For years, many people thought of Pinterest as a platform mostly used by women to create vision boards, save recipes, or collect design inspiration. While that may have been true in its early days, Pinterest has evolved into something much more powerful.
Today, Pinterest is no longer just a digital scrapbook. It has become a search-driven discovery engine that attracts a wide variety of users. Gen Z is actively posting short-form videos, men are now a growing part of the user base, and businesses across nearly every industry are leveraging the platform to reach new audiences.
With this massive growth and diversification, Pinterest has also become one of the best platforms to monetize your creativity. Whether you are a blogger, a small business owner, or simply someone who enjoys sharing useful content, there are now multiple ways to turn Pinterest activity into real income.
In this guide, you’ll learn six proven methods for making money on Pinterest, even if you don’t have a large budget to get started. Most of these strategies require little to no upfront investment, making them accessible to beginners and experienced creators alike.
6 Ways to Make Money on Pinterest
- Drive Traffic to Your Blog
- Apply for the Pinterest Creator Fund
- Offer Pinterest Management Services
- Affiliate Marketing Without a Blog
- Sell Products Through Shoppable Pins
- Create and Sell Canva Pin Templates
1. Drive Traffic to Your Blog
One of the most popular ways to make money with Pinterest is by starting a blog and using Pinterest to send targeted traffic to it. Pinterest works much like Google in that it acts as a search engine, but instead of relying only on text, it uses images and videos to deliver results.
When someone searches for “How to make money on Pinterest,” Google will show them a list of text-based results. On Pinterest, they’ll see clickable pins linked directly to blog posts that provide in-depth answers. This makes Pinterest an excellent traffic source for new blogs that might not yet rank on search engines.
How bloggers make money with Pinterest traffic:
- Display ads from networks like Mediavine or Google AdSense.
- Insert affiliate links within blog posts.
- Partner with brands for sponsored content.
- Sell digital products such as eBooks or online courses.
Steps to get started:
- Choose a profitable niche.
- Set up a WordPress blog with reliable hosting.
- Install a lightweight theme (e.g., Astra).
- Use tools like Elementor Pro to design your site.
- Create high-quality, SEO-optimized articles.
- Set up a Pinterest Business account and pin consistently.
Why Pinterest is so effective for bloggers:
- You can claim your website to improve both Pinterest and Google rankings.
- Widgets on your site help you gain more Pinterest followers.
- Rich Pins automatically pull in extra details from your site to boost visibility.
- Pinterest Analytics shows you which content drives the most traffic, allowing you to refine your strategy.
2. Join the Pinterest Creator Fund
Pinterest introduced the Creator Fund to support underrepresented creators and provide them with tools, training, and financial resources. Successful applicants are paid to create content around themes chosen by Pinterest for each cycle, such as sustainability, fashion, or wellness.
What creators receive:
- Grants in cash and ad credits.
- Access to brand sponsorship opportunities.
- Six weeks of training from Pinterest experts.
- A subscription to Headspace for personal wellness.
Basic eligibility requirements:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Own a Pinterest Business account.
- Have between 750 and 10,000 followers.
- Live in an eligible country.
If accepted, you’ll not only get paid but also receive mentorship and exposure that can accelerate your career as a creator.
3. Provide Pinterest Management Services
As Pinterest becomes more important for businesses, many brands hire Pinterest managers or virtual assistants to handle their accounts. This can include designing pins, optimizing boards, monitoring performance, and running ad campaigns.
Services you can offer:
- Custom pin design using Canva.
- Scheduling posts with Tailwind.
- SEO optimization for boards and pins.
- Analytics reporting for clients.
- Spam monitoring.
Earning potential:
- Part-time Pinterest managers often make $500–$1,000 per month.
- Experienced full-time managers can earn $5,000+ per month.
Specializing in a niche (for example, e-commerce shops or lifestyle blogs) can help you stand out and attract more clients.
4. Affiliate Marketing Without a Blog
If you don’t have a website, you can still make money on Pinterest with affiliate links. Affiliate marketing is simply promoting a product or service and earning a commission when someone makes a purchase through your link.
How to do it on Pinterest:
- Sign up for a Pinterest Business account.
- Pick a niche (fitness, home décor, fashion, etc.).
- Join affiliate programs such as Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or ClickBank.
- Create pins or short-form video content that highlights the product.
- Insert your affiliate link in your pin or bio.
For example, many creators earn money as Amazon affiliates by showcasing trending products directly through Idea Pins.
5. Sell Products Through Shoppable Pins
Pinterest has embraced e-commerce by allowing users to buy products directly through Shoppable Pins. Features like Pinterest Lens even let shoppers virtually try on products using augmented reality before purchasing.
You don’t necessarily need inventory, as dropshipping allows you to sell products without handling stock. Platforms like Shopify integrate directly with Pinterest, making it easy to upload and promote products.
Tips to succeed with Pinterest e-commerce:
- Join Pinterest’s Verified Merchant Program to build trust.
- Run Pinterest Shopping Ads or Collection Ads to increase visibility.
- Use eye-catching videos in Idea Pins to showcase products.
6. Create and Sell Canva Pin Templates
If you’re good at design, you can create Pinterest pin templates in Canva and sell them to other creators or business owners who want professional-looking pins without the time investment.
How to start:
- Open a free or pro Canva account.
- Design unique, original templates.
- Sell them through platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or your own site.
- Promote them directly on Pinterest with Idea Pins or tutorials.
This is a smart way to earn passive income, as creators are always looking for time-saving tools.
Final Thoughts
Pinterest has transformed from a simple inspiration hub into a full-fledged platform for creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses to make real income online. Whether you want to monetize through blogging, affiliate marketing, offering services, or selling products, the opportunities are wide open.
The best part is that most of these methods require minimal upfront investment, making Pinterest one of the most accessible platforms for beginners. If you’re willing to stay consistent and put in the effort, you can turn your Pinterest activity into a profitable business.