If you’re looking for a way to make money online that doesn’t involve being on camera or writing long blogs every day, Pinterest might be your secret weapon.
Yes—Pinterest. That quiet, image-driven platform that most people think is just for home decor and recipes is actually one of the most powerful tools out there for affiliate marketers.
But here’s the thing: doing affiliate marketing on Pinterest isn’t just about pinning random links and hoping someone clicks. It takes a mix of strategy, consistency, and the right tools to actually turn those clicks into commissions.
When done right, though, Pinterest can send thousands of visitors to your affiliate links every single month—without paying for ads or churning out tons of content.
This article will walk you through how to do affiliate marketing on Pinterest the right way.
Why Pinterest Is Perfect for Affiliate Marketing
First, let’s get something straight: Pinterest isn’t your typical social media platform.
It’s a visual search engine—which means people go there with the intention to discover, plan, and buy. Users often search for things like “best skincare for dry skin,” “affordable home office ideas,” or “budget travel hacks.” If your affiliate product matches what they’re already searching for, you’re in a great position to earn from it.
What makes it even better is that your content on Pinterest can stay discoverable for months—or even years. Unlike Instagram or Twitter posts that disappear in a day, a well-optimized pin can keep driving traffic to your links long after you’ve created it.
How Can I Do Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest?
Let’s get into the exact steps you can follow to start earning as an affiliate on Pinterest:
1. Join Affiliate Programs That Fit Your Niche
Start by choosing affiliate programs that match the type of content you want to share. For example:
- Amazon Associates (for just about anything)
- ShareASale or CJ Affiliate (for niche-specific products)
- LTK or RewardStyle (for fashion & lifestyle)
- ConvertKit, MailDrip.io, or other creator tools (for digital products)
Tip: Don’t promote everything under the sun. Stick to products you either use or genuinely trust—it builds long-term credibility.
2. Switch to a Pinterest Business Account
A Pinterest Business account is free and gives you access to Pinterest Analytics and ad tools. Most importantly, it lets you claim your website or content platform (even if it’s just your affiliate link landing page).
Once you’ve made the switch, update your profile:
- Add a clear profile image
- Use a short bio that describes what you share
- Include a link to your blog, landing page, or affiliate link directory
3. Create Keyword-Rich Pin Titles and Descriptions
Remember: Pinterest is a search engine. That means your pins need to be searchable.
Use tools like Pinterest’s search bar to find real keywords people are already using. Let’s say you’re promoting a planner. You might target:
- “best digital planners for productivity”
- “aesthetic planner for college students”
Use these keywords naturally in your:
- Pin title
- Pin description
- Board titles
- Board descriptions
4. Design Eye-Catching Pins
You don’t need to be a graphic designer to make beautiful pins. Use free tools like Canva to create scroll-stopping visuals that match your niche. Here’s what works:
- Vertical format (1000×1500 pixels)
- Bright, readable text
- Consistent fonts and brand colors
- A clear image of the product (if relevant)
Optional: Add your URL or domain name to the bottom of your pin to build trust.
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5. Add Your Affiliate Links (Legally and Clearly)
Yes, you can add affiliate links directly to your pins. But be honest about it.
Always include a short disclosure like:
👉 “This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.”
Pinterest supports most major affiliate networks, but if you run into issues, you can also create short blog posts or landing pages and send your traffic there first before linking to the product.
6. Use a Content Scheduler Like MailDrip.io
Staying consistent on Pinterest is key—but doing it manually is time-consuming. That’s where tools like MailDrip.io can help.
Wait… MailDrip.io? Isn’t that for email?
Yes—and that’s exactly why it’s perfect. Many affiliate marketers forget that Pinterest should be part of a bigger funnel. You don’t just want people to click your link; you want to capture their email and bring them into your world.
With MailDrip.io, you can:
- Create automated email sequences (great for nurturing interest in affiliate products)
- Use done-for-you templates that look professional
- Schedule emails daily, weekly, or monthly with Pay-As-You-Go options
- Send affiliate offers directly to your email list in a smart, non-spammy way
When you combine Pinterest’s reach with email automation, you’re no longer relying on one click—you’re building relationships that turn into repeat commissions.
Pro Tips for Affiliate Success on Pinterest
- Use Pinterest Trends: Go to trends.pinterest.com to see what’s hot and plan content around seasonal interests.
- Join Group Boards: Group boards let you reach a wider audience. Look for ones in your niche and follow their posting rules.
- Avoid spammy behavior: Don’t post 20 pins in 5 minutes. Spread them out and keep things natural.
- Check your analytics: See which pins are performing and double down on what works.
FAQs
Can I use Pinterest without a blog for affiliate marketing?
Yes! You can link directly to your affiliate product or to a simple landing page built with tools like Carrd, Linktree, or MailDrip.io.
How often should I post on Pinterest?
Aim for at least 3-5 fresh pins per week. Consistency matters more than volume.
What kind of affiliate products work best?
Visual products (like fashion, home decor, or beauty) tend to perform best, but digital products, tools for creators, and even courses do well with the right targeting.
Do I need to pay for ads to succeed?
No. While Pinterest ads can help, many affiliate marketers succeed with only organic pins.
Final Thoughts
Affiliate marketing on Pinterest isn’t some outdated hack. It’s a long-term, scalable way to earn passive income—especially when paired with smart tools like MailDrip.io to manage your follow-up and automate your email offers.
So if you’ve been pinning just for fun or haven’t explored the power of affiliate marketing on the platform, now’s a great time to start.
Have you ever tried doing affiliate marketing on Pinterest? What’s holding you back from giving it a real shot?
Let’s talk. 👇
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