How to Make Money on Pinterest (Even If You’re Starting from Scratch)

If you’ve ever found yourself 20 pins deep into DIY home decor or aesthetic meal prep inspo, you’re not If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling Pinterest late at night, saving DIY home decor or meal prep ideas, you’re not alone. But here’s something most people don’t realize: you can actually make money doing that.

That’s right—Pinterest isn’t just for vision boards or wedding inspiration. It’s also one of the easiest platforms to earn passive income, especially through affiliate marketing.

If you’re looking for a low-pressure, flexible side hustle you can do in your free time—without dancing on camera or cold-pitching strangers—this guide will show you how to get started.

What Does “Make Money on Pinterest” Actually Mean?

Let’s break it down simply. You create a pin on Pinterest. That pin links to a product or service. When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission.

This is called affiliate marketing, and Pinterest happens to be an ideal place for it. Why?

  • People use Pinterest to plan and shop
  • Pins don’t disappear after 24 hours—they keep working for you
  • You don’t need a following to get traction

In fact, many beginners are surprised by how quickly they can gain traction just by understanding how Pinterest search works.

5 Simple Steps to Start Making Money on Pinterest

1. Pick a Niche That Performs

Start by choosing a niche you genuinely enjoy—one that people actively search for on Pinterest. Popular niches include:

  • Home organization
  • Personal finance and budgeting
  • Wellness and fitness
  • Side hustles and work-from-home tips
  • Digital products and templates

2. Join Affiliate Programs

Next, join affiliate networks that connect you with brands and products. Some great beginner-friendly options are:

  • Amazon Associates
  • ShareASale
  • Impact
  • ClickBank

After you’re approved, you’ll get your own affiliate links to share with others. When someone uses your link and makes a purchase, you get paid.

3. Link to Helpful Content

Your pins can link directly to a product, but you’ll often get better results by linking to helpful content such as:

  • Blog posts
  • Tutorials or product roundups
  • Free download pages (like checklists or guides)

Don’t worry—you don’t need a full blog. Free tools like Systeme.io or Carrd can help you create quick landing pages.

4. Create Eye-Catching Pins

Pinterest is a visual platform, so your pins need to pop. Use Canva to design vertical (2:3 ratio) images that:

  • Include a keyword-rich title
  • Have bold, easy-to-read fonts
  • Use high-quality images
  • Feature a clear call to action, such as “Get the guide” or “Shop now”

Make 2–3 pins for each piece of content. This gives you more chances to be found in search.

5. Use Pinterest SEO to Get Found

Pinterest works like a search engine. If you want people to find your pins, you’ll need to use Pinterest SEO. Here’s how:

  • Add keywords in your pin titles and descriptions
  • Use 3–5 relevant hashtags
  • Create keyword-rich board titles and descriptions

For example, if your pin promotes a digital budget planner, try using phrases like “monthly budget printable,” “easy budgeting tips,” or “how to save money fast.”

Also, space out your paragraphs and vary your sentence lengths to keep things readable. This not only helps readers—it also improves your SEO performance.

Need Help? Mastering Pinterest Profits is Your Shortcut

If all this sounds good but a bit overwhelming, there’s an easier way to make it happen.

Mastering Pinterest Profits is a beginner-friendly bundle that walks you step by step through how to make money with affiliate marketing on Pinterest.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • A 30-minute crash course (audio format!)
  • A detailed Pinterest marketing guide
  • A 78-page affiliate marketing guide specifically for Pinterest
  • Canva pin templates to plug in and post
  • A Pinterest planner (both digital and printable)

This guide is designed for people who want a no-fluff system. You don’t need to be tech-savvy or have a blog. Just follow the steps, and you’ll know exactly what to do.

Whether you’re building a small side hustle or going all-in on passive income, this bundle makes it easier.

👉 Ready to skip the guesswork? Click here to check it out and start earning from your pins.

Final Thoughts

Making money on Pinterest is one of the most underrated side hustles out there. It doesn’t require a huge time commitment, a massive following, or even much experience.

All you need is a clear niche, the right tools, and a bit of consistency. Once your pins are out there, they can bring in clicks and commissions on autopilot.

Start with the steps above. Learn the basics. Then, when you’re ready to fast-track your results, grab Mastering Pinterest Profits and give yourself the advantage I wish I had when I started.

Because let’s be real: if you’re already spending time on Pinterest, you might as well get paid for it.

Ana