How to Sell on Pinterest: The Ultimate Guide to Turning Pins into Profits

Introduction

Pinterest is a powerful visual discovery engine where users actively seek inspiration, ideas, and products. With over 450 million monthly active users and a shopping-oriented mindset, Pinterest offers a luminous opportunity for businesses to showcase and sell their products. Unlike platforms focused on social connections, Pinterest users come with purchase intent—they’re planning, discovering, and deciding what to buy next. This makes selling on Pinterest not just possible but potentially lucrative for businesses willing to master its unique ecosystem.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to effectively sell on Pinterest, from setting up your business account to creating pins that convert and analyzing your performance. Whether you’re an established business or just starting your e-commerce journey, these strategies will help you harness Pinterest’s selling potential.

Understanding Pinterest as a Selling Platform

Pinterest functions as a visual search engine where users—called Pinners—save and organize ideas they love. These ideas, represented as pins, can link directly to product pages, blog posts, or other online content.

Why Sell on Pinterest?

1. Purchase-ready audience: Pinterest users are actively looking for products and ideas to buy, with 89% of weekly Pinners using the platform for purchase inspiration.
2. Longer content lifespan: Unlike posts on other platforms that disappear from feeds within hours, pins can continue driving traffic for months or even years.
3. Higher average order value: Pinterest shoppers typically spend 40% more per month than users from other platforms.
4. Less competitive advertising: Pinterest ads often see higher engagement rates at lower costs compared to other platforms.

Who Can Successfully Sell on Pinterest?

While virtually any business can find success on Pinterest, these niches perform exceptionally well:

• Home décor and furniture
• Fashion and accessories
• Beauty products
• Art and craft supplies
• Food and recipes
• Fitness equipment and apparel
• Wedding products and services
• Educational materials
• DIY and hobby supplies
• Eco-friendly and sustainable products

Setting Up to Sell on Pinterest

Before you can start selling, you need the right foundation. This section covers the essential steps to establish your Pinterest selling presence.

Creating a Pinterest Business Account

Your first step to sell on Pinterest is setting up a proper business account:

1. Visit pinterest.com/business/create or convert your existing personal account
2. Fill in your business name, website, and business category
3. Agree to the terms of service
4. Verify your website to build trust and gain access to additional features

A business account gives you access to analytics, advertising capabilities, and rich pins—all crucial for effective selling.

Optimizing Your Pinterest Business Profile

Your profile serves as your storefront on Pinterest and deserves careful attention:

1. Choose a recognizable profile picture: Use your logo or a clean, professional image that represents your brand.
2. Craft a keyword-rich bio: Include what you sell and who you serve in your 160-character description.
3. Add your website link: Make it easy for interested browsers to find your products.
4. Create board covers: Design cohesive, branded covers for your boards to create a professional appearance.

Setting Up Pinterest Boards to Support Sales

Strategic board creation helps organize your products and appeal to different customer segments:

1. Create featured boards: Start with 8-10 boards focusing on your main product categories.
2. Use keyword-rich board names: Name boards with searchable terms rather than clever titles.
3. Write detailed board descriptions: Include relevant keywords that describe what users will find.
4. Consider secret boards: Use these to prepare seasonal content or test new product categories before making them public.

One innovative approach is creating boards that show your products in use rather than just product-focused boards. For example, a furniture company might create boards like “Cozy Reading Nooks” or “Home Office Inspiration” featuring their products in aspirational settings.

Creating Pinterest Pins That Sell

The quality and strategy behind your pins directly influence your selling success on Pinterest. This section explores how to create pins that drive traffic and conversions.

Understanding Different Pin Types for Selling

Pinterest offers several pin formats, each with unique selling advantages:

1. Standard pins: Basic image pins linking to your product pages
2. Video pins: Moving content that can demonstrate products in action
3. Product pins: Enhanced pins that display price, availability, and product details
4. Collection pins: Featuring multiple products in one pin
5. Try-on pins: AR-enabled pins allowing users to virtually try products (available for select categories)
6. Idea pins: Multi-page content for showcasing product tutorials or collections

Product pins are particularly valuable for selling as they provide shoppers with immediate information about price and availability, reducing friction in the purchase journey.

How to Sell on Pinterest: Designing Pins That Convert

The visual appeal of your pins dramatically affects click-through rates and sales potential:

1. Use vertical images: The ideal Pinterest aspect ratio is 2:3 (1000 x 1500 pixels).
2. Apply brand consistency: Maintain recognizable colors, fonts, and styling across pins.
3. Include clear text overlay: Add concise, benefit-focused text to explain what you’re selling.
4. Feature the product prominently: Show your product in use or from multiple angles.
5. Create high-quality images: Ensure crisp, well-lit photography that showcases your products professionally.

A masterful pin design incorporates both aspiration and information—showing the product in an idealized setting while providing enough details to prompt action.

Writing Pin Descriptions That Drive Sales

While Pinterest is visual, your text content plays a crucial role in searchability and conversion:

1. Front-load keywords: Put the most important search terms at the beginning of your description.
2. Include a clear call-to-action: Tell users exactly what you want them to do (e.g., “Shop now” or “Learn more”).
3. Keep it natural: Write for humans first, search algorithms second.
4. Add relevant hashtags: Include 2-5 specific hashtags that relate to your product.
5. Consider using rich keywords: Incorporate terms like “buy,” “shop,” “how to,” or “tips” to attract users with purchase intent.

Remember that Pinterest descriptions can be up to 500 characters, giving you ample space to be descriptive without overwhelming the reader.

Pinterest SEO for Sellers

Like any search engine, Pinterest uses algorithms to determine which content to show users. Mastering Pinterest SEO is essential to ensure your products appear in relevant searches.

Keyword Research for Pinterest Sellers

Before you can optimize your presence, you need to know what your potential customers are searching for:

1. Use Pinterest’s guided search: Start typing in the search bar and note the auto-suggested terms.
2. Analyze competitor boards and pins: Look at successful sellers in your niche to identify effective keywords.
3. Check the “More ideas” section: After searching a term, Pinterest suggests related concepts.
4. Utilize Pinterest Trends: This tool shows you what’s popular on the platform.
5. Consider traditional SEO tools: Tools like Google Keyword Planner can provide additional insights.

Building a comprehensive keyword list specific to your products will guide your entire Pinterest strategy.

Implementing Keywords to Sell on Pinterest

Once you’ve identified your target keywords, strategically place them in these locations:

1. Business name: Include a relevant keyword if it fits naturally.
2. Profile description: Incorporate primary keywords that define what you sell.
3. Board names and descriptions: Use specific keywords related to each board’s theme.
4. Pin titles: Create clear titles that include your target keyword.
5. Pin descriptions: Naturally incorporate 2-3 relevant keywords.
6. Alt text: Add descriptive alternative text that includes your keyword.
7. Link destination: Ensure your landing pages also use consistent keywords.

This holistic approach creates a seamless connection between what users search for and what your pins offer.

Pinterest SEO Best Practices for Higher Visibility

Beyond keywords, these practices will help your pins rank higher:

1. Pin consistently: Regular activity signals to Pinterest that you’re an active, reliable content creator.
2. Engage with the community: Save others’ relevant pins and respond to comments on your pins.
3. Create fresh pins: Pinterest favors new images over repinned content.
4. Build topical authority: Focus on specific niches rather than trying to cover everything.
5. Encourage saves and clicks: Higher engagement rates improve your content’s ranking.

Creating a strategic pinning schedule—with 5-10 fresh pins daily—can dramatically improve your visibility over time.

Setting Up Shop Features on Pinterest

Pinterest offers specific features designed to streamline the selling process. This section explores how to utilize these tools effectively.

Pinterest Catalogs and Shopping Features

For serious sellers, Pinterest’s shopping features provide powerful tools:

1. Create a Pinterest catalog: Upload your product feed to make your entire inventory available on Pinterest.
2. Set up Shop tab: Enable the Shop tab on your profile to create a browsable storefront.
3. Use shopping tags: Tag products in your pins to make them instantly shoppable.
4. Enable collections: Group related products to encourage multiple purchases.
5. Verify rich pins: Ensure your product pins automatically update with current pricing and availability.

These features create an immersive shopping experience that reduces friction between discovery and purchase.

Setting Up Pinterest Tag for Conversion Tracking

Understanding your sales performance requires proper tracking:

1. Install Pinterest Tag on your website: This code snippet tracks visitor actions.
2. Set up event codes: Track specific actions like add to cart, checkout, and purchase.
3. Create custom audiences: Build remarketing lists based on website interactions.
4. Set up conversion campaigns: Target users who have shown interest in your products.

This data-driven approach allows for precise optimization of your Pinterest selling strategy based on actual customer behavior.

Integration with E-commerce Platforms

Most major e-commerce platforms offer Pinterest integrations:

1. Shopify: Use the Pinterest app to automatically sync your product catalog.
2. WooCommerce: Install the Pinterest for WooCommerce extension.
3. Etsy: Connect your Etsy shop to your Pinterest business account.
4. BigCommerce: Use the native Pinterest integration for seamless product syncing.
5. Square: Connect through the Square App Marketplace.

These integrations create a harmonious connection between your store and Pinterest, automatically updating product information and tracking sales.

Pinterest Advertising for Sellers

While organic reach on Pinterest can be substantial, advertising accelerates your selling potential by putting your products in front of precisely targeted audiences.

Types of Pinterest Ads for E-commerce

Pinterest offers several ad formats optimized for different selling objectives:

1. Shopping ads: Automatically created from your product catalog, showing current pricing and availability.
2. Collection ads: Feature a primary image with smaller product shots below it.
3. Carousel ads: Allow users to swipe through multiple images in a single ad.
4. Video ads: Moving content that can demonstrate products in use.
5. Promoted pins: Standard pins boosted to reach a larger audience.

Each format offers distinctive advantages depending on your product type and campaign goals.

How to Sell on Pinterest Through Targeted Ad Campaigns

Effective targeting ensures your ad spend delivers maximum return:

1. Interest targeting: Reach users based on their demonstrated interests.
2. Keyword targeting: Show ads when users search specific terms.
3. Audience targeting: Create custom audiences based on your customer lists or website visitors.
4. Actalike audiences: Find new customers similar to your existing ones.
5. Demographic targeting: Narrow your audience by age, gender, location, or device.

A strategic combination of these targeting options helps place your products in front of the most receptive potential customers.

Setting Pinterest Advertising Budgets and Measuring ROI

Manage your advertising investment wisely:

1. Start small: Begin with $5-10 daily to test performance.
2. Track conversion costs: Calculate cost per click, cost per conversion, and return on ad spend.
3. A/B test ad creative: Try different images, copy, and CTAs to identify what converts best.
4. Utilize automatic bidding: Let Pinterest optimize your bids based on your goals.
5. Scale gradually: Increase budget for top-performing campaigns.

Setting realistic performance benchmarks specific to your industry will help you evaluate success and make informed scaling decisions.

Creating a Pinterest Content Strategy for Sellers

Consistent, planned content is the backbone of successful Pinterest selling. This section covers how to develop a sustainable content approach.

Planning Your Pinterest Content Calendar

Organize your pinning activities with a structured calendar:

1. Identify seasonal opportunities: Plan content around holidays, seasonal trends, and shopping events.
2. Balance product and inspiration pins: Mix direct product pins with lifestyle and inspirational content.
3. Schedule regular pinning times: Maintain consistent activity during peak user hours.
4. Plan for trends: Research upcoming trends in your niche and prepare relevant content.
5. Create content batches: Design multiple pins for each product to maintain freshness.

This methodical approach ensures you maintain visibility without scrambling for last-minute content ideas.

Balancing Promotional and Value-Added Content

Successful Pinterest sellers know that constant promotion can backfire:

1. Follow the 80/20 rule: Aim for 80% helpful, inspirational content and 20% direct promotion.
2. Create tutorial pins: Show how to use your products effectively.
3. Share user-generated content: Showcase real customers using your products.
4. Develop solution-based content: Address pain points your products solve.
5. Tell your brand story: Share your values, process, and behind-the-scenes content.

This balanced strategy builds a more authentic relationship with potential customers, establishing trust before asking for the sale.

Leveraging Seasonal and Trending Topics to Sell on Pinterest

Pinterest users often plan purchases months in advance of seasonal events:

1. Pin seasonal content early: Start holiday content 30-45 days before traditional retailers.
2. Create trend-based collections: Group products that align with current Pinterest trends.
3. Develop holiday gift guides: Categorize your products as gift ideas for different recipients.
4. Refresh evergreen content: Update successful older pins with new images for seasonal relevance.
5. Monitor Pinterest Trends: Stay informed about rising search terms in your category.

This forward-thinking approach capitalizes on Pinterest’s prospective nature, where users plan future purchases rather than focusing solely on immediate needs.

Building Community and Engagement Around Your Pinterest Shop

While direct selling is the goal, building relationships with potential customers increases long-term success. This section explores community-building strategies.

Engaging With Potential Customers

Active participation increases visibility and builds trust:

1. Respond to comments: Answer questions promptly and thank users for engagement.
2. Join group boards: Participate in collaborative boards relevant to your niche.
3. Create and manage communities: Pinterest communities allow for more direct interaction.
4. Follow relevant accounts: Connect with complementary (non-competing) brands and influencers.
5. Save and comment on others’ content: Show genuine interest in your community.

These engagement practices create a more vibrant presence that attracts potential customers through authentic interaction.

Collaborating With Pinterest Influencers

Partnering with established Pinterest creators can amplify your reach:

1. Identify niche-relevant influencers: Look for creators whose audience matches your target customers.
2. Start with micro-influencers: Those with 10,000-50,000 followers often have higher engagement rates.
3. Offer product-for-pins exchanges: Send free products in exchange for authentic pins.
4. Co-create boards: Collaborate on themed boards that feature your products.
5. Track influencer-driven traffic: Use UTM parameters to measure the effectiveness of partnerships.

The symbiotic relationship between brands and influencers can introduce your products to highly targeted audiences already primed to trust the recommendation.

Using Pinterest Analytics to Understand Your Audience

Data-informed decisions lead to better selling outcomes:

1. Monitor top-performing pins: Identify what content drives the most engagement and sales.
2. Analyze audience demographics: Understand who’s engaging with your content.
3. Track traffic sources: Determine which boards or pins drive the most website visits.
4. Measure conversion rates: Calculate how many visitors become customers.
5. Review search terms: See what keywords bring users to your pins.

This analytical approach provides insightful guidance for refining your Pinterest selling strategy based on actual user behavior rather than assumptions.

Common Challenges When Selling on Pinterest

Even with the right strategies, sellers face specific obstacles on Pinterest. Understanding these challenges helps you navigate them successfully.

Addressing Pinterest Algorithm Changes

Like all platforms, Pinterest regularly updates its algorithm:

1. Stay informed: Follow Pinterest’s business blog for announcement of changes.
2. Focus on fundamentals: Quality content and proper optimization remain consistent necessities.
3. Test new features: Early adoption of new Pinterest features often brings visibility benefits.
4. Diversify your strategy: Don’t rely solely on a single pin type or promotion method.
5. Monitor metrics closely: Watch for performance changes that might indicate algorithm shifts.

Maintaining a resilient approach that prioritizes user experience over trying to “game” the algorithm ensures long-term success despite periodic changes.

Managing Time and Resources for Pinterest Marketing

Pinterest selling requires ongoing attention:

1. Use scheduling tools: Platforms like Tailwind or Pinterest’s native scheduler help maintain consistency.
2. Create pin templates: Develop reusable designs to streamline creation.
3. Batch content creation: Set aside specific times to create multiple pins at once.
4. Prioritize high-ROI activities: Focus on what data shows drives actual sales.
5. Consider outsourcing: Hire Pinterest specialists for tasks beyond your expertise or time constraints.

Establishing efficient workflows prevents Pinterest from consuming disproportionate resources while still delivering results.

Troubleshooting Common Pinterest Selling Issues

Be prepared to address these frequent challenges:

1. Low click-through rates: Improve pin design and calls-to-action.
2. Account restrictions: Ensure all content adheres to Pinterest’s community guidelines.
3. Sudden traffic drops: Check for broken links or Pinterest algorithm updates.
4. Product pins not showing correctly: Verify your product feed formatting.
5. Conversion tracking discrepancies: Confirm proper installation of Pinterest Tag.

A proactive approach to these issues—regularly auditing your account health and performance—can prevent small problems from becoming significant obstacles.

Success Stories: Businesses Thriving on Pinterest

Learning from others’ achievements provides both inspiration and practical insights. Here are condensed case studies of successful Pinterest sellers:

Case Study 1: Boutique Clothing Brand

A small women’s clothing brand with limited marketing budget achieved a 340% increase in traffic and 127% growth in sales by:

• Creating lifestyle pins showing their clothes in real-life situations
• Developing seasonal lookbooks as idea pins
• Implementing rich pins with accurate pricing
• Running small-budget promoted pin campaigns to their bestsellers

Their transformative success came from consistency—pinning 5-7 fresh images daily and focusing on building seasonal boards months ahead of actual seasons.

Case Study 2: Handmade Jewelry Seller

An independent jewelry maker who struggled on other platforms found Pinterest generated 68% of their e-commerce traffic by:

• Creating detailed pins showcasing the craftsmanship of each piece
• Developing tutorial pins showing how to style different jewelry items
• Using video pins to demonstrate the making process
• Establishing clear product categories through well-organized boards

The authentic connection they built with their audience through behind-the-scenes content significantly increased their conversion rate compared to other platforms.

Case Study 3: Home Décor Brand

A mid-sized home décor company attributed a 215% ROI on their Pinterest marketing by:

• Creating room-specific boards showing their products in context
• Developing seasonal collections aligned with Pinterest trends
• Utilizing shopping catalogs for their entire inventory
• Collaborating with home design influencers

Their meticulous approach to Pinterest SEO—researching and incorporating trending keywords specific to home décor—significantly increased their organic visibility.

Conclusion: Is Selling on Pinterest Right for Your Business?

Pinterest offers unique advantages for sellers who understand its distinctive nature as a visual discovery platform. Unlike traditional social media focused on social connection, Pinterest users come with intentional shopping mindsets, actively seeking products and ideas worth purchasing. This fundamental difference makes Pinterest an exceptional opportunity for businesses with visually appealing products and the patience to build a strategic presence.

Success on the platform requires more than simply posting product images. The businesses that thrive on Pinterest approach it with intentionality—creating valuable content, optimizing for searchability, engaging authentically with the community, and analyzing performance data to continuously refine their approach.

If your products can be showcased visually, if you’re willing to create content that balances inspiration with promotion, and if you can commit to consistent activity, selling on Pinterest likely represents an untapped growth opportunity for your business. The platform’s unique combination of search engine functionality and social discovery creates an environment where products can continue driving traffic and sales long after they’re first pinned.

Start by implementing the foundational strategies outlined in this guide, then refine your approach based on what resonates with your specific audience. With time and attention, Pinterest can evolve from an experimental marketing channel to a reliable, profitable component of your overall selling strategy.

Remember that Pinterest success rarely happens overnight—the compound growth that comes from consistently creating optimized, valuable content is what ultimately translates pins into profit.