When I first heard that people were making money on Pinterest, I was skeptical. I thought of it only as a platform for inspiration and DIY ideas, but after diving in and experimenting, I realized that Pinterest is a goldmine for anyone looking to make money online. In 2025, Pinterest is more than just a digital scrapbook; it’s a powerful search engine that businesses and creators can use to generate passive income. If you're a beginner and want to know how to make money with Pinterest, here’s how I did it and how you can too.
1. Start with a Business Account
The first step to making money on Pinterest is to set up a Pinterest business account. I made the mistake of using a personal account at first, but switching to a business account gave me access to powerful features like Pinterest Analytics and promoted pins. It also allowed me to create and manage ads, which can help increase the reach of my content. A business account is essential for anyone serious about monetizing Pinterest.
2. Create High-Quality, Engaging Pins
One thing I quickly learned is that Pinterest is a visual platform, and to stand out, I had to create eye-catching, high-quality pins. I invested in tools like Canva to design my pins, making sure they were visually appealing, with bright colors and clear, readable fonts. I also included text overlays that described what the pin was about, as this makes it easier for people to understand the value of clicking.
The key is to keep your pins relevant to your niche and audience, whether you're promoting your own products, affiliate links, or content. I noticed that consistent pinning, at least 10-15 new pins per day, helped me gain traction and reach more people.
3. Use Pinterest SEO to Your Advantage
Just like Google, Pinterest operates using a search engine algorithm, and I learned that understanding Pinterest SEO is crucial for getting my content discovered. By using keyword-rich descriptions, board titles, and hashtags, I ensured my pins would show up in relevant searches.
I did keyword research using Pinterest's search bar, looking at suggested keywords related to my niche. I also studied the pins that were ranking in my category and used similar keywords in my pin descriptions. Incorporating keywords naturally into your pin titles, descriptions, and boards is key to getting your content seen by more people.
4. Promote Affiliate Products
One of the most straightforward ways I started making money with Pinterest was by promoting affiliate products. I signed up for affiliate programs like Amazon Associates and ShareASale, and then created pins linking to these products. Whenever someone clicked on my affiliate link and made a purchase, I earned a commission.
What’s great about Pinterest is that it’s a platform where people actively search for products and services, so promoting affiliate products in a strategic way can lead to a lot of passive income. I made sure to write compelling descriptions and use eye-catching images that resonated with my audience to increase click-through rates.
5. Sell Your Own Products or Services
If you have your own products, digital downloads, or services, Pinterest can drive a lot of traffic to your store. I created pins promoting my digital products (like e-books and printables), and linked them directly to my website or an e-commerce platform like Etsy.
When I started offering paid courses and exclusive content, Pinterest became one of my top traffic sources. It helped me get my products in front of people who were already interested in what I had to offer. If you’re thinking about selling something, whether it’s handmade items, digital courses, or consulting services, Pinterest is an excellent platform to market them.
6. Offer Pinterest Management Services
As I grew my Pinterest presence, I realized there was a huge demand for Pinterest management services. Many small businesses and bloggers wanted to use Pinterest to drive traffic but didn’t have the time or know-how to do it themselves.
I started offering Pinterest management services, where I helped clients optimize their accounts, create and schedule pins, and implement strategies to grow their Pinterest presence. If you have experience with Pinterest or are willing to learn, offering this service can be a lucrative side hustle. You can charge anywhere from $500 to $3,000 per month depending on the scope of your services.
7. Monetize with Pinterest Ads
Once I gained a solid following and understood Pinterest's algorithm, I began running paid ads to boost my content. Pinterest ads can be very effective in reaching a targeted audience. With Pinterest's robust targeting options, I could promote my pins to users who were most likely to engage with my content or buy my products.
While it does require some investment, Pinterest ads can be an excellent way to scale your income once you have a solid base. I always set a budget and carefully tracked my return on investment (ROI) to make sure my ad spend was paying off.
8. Collaborate with Other Creators or Brands
Pinterest is also a great place for collaborations. As I grew my account, I started reaching out to other creators in my niche to collaborate on joint boards or co-create content. This expanded my reach and introduced my pins to a larger audience.
Additionally, partnering with brands for sponsored pins is another way to earn money. Brands pay influencers to create pins featuring their products or services, and you can earn a commission for driving traffic or sales. Once I had a significant following, I was able to negotiate paid partnerships with companies that aligned with my brand.
Final Thoughts
Making money with Pinterest in 2025 is entirely possible, even for beginners. By setting up a business account, creating high-quality pins, using Pinterest SEO, promoting affiliate products, selling your own products, offering Pinterest management services, and running ads, you can build a sustainable income stream. The key is consistency, staying up to date with platform changes, and continually optimizing your strategy. With the right approach, Pinterest can be a powerful tool for generating passive income and scaling your business.