If you’ve ever searched Pinterest for home décor ideas, holiday crafts, or outfit inspiration, you’ve probably clicked on a pin that led to a blog full of Amazon product suggestions. Those blog owners earn commissions whenever someone buys through their links.
The good news? You can do the same. Starting an Amazon + Pinterest side hustle is one of the simplest ways to earn affiliate income online. You don’t need to post daily on TikTok or spend hours recording videos. Instead, you can create helpful content once and let Pinterest keep sending you traffic for months.
In this guide, you’ll learn how an Amazon Pinterest side hustle works, why it’s beginner-friendly, and the step-by-step process to start.
What Is an Amazon Pinterest Side Hustle?
An Amazon Pinterest side hustle is a way to earn affiliate commissions by combining three tools:
- Pinterest – A visual search engine where people actively look for ideas and products.
- A Blog or Website – Your hub for publishing content, product roundups, and buying guides.
- Amazon Associates Program – Amazon’s official affiliate program, where you earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through your unique links.
Here’s how it works:
- You publish helpful content on your blog (for example, “10 Affordable Kitchen Gadgets That Save Time”).
- You create Pinterest pins that link to your blog post.
- When someone clicks your pin, visits your blog, and makes a purchase on Amazon through your link, you earn a commission.
This model is beginner-friendly because it doesn’t require inventory, customer service, or advanced tech skills.
Why Pinterest and Amazon Work So Well Together
Pinterest is not just another social media platform—it’s more like a search engine for inspiration and shopping ideas. That’s why it works perfectly with Amazon’s affiliate program.
Here are a few reasons this pairing is effective:
- Users are in “buying mode.” People come to Pinterest to plan purchases—whether it’s a new sofa, workout gear, or holiday decorations.
- Pins last longer than posts. Unlike Instagram or TikTok content that disappears quickly, Pinterest pins can keep generating traffic for months (sometimes years).
- No need for a big following. Pinterest traffic comes from search results, not just followers. That means beginners have a fair chance to get seen.
- Affiliate links are allowed. Both Amazon and Pinterest permit affiliate links (when used correctly and disclosed).
This makes Pinterest a sustainable traffic source for Amazon affiliates who want steady, passive clicks.
How Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest Has Evolved
Over the years, making money with Pinterest has become easier—and less dependent on “influencer” style content.
- Early Days: Bloggers used Pinterest like an online diary, adding links casually. Everything was done manually—writing posts, designing pins, and hoping they’d get clicks.
- Scheduling Era: Tools like Tailwind allowed users to batch and schedule pins, making Pinterest marketing more efficient.
- AI Era (Today): Artificial intelligence tools now speed up blogging, keyword research, and pin design. This makes it possible for one person to run multiple blogs and side hustles with less hands-on work.
Important note: while it’s possible to post affiliate links directly on Pinterest without a website, it’s not a long-term strategy. A blog or website builds trust, provides context for products, and complies better with both Pinterest and Amazon’s guidelines.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Your Amazon Pinterest Side Hustle
Here’s a beginner-friendly roadmap to get started:
1. Create a Pinterest Business Account
A business account gives you access to analytics and lets you claim your website. This helps Pinterest recognize you as a trusted source, improving your content visibility.
2. Choose a Profitable Niche
Pick a category that does well on Pinterest and also has products on Amazon with decent commission rates. Examples include:
- Home organization and storage
- Outdoor and garden upgrades
- Kitchen tools and appliances
- Fitness and wellness gear
- Office and productivity equipment
Tip: Higher-priced products generally bring higher commissions, but they should still be relevant to your audience.
3. Build a Simple Blog or Website
You’ll need a website to publish your Amazon product roundups. Website builders like WordPress, Wix, or AI-powered platforms (e.g., Hostinger AI Builder, Durable) make setup quick—even for beginners.
4. Research Pinterest Keywords
Treat Pinterest like Google. Use keyword research tools (such as PinClicks or Pinterest’s search bar suggestions) to find phrases people are searching for. For example, typing “small kitchen” may reveal searches like “small kitchen storage solutions” or “small kitchen organization hacks.”
These keywords help you design pins and write blog posts that get discovered.
5. Write Helpful Blog Content
Instead of just dropping affiliate links, create value-driven posts. Examples:
- “10 Must-Have Tools for a Home Office Setup”
- “Best Outdoor Furniture for Small Patios”
- “Top 7 Kitchen Gadgets That Save Time”
Make sure your posts follow Amazon Associates Program guidelines—including clear disclosure that you earn a commission at no extra cost to the buyer.
6. Design and Publish Pins
Each blog post can have multiple pins. Use tools like Canva, BlogToPin, or Pinterest’s own templates to create eye-catching designs. Consistency matters—publishing fresh pins regularly helps your content stay visible.
7. Apply to Amazon Associates Program
When your blog is live and you’ve published some content, apply to the Amazon Associates program. Once accepted, you’ll have 180 days to generate at least three sales to remain active.
8. Track and Optimize
Monitor which pins and blog posts perform best. Double down on successful content and refine underperforming ones. Pinterest analytics and Google Analytics are both useful for this.
Tips for Success
- Disclose your affiliate links. Both legally and ethically, you must disclose when you earn a commission.
- Focus on quality over quantity. A few well-optimized blog posts and pins can outperform dozens of rushed ones.
- Think long-term. Pinterest is a slow-burn platform. Don’t expect overnight results—traffic often grows steadily over time
- Diversify. Once comfortable, you can expand by creating digital products, growing an email list, or adding other affiliate programs.
Final Thoughts
Starting an Amazon Pinterest side hustle is one of the most beginner-friendly ways to earn affiliate income online. It doesn’t require showing your face, building a large following, or investing in inventory. Instead, you’re leveraging Pinterest’s search engine and Amazon’s trusted marketplace to connect shoppers with products they’re already looking for.
By creating a simple blog, publishing helpful content, and designing optimized pins, you can build a side hustle that grows steadily over time. With consistency, this strategy can become a reliable source of extra income—all while fitting into your schedule.