality content that attracts and engages your audience. Consistent posts with valuable information encourage followers who are more likely to engage with your affiliate links.

On Pinterest, visual appeal is crucial. Use eye-catching images to highlight the products you promote. Regularly update and optimize your Pins using trending keywords to increase your visibility. Patience and persistence are key, as it can take time to see results.

Diversifying Affiliate Offers and Promotions

Promote products from different brands or categories to cater to a wider audience. This diversification reduces reliance on a single income source and spreads risk across multiple streams.

Consider the interests and needs of your audience when selecting affiliate programs.

Match products with your content themes to ensure relevance. For example, if your content focuses on home decor, choose affiliate programs that offer complementary products, like furniture or DIY tools.

Experiment with different types of promotions, such as curated lists or how-to guides, to keep your audience engaged and interested.

By varying your promotional tactics, you increase the chances of conversion and boost your overall earnings.

FAQ

Does Pinterest allow affiliate marketing?


Yes, Pinterest allows affiliate marketing, but you must adhere to their community guidelines and ensure transparency by clearly disclosing your affiliate links. Using hashtags like #ad or #affiliate is a common way to comply with disclosure requirements.

What guidelines should you follow when posting affiliate links on Pinterest?

When posting affiliate links, follow these guidelines:

  • Clearly disclose that a link is an affiliate link to maintain trust and comply with regulations.
  • Ensure your Pins align with Pinterest’s community standards, avoiding misleading or spammy content.
  • Create high-quality, visually appealing Pins that provide value to the audience.

How many Pins should you publish each day on Pinterest?

A consistent schedule is key on Pinterest. Posting 5–15 Pins per day is ideal, including a mix of fresh content and repins. Focus on quality over quantity to maximize engagement and reach.

What’s the difference between a Pinterest Business and Personal account?

A Pinterest Business account provides access to analytics, ad tools, and features like Rich Pins and the ability to claim your website, making it ideal for brands and creators. A Personal account, on the other hand, is best for casual users who Pin for personal inspiration without monetization goals.

How can you measure the success of your Pins?

Pinterest Business accounts include a built-in analytics dashboard where you can track metrics like impressions, clicks, saves, and engagement rates. These insights help refine your strategy for better performance.

What types of content perform best on Pinterest?

Inspirational, informative, and visually appealing content performs best. Popular categories include DIY, recipes, fashion, home decor, and financial tips. Content that solves a problem or sparks creativity often sees higher engagement.

Can you automate your Pinterest posting?


Yes! Tailwind allows you to schedule Pins in advance, optimize posting times, and ensure consistent activity. Automating your strategy can save time and increase reach.

Woman in orange shirt and red headband on a blue background holding a clock, surrounded by digital marketing graphics and the Pinterest and Tailwind logo. Text reads "Quick Start Guide to Pinterest Affiliate Marketing in 2025."

Related Posts

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Find out about great deals on Tailwind plans, new blog posts, and invitation only events. Subscribe to our emails today. 

Share this post with your friends