Pinterest is a popular visual bookmarking platform that allows users to discover, save, and organize ideas. While it started as a place for individuals to collect recipes and home decor inspiration, it has grown into a powerful marketing tool for businesses. In this article, we will explore whether it is possible to make money on Pinterest in 2018.

1. Promoted Pins

Pinterest offers a feature called Promoted Pins, which allows businesses to advertise their products or services to a targeted audience. By strategically promoting pins, businesses can reach a larger audience and increase their chances of making sales.

For example, an online clothing store can promote their pins to users who have shown an interest in fashion and clothing. This targeted approach can generate traffic to their website and potentially lead to sales.

2. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is another way to make money on Pinterest. By becoming an affiliate for a company, you can earn a commission for every sale generated through your Pinterest referrals.

For instance, if you have a Pinterest board dedicated to beauty products, you can join an affiliate program for a cosmetics company and earn a percentage of the sales made through your Pinterest links.

3. Selling Products

If you have your own products or run an online store, Pinterest can be a valuable platform to showcase and sell your offerings. By creating visually appealing pins and linking them directly to your product pages, you can attract potential customers and drive sales.

For example, a jewelry maker can create beautiful pins showcasing their unique pieces. When users click on these pins, they are directed to the jewelry maker’s website where they can purchase the items.

4. E-commerce Integration

Pinterest has introduced tools that make it easier for businesses to sell directly on the platform. With the buyable pins feature, users can make purchases without leaving Pinterest, providing a seamless shopping experience.

For online retailers, integrating their e-commerce platforms with Pinterest can be a lucrative strategy. By enabling buyable pins and optimizing product listings, businesses can tap into Pinterest’s large user base and drive sales directly through the platform.

5. Sponsored Content

Influencer marketing has become increasingly popular on various social media platforms, and Pinterest is no exception. Businesses can collaborate with influencers to create sponsored content that promotes their products or services.

For instance, a home decor brand can partner with a popular home design blogger to create visually appealing pins featuring their products. This can help increase brand exposure and potentially lead to sales.

6. Blog Monetization

If you have a blog or website, Pinterest can drive traffic and help monetize your content. By creating pins that link back to your blog posts or articles, you can attract Pinterest users who are interested in your niche.

With a steady flow of traffic from Pinterest, you can monetize your blog through various methods such as advertisements, sponsored posts, or selling your own products and services.

7. Online Courses and Workshops

If you possess expertise in a particular field, you can use Pinterest to promote and sell online courses or workshops. By creating visually appealing pins that highlight the benefits of your educational offerings, you can attract an audience and generate revenue.

For example, a fitness instructor can create instructional videos and promote them through Pinterest. Users who are interested in fitness can click on the pins and sign up for the instructor’s online classes.

8. Consulting or Freelancing Services

Pinterest can be a valuable platform to showcase your skills and attract potential clients for your consulting or freelancing services.

For instance, a graphic designer can create pins that feature their portfolio or showcase design tips and tricks. Interested users can then reach out to the designer for their services.

9. Etsy and Product Shops

If you sell products on platforms like Etsy or have your own online shop, Pinterest can drive traffic and potentially increase sales. By optimizing your product listings and creating eye-catching pins, you can attract Pinterest users who are looking for unique or handmade items.

For example, a vintage clothing seller can create boards on Pinterest that feature different fashion eras and link directly to their Etsy shop, where users can purchase the showcased items.

10. Lead Generation

For businesses, Pinterest can be a powerful tool to generate leads and grow their email lists. By offering exclusive content or freebies through pins, businesses can capture the email addresses of interested users.

For instance, an interior design company can create pins that offer free design guides or home improvement tips. Users who are interested in these resources can provide their email addresses to access the content.

11. Influencer Collaboration

If you have a substantial following on Pinterest, you can collaborate with businesses as an influencer. Companies may pay you for featuring their products or services on your boards, leveraging your influence to reach a wider audience.

For example, a travel enthusiast with a large Pinterest following can partner with hotels or tourism agencies and create pins that promote travel destinations or accommodations.

12. Content Creation Services

If you possess strong content creation skills, you can offer your services to businesses looking to enhance their Pinterest presence. This can include creating eye-catching pins, writing compelling descriptions, or optimizing boards and profiles for maximum visibility.

For instance, a social media consultant can offer Pinterest-specific services to businesses, helping them optimize their Pinterest strategy and generate engagement.

13. Product Recommendations

Building a trustworthy reputation on Pinterest can lead to opportunities for product recommendations and sponsorships. By consistently sharing valuable and relevant content, you can position yourself as an authority in your niche and gain the trust of your audience.

For example, a tech enthusiast who shares in-depth product reviews and recommendations on Pinterest may attract the attention of tech companies who would like their products featured.

14. Event Promotion

Pinterest can be an effective platform for promoting events such as workshops, conferences, or webinars. By creating visually appealing event pins and linking them to event registration pages, you can attract interested attendees and drive ticket sales.

For instance, a marketing agency can create pins that showcase the expert speakers and provide details about the marketing conference they are organizing.

15. Analytics and Consulting

In-depth knowledge of Pinterest analytics and strategies can be a valuable skill that businesses may be willing to pay for. By becoming proficient in analyzing Pinterest data and providing insights, you can offer consulting services to brands looking to improve their Pinterest performance.

For example, a data analyst with expertise in Pinterest analytics can provide insights to businesses on improving their pin engagement and driving more conversions.

In conclusion, there are numerous opportunities to make money on Pinterest in 2018. Whether it’s through advertising, affiliate marketing, selling products directly, or offering services, businesses and individuals can leverage Pinterest’s visually appealing platform to reach a wider audience and generate revenue.

References:

1. Pinterest for Business: https://business.pinterest.com/en

2. Shopify – How to Make Money on Pinterest: https://www.shopify.com/blog/how-to-make-money-on-pinterest

3. Hootsuite – How to Make Money on Pinterest: https://blog.hootsuite.com/make-money-on-pinterest/

About the Author:

John Smith is a digital marketing strategist with expertise in social media advertising and content creation. He has helped numerous businesses increase their online visibility and drive sales through various digital channels. The accompanying image is an original photograph taken by the author, showcasing the vibrant and creative aspect of Pinterest.