So, you’ve heard the buzz about affiliate marketing—maybe from a friend, a YouTube video, or while scrolling through Pinterest itself—and now you’re wondering: Do I need a website to get started?
Good news: You absolutely don’t.
In fact, Pinterest is one of the best platforms to dive into affiliate marketing without needing to build or maintain a website. It’s visual, it’s search-based, and it’s full of shoppers who are already in a buying mindset.
This guide is designed to help you start affiliate marketing on Pinterest—without a website, without overwhelm, and with tools that make your life easier.
Whether you’re a total beginner or already experimenting with Pinterest marketing, we’ll walk you through every step so you can start earning commissions from the content you’re already creating or curating.
Plus, we’ll answer the common questions (yes, even the embarrassing ones), recommend tools that save time and money (like MailDrip.io, which we’ll show you how to use even without a website), and help you avoid common beginner mistakes.
Why Pinterest Is a Hidden Gem for Affiliate Marketing
When people think of affiliate marketing, they often imagine blogs, websites, and endless content writing. But Pinterest is a search engine in disguise—a visual one. And here’s what makes it such a powerful platform for affiliate marketing:
- People come to Pinterest to plan and purchase—weddings, workouts, home decor, holidays, you name it.
- Your pins have a long shelf life compared to Instagram or TikTok posts.
- You don’t need followers to be successful. Pins are discoverable through search and related content.
And best of all? You can link affiliate products directly in your pins.
How Do I Start Affiliate Marketing On Pinterest Without a Website?
Let’s get into the practical steps:
1. Set Up a Business Pinterest Account
You’ll need a Pinterest Business Account to view analytics, run ads (optional), and comply with affiliate policies.
- Go to Pinterest Business and convert your account or create a new one.
- Fill out your profile with a niche description (e.g., “Helping moms find stylish, budget-friendly home decor”).
2. Choose a Niche You Actually Like
The niche you pick will affect what kind of affiliate programs you join and what type of content you create. Some Pinterest-friendly niches:
- Home & DIY
- Fashion & Style
- Beauty & Skincare
- Health & Fitness
- Recipes & Kitchen Tools
- Digital Tools & Online Business
If you’re naturally interested in it, you’ll stick with it longer (and sound more authentic).
3. Join Affiliate Programs That Allow Direct Linking
Look for programs that let you directly link products without requiring a blog. Popular affiliate platforms include:
- Amazon Associates (limited tracking but easy to start)
- ShareASale
- Rakuten Advertising
- CJ Affiliate
- Impact
When applying, use your Pinterest account as your platform. Some networks may ask for a website—explain you’re using Pinterest for traffic.
4. Create Beautiful Pins That Grab Attention
Pinterest is a visual platform. Your pins should:
- Include text overlays (e.g., “10 Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets”)
- Use high-resolution images
- Stay on brand with consistent fonts and colors
- Link directly to your affiliate product or landing page
You can use Canva (free) to design professional-looking pins in minutes.
5. Write SEO-Friendly Pin Titles and Descriptions
Pinterest is a search engine, so keywords matter. Use the Pinterest search bar to find keywords your audience is typing.
Example:
If you’re promoting a productivity planner, your pin title might be:
“2025 Productivity Planner for Moms | Daily Organizer”
Your description should include keywords naturally:
Take Your Emails to the Next Level
MailDrip helps you automate your outreach, nurture leads, and grow your brand with ease. Send the right message at the right time—without the stress.
Sign Up FreeNo Card Required
“Stay on top of your goals with this productivity planner designed for busy moms. Helps with daily tasks, schedules, and mental clarity.”
6. Track What’s Working (and What’s Not)
Pinterest gives you analytics (even without followers). Look at:
- Impressions (how often your pin is seen)
- Clicks (how many people clicked your affiliate link)
- Saves (people interested in the content)
Double down on what’s working, tweak what’s not.
But Wait, What If You Want to Grow Your Email List Too?
One downside of linking straight to affiliate products? You’re sending traffic away. You’re not building a long-term relationship. That’s where email marketing comes in—even without a website.
✅ Enter: MailDrip.io
If you want to collect emails from Pinterest users and nurture them through a simple sequence, you can use a tool like MailDrip.io. It’s built for creators, solopreneurs, and side-hustlers like you.
Why MailDrip.io is perfect for this setup:
- You can create a lead capture form and link it directly in your pin or bio
- Send a drip email series introducing affiliate products over time
- Choose Pay As You Go (PAYG)—no heavy monthly fees while you’re just getting started
- Use pre-built email templates (or write your own!)
- Schedule emails weekly or monthly, hands-free
Imagine pinning a beautiful freebie (like “5-Day Declutter Checklist”) with a MailDrip sign-up form link. People download the freebie, and now you have permission to email them affiliate offers, helpful content, or future updates. That’s how you build trust, income, and independence—without a website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really do affiliate marketing on Pinterest without a website?
Yes! You can directly link to affiliate products or use an email service like MailDrip to build a list. Many creators earn without a blog.
Does Pinterest allow affiliate links?
Yes. As of recent policy updates, Pinterest allows affiliate links on standard pins. Just make sure the links follow community guidelines and aren’t spammy.
Do I need a lot of followers?
Nope! Pinterest operates more like Google than Instagram. Keywords matter more than followers.
Should I disclose affiliate links?
Absolutely. You can add “#affiliate” or “affiliate link” in the description to stay transparent and compliant.
What if my pins aren’t getting clicks?
Experiment with different designs, keywords, and calls-to-action. It’s normal to test a few things before one takes off.
Wrap Up: Start Small, Grow Smart
Pinterest affiliate marketing is one of the easiest, lowest-cost ways to start earning online—even if you don’t have a blog, website, or existing audience.
You don’t need to know everything right now. Just start with what you have: a Pinterest account, a niche you enjoy, and a few affiliate programs. Then layer in tools like MailDrip.io to grow your list and income over time, without the headache of building a full website.
So here’s your soft nudge: take the first step. Create that pin. Apply to that program. Launch that drip sequence. Your first commission might be closer than you think.
👉 Try MailDrip.io today—no monthly lock-in, no fuss, just simple email automation for creators like you.
Now your turn:
What’s one niche you’re excited to try Pinterest affiliate marketing in—and what’s holding you back from starting today?
Let’s chat in the comments.
