What if you could turn your favorite Pinterest finds into income? Pinterest affiliate marketing lets you earn money just by sharing products you already love. With the right strategy, your pins can inspire others and generate commissions every time someone makes a purchase through your links.
If that sounds exciting, here’s how to start building a Pinterest affiliate strategy that actually works.
How to Get Started
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What Is Pinterest Affiliate Marketing?
Affiliate marketing is when you share a special product link and earn a small commission when someone buys through it. On Pinterest, you can add these affiliate links directly to your pins so users can shop right from your content.
Pinterest users are in discovery mode—they’re looking for inspiration, ideas, and solutions. That means your affiliate pins perform best when they’re helpful, attractive, and share products that genuinely fit your niche.
How to Get Started with Pinterest Affiliate Marketing
1. Join an Affiliate Program
Start by signing up for one or more affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, Impact, Rakuten, or LTK (formerly RewardStyle). Many brands also offer their own affiliate programs directly.
2. Create Scroll-Stopping Pins
Pinterest is a visual search engine, so your pins should look amazing. Use vertical images (1000 x 1500 pixels or taller), clear text overlays, and keyword-rich descriptions that tell people exactly what they’ll find when they click.
3. Add Your Affiliate Link
When creating a pin, paste your affiliate link into the destination URL. Pinterest allows direct affiliate links, but don’t use link shorteners or redirect tools. They hide the true destination and break Pinterest’s Community Guidelines. Always use the full affiliate link provided by your program.
4. Disclose Your Affiliate Links
Always let people know when your pin contains affiliate links. This one is actually required by the FTC so you may want to look into their guidelines further. You can use a statement like “This pin includes affiliate links” and add an #affiliate, #ad, or #sponsored hashtag.
I’m a Pinterest manager, not a lawyer, so be sure to do your own research as the disclosure guidelines may change and the information presented here may become outdated.
5. Stay Updated on Pinterest’s Rules
Pinterest’s rules can change, especially around affiliate marketing. Before you start posting, review the full Pinterest Community Guidelines and check back regularly to make sure your content still follows the latest updates.
Another Option: Link to Blog Posts with Affiliate Roundups
If you have a blog, you can use it to create roundup posts featuring multiple affiliate products—like “10 Cozy Winter Finds from Amazon” or “My Favorite Tools for Online Business.”
Then, pin those blog posts on Pinterest. This approach gives you more freedom to write detailed reviews, include several affiliate links in one place, and add your personal insights. It also helps you grow your website traffic, email list, and ad income while promoting affiliate products.
Tips for Success
- Stay focused on your niche. Share products your audience actually wants.
- Use SEO keywords. Add relevant terms to your titles, descriptions, and board names.
- Create valuable content. Teach, inspire, or solve a problem instead of just selling.
- Be consistent. Pin regularly to stay active and visible.
- Track your results. Use Pinterest Analytics or your affiliate dashboards to see which pins perform best.
FAQ
Can I put affiliate links directly on Pinterest?
Yes, you can. Just make sure to disclose the link and follow Pinterest’s Community Guidelines.
Can I use link shorteners for affiliate links?
No. Pinterest doesn’t allow link shorteners or redirects because they hide where the link leads. Use the full affiliate link instead.
Do I need a blog to do Pinterest affiliate marketing?
No, but it helps and I would personally recommend it. Blog posts with affiliate roundups give people more context and can boost both your affiliate income and website traffic.
How often should I post affiliate pins?
You can post them regularly, but mix in helpful and inspiring content too. That balance keeps your followers interested and builds long-term trust.
Final Thoughts
Pinterest affiliate marketing is a fun and creative way to make money online. Whether you’re pinning direct affiliate links or linking to blog roundups, focus on sharing products you truly believe in.
With a little consistency and creativity, Pinterest can become a powerful part of your income stream.
Want help with Pinterest? Check out my Pinterest management services here.
