How to Make Money on Pinterest as a Beginner

What if I told you your Pinterest addiction could fund your next vacation?

That’s right – Pinterest isn’t just a visual wonderland for recipe hunting or wedding planning anymore. It’s evolved into a powerful platform where savvy creators are turning their passions into profits. That cute DIY project you pinned last night? It could be your ticket to a thriving side hustle or even a full-fledged business.

In this guide, I’m going to show you exactly how to make money on Pinterest as a beginner. Whether you’re looking to pad your savings account, fund your next vacation, or even replace your 9-to-5 job, Pinterest could be the low-cost solution you’ve been searching for.

Why should you care? Well, imagine waking up to notifications of sales you made while you were sleeping. Picture yourself working from anywhere in the world, armed with just your creativity and a Wi-Fi connection. That’s the potential Pinterest offers – a chance to monetize your ideas and interests in a way that fits your lifestyle.

But here’s the kicker – while big brands are pouring thousands into their Pinterest strategies, you can get started with nothing more than a spark of creativity and a pinch of determination. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from setting up your Pinterest account for success to avoiding common beginner mistakes.

So, are you ready to turn your Pinterest addiction into a money-making machine? Let’s dive in and discover how you can start earning on this platform, even if you’re starting from scratch.

Understanding Pinterest

Unlike other social media platforms where your content disappears faster than a plate of cookies at a bake sale, Pinterest is more like a search engine. Your pins can keep bringing in traffic (and income) long after you’ve posted them.

Pinterest is all about visual discovery. Users (called Pinners) come here looking for ideas and inspiration. They’re searching for fashion tips, home decor ideas, life hacks, and more. But Pinterest isn’t just a place to browse – it’s where people plan their purchases and projects.

Key aspects of Pinterest:

1. Visual Search Engine: Pinterest uses image recognition technology. Users can search for items within images, making visually appealing content crucial.
2. Long-Term Content: Pins have a much longer lifespan than posts on other platforms. A pin you create today could still be driving traffic months or even years from now.
3. Intent to Purchase: Many users come to Pinterest with buying intent. They’re actively looking for products and services, making it an ideal platform for businesses.
4. Diverse Demographics: While Pinterest started with a predominantly female user base, it’s now attracting users across various demographics, expanding your potential audience.
5. Mobile-Friendly: Over 85% of Pinterest users access the platform via mobile devices. This means your content needs to look great on small screens.

If you can create content that catches the eye and solves a problem, you’re on the right track. Pinterest is beginner-friendly – you don’t need to be a social media guru or have a million followers to start seeing results. Here’s why:

• Low Competition: Compared to platforms like Instagram or Facebook, Pinterest has less competition, giving new creators a better chance to stand out.
• SEO-Friendly: Pinterest works well with search engine optimization techniques, helping your content get discovered both on and off the platform.
• No Pressure for Perfection: While high-quality content is important, Pinterest users appreciate authenticity. You don’t need professional photography skills to succeed.
• Analytics for All: Even with a free business account, you get access to detailed analytics, helping you understand what works and refine your Pinterest strategy.

Setting Up Your Pinterest for Success

Remember when you first discovered Pinterest and spent hours scrolling through endless inspiration? Well, now it’s time to flip the script and become the inspiration. But before you dive in, let’s get your Pinterest profile looking sharp and ready to make some serious cash.

First things first, you need a Pinterest business account. Don’t worry, it’s free and painless to set up. Plus, it unlocks some pretty nifty features like Pinterest Analytics and Rich Pins. Now, you might be wondering, “What on earth are Rich Pins?” Think of them as your pins on steroids. They automatically pull info from your website to make your pins more informative and clickable.

Now, let’s talk about your profile. This is your chance to make a killer first impression. Choose a username that screams “you” – whether that’s your actual name or something that reflects your brand. Your bio? Keep it short, sweet, and packed with personality. Tell visitors who you are and what awesome value you’re bringing to the table. And please, for the love of all things Pinterest, use a profile picture that doesn’t look like it was taken on a Polaroid camera. A crisp, professional image goes a long way in building trust with your audience.

Next up, we’ve got boards. Think of these as your Pinterest storefront. You wouldn’t throw all your products into a jumbled heap in a brick-and-mortar store, would you? (If you would, we need to have a separate conversation!) So don’t do it on Pinterest either. Organize your boards in a way that makes sense for your niche and your audience. Make them pretty, make them relevant, and for goodness’ sake, give them names that people can actually understand. No one’s going to click on “Stuff I Like #7”.

Here’s a pro tip: start with about 10-15 boards, each with at least 10 pins. This gives your profile some meat without making it look like you’re trying too hard. And remember, consistency is key. Aim to pin regularly – up to 5-10 pins a day to keep things fresh and engaging.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Angie, this sounds like a lot of work!” And you’re not wrong. But here’s the thing – setting up your Pinterest for success is like planting a garden. It takes some effort up front, but once those seeds start growing, you’ll be reaping the rewards for months (or even years) to come.

Pinterest Creator Fund

Here’s something exciting for content creators: the Pinterest Creator Fund. Launched in 2021, this program is Pinterest’s way of investing in creators who share inspiring content on the platform.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The fund provides both financial support and education to help creators grow their presence on Pinterest.
• It’s currently available in the U.S., but Pinterest has plans to expand it globally.
• The program focuses on content creators from underrepresented communities.
• Selected creators can receive cash grants, equipment, and expert training.

To be eligible, you typically need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Live in the United States
• Have an active Pinterest business account
• Regularly create original content on Pinterest

While the Creator Fund isn’t open to everyone, it’s worth keeping an eye on. Even if you don’t qualify now, Pinterest may expand the program in the future. Plus, the existence of this fund shows that Pinterest is committed to supporting creators on its platform.

Making Money with Pinterest

Alright, let’s talk about how you actually make money on Pinterest. Pinterest isn’t going to stuff dollar bills in your mailbox, but it can absolutely be your ticket to a fatter bank account. Here’s the lowdown on how to turn those pretty pins into cold, hard cash:

Affiliate Marketing: This is like being a digital matchmaker. With Pinterest affiliate marketing, you introduce your audience to products they’ll love, and when they buy through your special link, you get a cut of the sale. Ka-ching! Companies like Amazon, ShareASale, and CJ Affiliate offer these programs. They’ll typically pay you monthly, either through PayPal or straight to your bank account. Just keep in mind that each program has its own rules about when and how much they pay.

Also See: Where to Find Companies with Affiliate Programs

Selling Your Own Digital Goodies: Got skills? Package them up into ebooks, printables, or online courses. Platforms like Gumroad or Teachable make it easy to sell these digital products. They handle the tech stuff, you handle the creative stuff. They’ll send your earnings your way weekly or monthly, depending on the platform.

Driving Traffic to Your Money-Making Machine: If you’ve got a blog or an online store, Pinterest can be your personal billboard. Use it to send a flood of traffic to your site. If you’re running ads on your blog, you’ll get paid by ad networks like Google AdSense. If you’re selling products, the money comes through your e-commerce platform. Either way, more traffic usually means more moolah.

Becoming a Pinterest Assistant: Once you’ve mastered the art of Pinterest, why not offer your skills to others? Many businesses would love to have a Pinterest assistant on their team. You can bill clients directly and use tools like PayPal for Business to look all professional when you invoice them.

Building Your Pinterest Presence and Audience

Creating a strong Pinterest presence takes time and effort, but with the right approach, even beginners can see great results. Let’s break down the key elements:

Creating Effective Pins: Your pins are your portfolio on Pinterest, and there are different types to consider. Let’s look at standard Pins, Rich Pins, and Idea Pins:

Standard Pins are your basic image pins. They need to catch the eye and convey information quickly. When creating these, remember:

• Use a vertical format, ideally with a 2:3 ratio (e.g., 1000 x 1500 pixels).
• Include clear, readable text on your images to explain the content.
• Add your logo or website name for brand recognition.

Rich Pins are an enhanced version of a standard Pinterest pin. They pull additional information from your website to provide more context directly on Pinterest. There are four types:

• Product Pins: Show real-time pricing and availability.
• Recipe Pins: Display ingredients, cooking times, and serving sizes.
• Article Pins: Include the headline, author, and story description.
• App Pins: Feature an install button for easy app downloads.

Idea Pins (formerly known as Story Pins) are multi-page pins that allow you to share step-by-step ideas, tutorials, or stories. They’re great for:

• DIY projects
• Recipes
• Before-and-after transformations
• Product showcases

Don’t worry if you’re not a design expert – there are tools to help create all these pin types:

1. Canva: Offers a wide range of Pinterest templates you can easily customize for any pin type.
2. PicMonkey: Provides useful photo editing features for more advanced image creation.

When creating pins, keep these tips in mind:

• Use a vertical format, ideally with a 2:3 ratio (e.g., 1000 x 1500 pixels).
• Include clear, readable text on your images to explain the content.
• Add your logo or website name for brand recognition.

Pinning Strategy: Consistency is crucial on Pinterest. Aim to pin several times a day to keep your profile active. This might sound daunting, but scheduling tools can help:

1. Tailwind: Offers features like optimal time suggestions and content recycling.
2. Later: Provides a user-friendly interface and helpful analytics.

Mix your content between your own pins, repins of relevant content from others, and generally useful information for your audience.

Engaging with Your Audience: Building a community on Pinterest involves more than just pinning:

1. Respond to comments on your pins to foster engagement.
2. Join group boards in your niche to expand your reach.
3. Consider creating your own group board once you’ve built a following.
4. Follow others in your niche – they may follow you back.

Using Pinterest Analytics: Pinterest Analytics provides valuable insights to refine your strategy:

1. Analyze your top-performing pins to understand what resonates with your audience.
2. Use audience insights to tailor your content to your followers’ interests.
3. If you’ve claimed your website, track which pins drive traffic to your site.
4. Monitor your monthly viewers, focusing on long-term growth trends rather than short-term fluctuations.

Building a successful Pinterest presence requires patience and persistence. Focus on creating valuable content consistently, and you’ll see your following grow over time. Remember, every Pinterest success story started with a single pin. Your efforts today are laying the groundwork for your future success.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent pinning: Pinterest rewards regular activity.
2. Ignoring Pinterest SEO: Use relevant keywords in your pin descriptions and board titles to help your content get discovered.
3. Focusing only on your own content: Mix it up by sharing others’ pins too. It’s good Pinterest etiquette and can help you build relationships in your niche.
4. Neglecting your website: Pinterest is often just the first step. Make sure your website or landing page is up to scratch to convert that traffic into sales or subscribers.
5. Getting discouraged too quickly: Building a profitable Pinterest presence takes time. Stay patient and keep at it!

Conclusion

Pinterest isn’t just a platform for finding your next DIY project or planning your dream vacation. It’s a powerful tool that can turn your creativity and passion into a steady income stream. Whether you’re looking to pad your savings or dream of replacing your 9-to-5, Pinterest offers a unique opportunity to monetize your ideas without breaking the bank. The key is to start small, focus on providing value to your audience, and stay consistent. Remember, every Pinterest success story began with a single pin. Your journey to Pinterest profitability won’t happen overnight, but with patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn, you can build a thriving presence that pays off. So don’t wait for the perfect moment – start pinning, engaging, and growing your Pinterest business today.