Want to make money on Pinterest but don’t have a blog? Good news—you don’t need one! There are plenty of creative ways to get paid to pin, even if you’re a complete beginner with no following.
I personally started pinning on Pinterest before ever having a blog. Back then, it wasn’t as easy as it is now. Today, Pinterest welcomes all types of creators, not just bloggers, making it possible to monetize quickly and safely.
Why Pinterest is Perfect for Making Money
Pinterest isn’t just for inspiration—it’s a platform where people actively shop and make purchasing decisions.
According to Pinterest, users tend to buy more and spend nearly 80% more than people off the platform. If you want to tap into that buying power, Pinterest is where you need to be.
Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest (No Blog Required)
A low-cost, beginner-friendly way to earn on Pinterest is affiliate marketing. The idea is simple:
- Promote someone else’s product.
- Share your uniquely assigned affiliate link.
- Earn a commission when someone buys through your link.
Big companies like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Sephora all pay commissions to affiliates.
What’s an affiliate link?
It’s a special URL that tracks sales made through you. For example, my affiliate link for a popular book contains a unique ID that credits me when someone buys through it.
Affiliate marketing is booming, and Pinterest is a prime place to get started—even if you don’t have a blog.
3 Ways to Start Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest
1. Add Affiliate Links to Idea Pins
Idea Pins are Pinterest’s version of Stories or Reels—multi-page, engaging video content.
- You can add affiliate links directly to Idea Pins via product tagging.
- Users can click the links right from the pin.
- A Pinterest Business account is required for this method.
Idea Pins are great for creators who enjoy making short, product-focused videos that get shared repeatedly.
2. Use a Link-in-Bio Page (Beacons.ai)
This method doesn’t require a Business account or blog.
- Use a one-page creator hub like Beacons.ai.
- Collect all your affiliate links, YouTube channels, or social media accounts in one place.
- Place this link in your Pinterest bio, or other social media profiles.
This has become a popular strategy for creators on Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram.
3. Build an Affiliate Bridge Funnel
This strategy works well for high-ticket affiliate offers ($100–$5,000).
How it works:
- Squeeze Page: Offer a freebie (like a recipe e-book) in exchange for an email.
- Affiliate Bridge Page: Introduce yourself and explain why you recommend the product.
- Next Funnel: Direct users to the affiliate offer.
This method combines email marketing with Pinterest traffic, increasing your chances of making high-value sales.
Tips for Beginners to Make Money on Pinterest
1. Choose a Niche
Pick a niche that aligns with your interests and Pinterest users’ preferences. Popular categories include:
- Health & Wellness
- Fashion
- Beauty
- Home Decor
- Food & Drinks
- Travel
A focused niche helps attract a targeted audience more likely to purchase your affiliate products.
2. Set Up a Pinterest Business Account
A business account unlocks features like analytics, Creator Rewards, and shoppable pins. Even if some affiliate methods don’t require it, having a business account gives you a professional edge.
3. Optimize for Pinterest SEO
Pinterest is a search engine. Optimize your account and pins for keywords to reach the right audience. Include keywords in:
- Username & display name
- About section
- Board titles & descriptions
- Pin descriptions
Use Pinterest’s Guided Search Tool to find trending keywords in your niche.
4. Create Pinterest Boards
Organize boards around specific topics your audience would love. For example, a healthy recipe account could have boards like:
- Easy Paleo Meal Prep
- Whole30 Breakfast Ideas
- Low-Carb Dinner Recipes
Boards help target your content to the right audience and drive clicks to your affiliate links.
5. Grow Your Pinterest Following Fast
Even without an initial audience, you can gain followers:
- Re-pin niche-specific content and engage with other creators.
- Follow your competitors’ followers.
- Use Pinterest SEO to appear in search results.
- Join Pinterest-related Facebook groups to share your profile.
- Use a pin scheduler like Tailwind to post consistently and tap into optimal times.
6. Join Affiliate Programs That Fit Your Audience
Once you start building a Pinterest following, the next step is to join affiliate programs that match your audience’s interests. Here’s a breakdown of popular types of programs:
Affiliate Networks
Affiliate networks act as intermediaries between creators and merchants, making it easy to find programs to promote. Examples include:
- ShareASale
- CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction)
- Awin
- ClickBank
These networks offer a wide range of programs, but many bloggers—including myself—often promote products they’re already using. This can include apps, online courses, or software tools.
Pay-Per-Lead Programs
Pay-per-lead (or pay-per-action) programs give you a commission whenever someone completes a specific action, like signing up for an email list or free trial.
- Typical earnings: $1–$10 per lead.
- High volume is needed to make substantial income.
- Example: I’ve earned over $4,100 from promoting the Ibotta app, which pays $10 per new user who redeems their first receipt.
Recurring Affiliate Programs
Recurring programs pay you a commission every month for as long as the customer stays subscribed.
- Often found with software tools, email marketing platforms, or subscription services.
- Example: A $97/month software plan with a 40% commission can earn you $38.80 monthly, indefinitely.
- These programs are highly lucrative once you build a steady audience.
Tip: Google “[your niche] + affiliate program” to discover even more programs.
7. Create Stunning Pinterest Pins
Pinterest is visual-first, so pin design is critical. Eye-catching pins increase click-throughs to your affiliate links.
Tools for Creating Pins:
- Canva: Free and beginner-friendly, with paid options like Canva Pro for premium templates and graphics.
- Fiverr: Outsource design if you don’t feel confident creating your own pins.
Design Tips:
- Pinterest favors vertical pins (2:3 ratio, e.g., 1000 x 1500 px).
- Use bold colors, clear text, and visually engaging images.
8. Schedule Your Pins
Consistency is key for Pinterest growth. Scheduling tools make it easy to maintain a posting routine:
- Tailwind: Automates pinning, provides insights for optimal times, and connects you with niche communities.
- Pinterest Scheduler: Free, built into the app, good for beginners, though lacks advanced analytics.
Avoid Common Pinterest Affiliate Marketing Mistakes
Many beginners make the mistake of pinning affiliate links directly without strategy. This can result in:
- Flagged or blocked links
- Reduced visibility
- Account suspension
Pinterest allows affiliate links, but spamming multiple pins with the same link is a red flag. Stick to Idea Pins, Beacons link-in-bio pages, or affiliate bridge funnels to stay safe.
Does Pinterest Pay for Affiliate Marketing?
No—Pinterest itself doesn’t pay for affiliate sales. Your income comes from the affiliate programs you join. Most programs have dashboards where you can track clicks, sales, and commissions.
Final Thoughts
Pinterest offers incredible opportunities to make money, even without a blog. Focus on:
- Building a targeted Pinterest audience
- Joining affiliate programs that fit your niche
- Creating high-quality, engaging pins
- Scheduling and promoting your content consistently
By following these strategies, you can start generating your first few affiliate sales and build momentum in your Pinterest marketing journey.