Can I Do Affiliate Marketing On Pinterest?

If you’re looking for a smart, low-cost way to grow your affiliate income, Pinterest might just be your best-kept secret.

Unlike most social platforms that rely heavily on fleeting content (think Stories or short videos that vanish in 24 hours), Pinterest is more like a visual search engine.

Your content—called “Pins”—can show up in search results for months, even years. That’s what makes it powerful for affiliate marketers. A single well-designed Pin can drive consistent traffic to your affiliate links long after you’ve posted it.

But here’s the catch: Pinterest isn’t just about uploading pretty pictures and hoping people click. There’s a strategy behind it—especially if you want to use affiliate links directly or funnel people to your email list first.

In this post, we’ll walk you through how Pinterest affiliate marketing works, how to stay within their guidelines, and how platforms like MailDrip.io can help you build a long-term, automated strategy that brings in income on autopilot.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest?

Affiliate marketing on Pinterest means promoting products or services using your own special affiliate link. When someone clicks your Pin, makes a purchase, or signs up, you earn a commission.

There are two ways to go about this:

1. Direct Linking: Adding your affiliate link directly to the Pin.
2. Indirect Linking: Sending users to a blog post, product review, or email opt-in where your affiliate link is placed.

Both methods work, but Pinterest’s algorithm and guidelines tend to favor content that adds value, like tutorials, guides, or product comparisons.

So the goal isn’t just to “sell,” but to help users solve a problem—whether it’s finding a better skincare product or choosing the right laptop stand for remote work.

Why Pinterest Works So Well for Affiliate Marketing

Pinterest isn’t just another social media app.

It’s where people go to plan their next purchase.

Think about it: users are already in the mindset of discovery. They’re not just scrolling mindlessly; they’re searching for ideas—what to buy, where to go, how to improve their routine.

That makes Pinterest intent-driven. You’re not interrupting someone’s feed; you’re showing up exactly when they need you.

Here’s why Pinterest can work wonders for affiliate marketing:

• Evergreen Traffic: Your Pins can keep bringing in clicks and sales for months or years.
• Less Competition: Compared to Instagram or TikTok, fewer creators are using Pinterest for affiliate marketing.
• Highly Targeted Search: You can use keywords in your Pin titles and descriptions so the right people find your content.
• Visual Appeal: Great design can set you apart, even if you’re just starting.

How Can I Do Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest ?

1. Pick a Niche That Works

Pinterest performs best in certain niches like:

• Home décor
• Beauty & skincare
• Travel
• Fashion
• Personal development
• DIY & crafts
• Fitness
• Online business and tools

If your affiliate products fit any of these categories—or you can tailor your content to match—you’re off to a great start.

2. Set Up a Pinterest Business Account

You’ll need a business account to access analytics, run promoted Pins (ads), and stay compliant with Pinterest’s rules.

Go to business.pinterest.com and convert your account. It’s free and only takes a few minutes.

3. Create Eye-Catching Pins

Your Pin is your billboard. Make sure it stands out.

Tips:

• Use vertical images (1000 x 1500 px)
• Add text overlays that tell people what they’ll learn or gain
• Use consistent branding: fonts, colors, logo if you have one
• Tools like Canva make this part simple—even if you’re not a designer

4. Add a Clear Description with Keywords

Pinterest is searchable. Just like Google, keywords matter.

Make sure your Pin title and description include:

• What the Pin is about
• Keywords people are likely to search
• A friendly call to action like “Click to learn more” or “Shop now”

5. Include Your Affiliate Link

Here’s where it gets interesting.

• You can add affiliate links directly to your Pin (but not all affiliate programs allow this).
• Or, better yet, send people to a landing page, blog post, or email sign-up where you nurture them further.

This is where MailDrip.io comes in handy.

You can build simple landing pages or email opt-ins to collect leads first—then use automated drip emails to promote your affiliate offers without lifting a finger every day.

A Smarter Long-Term Strategy with Email Marketing

Relying only on Pinterest for sales can work—but it’s not the most stable plan.

If Pinterest changes its algorithm (or your Pins stop ranking), your income could dry up overnight.

That’s why pairing Pinterest with email marketing gives you long-term control.

With MailDrip.io, you can:

• Create opt-in pages that match your Pins
• Send automated email sequences (aka drip campaigns) to warm up leads
• Promote different affiliate products without spamming
• Use smart scheduling tools so emails go out exactly when they should
• Pay as you go—no monthly commitments

This lets you turn casual Pinterest browsers into loyal subscribers and buyers over time.

Real-World Example

Let’s say you promote productivity tools like Notion, Trello, or email platforms.

• You create a Pinterest Pin titled: “10 Productivity Tools That Help Me Get More Done”
• That Pin links to a simple opt-in page: “Grab My Free Productivity Toolkit (with affiliate links included)”
• When they sign up, MailDrip.io sends them a 5-part email sequence sharing tool reviews, tutorials, and affiliate links

You’ve now created a mini sales machine that keeps running—even while you sleep.

Are There Any Rules I Should Know?

Yes. Pinterest has a few important guidelines:

• Disclose affiliate links: Add #affiliate or “This post contains affiliate links” in your description.
• Don’t be spammy: Avoid keyword stuffing or posting the same Pin too many times.
• No misleading content: Make sure your Pin matches the destination link.
• Respect affiliate terms: Not every network or company allows direct linking on Pinterest (check their rules first).

For detailed info, check Pinterest’s Community Guidelines.

FAQs

Do I need a website to do affiliate marketing on Pinterest?

Not necessarily. You can link directly to your affiliate links or use landing pages via MailDrip.io. But having a website helps build trust and gives you more control.

Can I use Pinterest without showing my face or being on camera?

Absolutely. Pinterest is image-based, not video-based. You can succeed by designing beautiful Pins with helpful content.

How many Pins should I post per day?

Aim for 1–5 high-quality Pins daily. Focus on consistency, not quantity.

How long does it take to see results?

It can take a few weeks or months for Pins to start ranking and driving traffic. But once they do, they can keep working for you over time.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you absolutely can—and many creators and small business owners are already making it work.

Pinterest is one of the most beginner-friendly platforms for affiliate marketing. It doesn’t require a huge following or fancy tech skills. You just need a clear plan, helpful content, and a way to turn clicks into conversions.

Pairing Pinterest with a tool like MailDrip.io gives you a more reliable, long-term strategy. Instead of just chasing clicks, you’re building relationships—and that’s what leads to consistent income.

Ready to turn Pinterest into your next income stream?
Start by creating your free MailDrip.io account and set up your first email campaign today.

So, Can You Do Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest?

Have you tried it before—or are you just getting started? Let’s chat in the comments below!