The Critical Pinterest Selling Step Most Users Miss (And How to Fix It)

Last Updated: January 2025 | Read Time: 15 minutes

Pinterest isn't just a place for recipe ideas and home décor inspiration. It's a visual search engine where many users actively look for products to buy, not just browse.

Yet most sellers treat Pinterest like Instagram, posting pretty pictures and hoping for sales. They're skipping the one step that separates browsers from buyers: strategic product visibility through Pinterest's unique discovery algorithm.

This guide reveals exactly how to sell products on Pinterest, from setup to your first sale—and how to scale to $10K+ monthly.

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Why Pinterest Is an E-Commerce Goldmine (Unlike Other Platforms)

The Pinterest Buyer Mindset

Pinterest users aren't scrolling to kill time. They're planning, researching, and actively shopping. Many Pinterest users rely on the platform for purchase decisions and have made purchases based on brand pins they've discovered.

The average order value from Pinterest traffic tends to be higher than other social platforms, and shopping intent is significantly stronger compared to entertainment-focused platforms like Instagram.

The Critical Difference: Instagram = passive discovery. Pinterest = active shopping research.

Pinterest vs. Other E-Commerce Channels

Platform	Primary Intent	Purchase Timeline	Conversion Rate	Avg. Order Value
Pinterest	Product research	1-30 days	2-5%	$50-80
Instagram	Entertainment	Impulse	0.5-1.2%	$30-45
Facebook	Social connection	Varies	1-2%	$35-55
TikTok	Entertainment	Impulse	0.8-1.5%	$25-40
Google Shopping	Direct purchase intent	Immediate	3-6%	$40-65

Pinterest sits between social media and search engines—combining high purchase intent with extended discovery timelines that build trust.

The Crucial Step Most Sellers Skip

Most sellers create a Pinterest Business account and start pinning products.

They skip this: Pinterest Shop setup + Product Pin optimization.

Without Product Pins, your products are just pretty pictures. With them, they become:

Shoppable with one tap
Indexed in Pinterest's shopping search
Eligible for rich product features
Tracked for conversion attribution

Product Pins typically see significantly higher conversion rates compared to regular pins with links.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before Selling on Pinterest

1. Pinterest Business Account (Free)

Why Business vs. Personal:

Access to Pinterest Analytics
Product Pin features
Pinterest Shop eligibility
Advertising capabilities
Verified merchant status

Setup Time: 5 minutes How to create a Pinterest Business Account →

2. Verified Website

Pinterest requires website verification to:

Establish trust and authenticity
Enable Product Pins
Access analytics
Show domain name on pins

Verification Methods:

HTML file upload
Meta tag insertion
TXT record (DNS)

3. E-Commerce Platform

Supported Platforms:

Shopify (easiest integration)
WooCommerce
BigCommerce
Magento
Custom websites with product catalog

Why It Matters: Direct integration syncs your product catalog automatically, updating inventory, pricing, and availability in real-time.

4. Product Catalog (Minimum 10 Products)

Requirements:

High-quality product images (1000x1500px recommended)
Clear product descriptions
Accurate pricing
Available inventory
Unique product IDs

How to Sell Products on Pinterest: Complete Setup Guide

Step 1: Convert to Pinterest Business Account

If you have a personal Pinterest account:

Go to Pinterest Business
Click "Convert to Business Account"
Fill in business details
Select your business type and category
Confirm conversion (keeps all existing pins)

If starting fresh:

Visit Pinterest Business Signup
Enter business email and password
Complete business profile
Add business name, website, location
Verify email

Pro Tip: Use your business email, not personal. This matters for merchant verification.

Step 2: Verify Your Website

HTML File Upload Method (Easiest):

Go to Settings → Claim
Click "Claim Website"
Download HTML verification file
Upload to your website root directory
Click "Verify"

Meta Tag Method:

Copy meta tag from Pinterest
Paste into <head> section of website
Click "Verify"

Verification Status: Usually instant, max 24 hours.

Step 3: Enable Rich Pins (Product Pins)

Rich Pins automatically sync product information from your website:

Setup:

Add Open Graph meta tags to product pages:

<meta property="og:type" content="product" />
<meta property="og:title" content="Product Name" />
<meta property="og:description" content="Product description" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://yoursite.com/product" />
<meta property="og:image" content="https://yoursite.com/product-image.jpg" />
<meta property="product:price:amount" content="29.99" />
<meta property="product:price:currency" content="USD" />

Validate with Pinterest Rich Pins Validator
Apply for Rich Pins approval (usually instant)

For Shopify Users: Rich Pins are automatically enabled through the Pinterest app—no coding required.

Step 4: Set Up Pinterest Shop (Catalog Integration)

Shopify Integration (Recommended):

Install Pinterest for Shopify
Connect your Pinterest Business Account
Select products to sync
Approve data sharing
Wait for catalog approval (1-3 days)

WooCommerce Integration:

Install Pinterest for WooCommerce plugin
Connect business account
Configure product feed settings
Generate product catalog
Submit for review

Manual Catalog Upload:

Create product CSV file with required fields:
- Product ID
- Title
- Description
- Link
- Image URL
- Price
- Availability
Go to Ads → Catalogs
Upload CSV
Map fields correctly
Submit for approval

Catalog Approval Time: 24-72 hours typically.

Step 5: Optimize Your Pinterest Profile for Sales

Profile Essentials:

1. Profile Picture:

Use your logo
165x165px minimum
Clear, recognizable branding

2. Business Name:

Match your actual business name
Include primary keyword if natural
Example: "Modern Minimalist Home Décor"

3. Bio (500 characters):

What you sell
Who it's for
Key differentiator
Call-to-action

Example Bio: "Handcrafted leather goods for professionals who value timeless quality. Every bag is made to order in Portland, OR. Free shipping on orders $100+. Shop our collection below 👇"

4. Website Link:

Link to your shop homepage or best landing page
Use UTM parameters to track Pinterest traffic: ?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=profile

5. Featured Boards:

Showcase product boards first
Use keyword-rich board names
Create specific product category boards

Step 6: Create Shoppable Product Boards

Board Strategy for Sales:

Primary Product Boards (Your Products):

"Winter Collection 2025"
"Best Sellers"
"New Arrivals"
"Sale & Clearance"
Product category boards (e.g., "Leather Bags," "Wallets")

Lifestyle & Inspiration Boards (Curated Content):

"Style Inspiration"
"Gift Ideas"
"Behind the Scenes"
"Customer Photos"

Board Optimization:

Board Name:

Keyword-rich
Clear, descriptive
2-4 words ideal

Board Description:

150-300 characters
Include keywords naturally
Explain what shoppers will find
Add link to shop

Example: "Explore our handcrafted leather bags collection. Premium full-grain leather, lifetime guarantee. Perfect for work, travel, and everyday style. Shop: [link]"

Board Cover:

High-quality product image
1000x1500px
Consistent branding

Step 7: Create High-Converting Product Pins

Pin Image Requirements:

Technical Specs:

Size: 1000x1500px (2:3 aspect ratio)
Format: PNG or JPG
Quality: High resolution, well-lit
File size: Under 20MB

Visual Best Practices:

Show product in use (lifestyle shots)
Clean, uncluttered backgrounds
Multiple angles/variations
Text overlay with key benefits
Brand watermark (subtle)

Pin Title (100 characters):

Start with product name
Include key features
Natural keyword usage
Example: "Leather Laptop Bag for Women | Personalized Work Tote with Pockets"

Pin Description (500 characters):

Formula:

Opening hook (benefit-focused)
Key features (2-3 bullets)
Social proof or guarantee
Call-to-action
Keywords naturally included

Example: "Elevate your work style with this handcrafted leather laptop bag. Fits 15" laptops + has 6 organizational pockets. Made from premium full-grain leather that ages beautifully. Free personalization included! ⭐️ 4.9/5 rating from 500+ customers. Free shipping & lifetime warranty. Shop now!"

Hashtags:

5-10 relevant hashtags
Mix broad + niche
Example: #LeatherBag #WorkBag #LaptopTote #WomensFashion #Handmade

Link:

Direct to product page (not homepage)
Include UTM parameters

Pro Tip: Use our Pinterest graphic maker to create professional pin images quickly.

Step 8: Pinterest SEO Strategy for Product Discovery

Pinterest is a visual search engine. SEO determines if your products get discovered.

Keyword Research:

1. Use Pinterest Search Bar:

Type your product category
Note autocomplete suggestions
These are actual user searches

2. Analyze Competitors:

Search for similar products
Review top-performing pins
Note keyword patterns in titles/descriptions

3. Pinterest Trends Tool:

Visit Pinterest Trends
Check search volume for your keywords
Identify seasonal trends

Keyword Placement:

✅ Profile name (if natural)
✅ Profile description
✅ Board names
✅ Board descriptions
✅ Pin titles
✅ Pin descriptions
✅ Hashtags

Keyword Density: Natural, not stuffed. Focus on user intent.

Example Optimization:

Bad: "Check out this bag!" Good: "Personalized Leather Laptop Bag for Women | 15 Inch Work Tote with Zipper Pockets | Handmade in USA"

Complete Pinterest SEO guide →

Advanced Pinterest Selling Strategies

Strategy 1: The Product + Inspiration Approach

Don't just pin products. Pin inspiration.

The Method:

80% lifestyle/inspiration pins
20% direct product pins

Why It Works: Pinterest users are in research mode. Inspiration pins build trust and brand awareness before the hard sell.

Example (Selling Candles):

Product Pins: "Lavender Vanilla Candle - $24.99"
Inspiration Pins:
- "10 Ways to Create a Cozy Reading Nook"
- "Best Self-Care Sunday Ideas"
- "How to Make Your Home Smell Amazing Naturally"

Link inspiration pins to blog posts that feature your products naturally.

Strategy 2: Seasonal Content Calendar

Pinterest users plan 45-90 days ahead:

Month	Plan Content For	Product Categories
January	Spring/Easter (March-April)	Home décor, gardening, spring fashion
February	Mother's Day (May)	Gifts, jewelry, beauty
March	Summer (June-August)	Swimwear, travel, outdoor
April	Back-to-School (August)	School supplies, dorm décor
May	Fall/Halloween (Sept-Oct)	Autumn décor, costumes
June	Thanksgiving (November)	Table settings, recipes
July	Christmas (December)	Gifts, holiday décor

Strategy: Create seasonal boards 3 months in advance, pin consistently.

Strategy 3: Pinterest Ads for New Products

When to Use Paid Ads:

Launching new products
Promoting best sellers
Boosting seasonal sales
Testing product-market fit

Pinterest Ads Formats:

1. Promoted Pins:

Regular pins with paid distribution
Cost: $0.10-$1.50 per click (varies by niche)
Best for: Direct product sales

2. Shopping Ads (Catalog Sales):

Automatically promotes catalog products
Dynamic ads based on user behavior
Best for: Large product catalogs

3. Collection Ads:

Featured hero image + 3 secondary products
Best for: Fashion, home décor

Recommended Budget:

Testing: $10-20/day for 7 days
Scaling: $50-200/day based on ROAS

Target ROAS: 3x-5x (spend $1, earn $3-5)

Strategy 4: Collaborate with Pinterest Influencers

Pinterest Creator Partnerships:

Pinterest has 250K+ active creators. Many have highly engaged, niche audiences.

How to Find Pinterest Influencers:

Search your niche keywords
Identify high-engagement accounts
Check follower count + saves/comments
Reach out with partnership proposal

Partnership Models:

Sponsored pins (flat fee)
Affiliate commission (10-20%)
Free product in exchange for pins
Board collaborations

Typical Rates:

10K-50K followers: $100-500 per pin
50K-100K followers: $500-1,500 per pin
100K+ followers: $1,500-5,000 per pin

ROI Tip: Micro-influencers (5K-25K followers) often have better engagement and lower costs than mega-influencers.

Strategy 5: Use Pinterest Analytics to Optimize

Key Metrics to Track:

1. Impressions:

How many times your pins appeared
Goal: Increase by 20-50% monthly

2. Engagement Rate:

(Saves + Clicks + Comments) / Impressions
Benchmark: 2-5% is good, 5%+ is excellent

3. Outbound Clicks:

Clicks to your website
Direct revenue indicator

4. Saves (Repins):

Shows content resonance
Saved pins get continued distribution

5. Conversion Rate:

Website visitors who purchase
Track with Pinterest Tag + Google Analytics

How to read Pinterest analytics →

Monthly Optimization Routine:

Review top-performing pins (highest clicks)
Identify patterns (image style, topic, keywords)
Create more content like top performers
Prune underperforming boards/pins
Test new pin designs quarterly

Pinterest Selling Best Practices for Maximum Sales

Consistency is Key

Pinterest Posting Frequency:

Minimum: 5-10 pins daily
Optimal: 15-25 pins daily
Maximum: 50 pins daily (established accounts)

Why Daily Pinning Matters: Pinterest algorithm rewards fresh content. Accounts that pin daily get 10x more engagement than those pinning weekly.

Solution: Use a Pinterest scheduler tool to batch create and automate posting.

Pin Multiple Times

Each product should have:

5-10 different pin designs
Varied copy angles
Different lifestyle images
Seasonal variations

Why: Different designs appeal to different audiences. A/B test to find winners.

Engage With Your Audience

Pinterest isn't set-it-and-forget-it:

Daily Engagement (15 minutes):

Reply to pin comments
Follow relevant accounts
Save others' pins (builds reciprocity)
Comment on pins in your niche

Why It Works: Pinterest algorithm notices engagement patterns. Active accounts get more distribution.

Leverage User-Generated Content

Customer Photos = Social Proof

How to Collect UGC:

Create branded hashtag
Encourage customers to pin purchases
Feature customer photos on dedicated board
Offer incentives (discount codes for pins)

UGC Pins perform 50% better than brand-created pins because they feel authentic.

Use Pinterest Tag for Conversion Tracking

Pinterest Tag = Facebook Pixel for Pinterest

Installation:

Go to Ads → Conversions
Copy Pinterest Tag code
Paste in website <head> section
Set up events (Page Visit, Add to Cart, Purchase)

Why Critical: Track which pins drive actual sales, not just clicks. Optimize for revenue, not vanity metrics.

Shopify: Install Pinterest app—tag is added automatically.

Common Pinterest Selling Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake #1: Only Pinning Your Products

Why It Fails: Looks spammy, low engagement, algorithm penalty.

Fix: 80/20 rule

80% valuable content (tips, inspiration, curated pins)
20% direct product pins

Mistake #2: Low-Quality Product Images

Why It Fails: Pinterest is visual. Poor images = instant scroll.

Fix: Invest in quality photography or use templates. Pins with faces tend to get higher engagement. Lifestyle shots typically outperform white-background product shots.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Pin Descriptions

Why It Fails: Pinterest can't read images—text is how you get discovered.

Fix: Write 150-300 character descriptions with natural keywords, benefits, and CTAs.

Mistake #4: Sending Traffic to Homepage

Why It Fails: Extra clicks = lost sales. Users want to see the product they clicked immediately.

Fix: Every product pin should link directly to that product page, not your homepage or a collection page.

Mistake #5: Not Using Pinterest Shop Features

Why It Fails: Without Product Pins, you're missing shoppable features, shopping search visibility, and automated catalog updates.

Fix: Complete Pinterest Shop setup. Even if you don't run ads, catalog integration increases organic reach.

Mistake #6: Giving Up Too Soon

Why It Fails: Pinterest is a long game. Most pins take 3-6 months to reach peak traffic.

Fix: Commit to 90 days of consistent pinning (15-25 daily) before evaluating results. Pinterest rewards patience.

How Much Money Can You Make Selling on Pinterest?

Realistic Revenue Expectations:

Month 1-3 (Setup & Growth Phase):

Traffic: 500-2,000 monthly visits
Sales: $100-500/month
Focus: Building catalog, consistency

Month 4-6 (Traction Phase):

Traffic: 2,000-10,000 monthly visits
Sales: $500-2,500/month
Focus: Optimizing top performers

Month 7-12 (Scaling Phase):

Traffic: 10,000-50,000 monthly visits
Sales: $2,500-10,000+/month
Focus: Expanding catalog, paid ads

Factors Affecting Revenue:

Product pricing (higher price = higher revenue per click)
Conversion rate (2-5% typical)
Pinterest traffic quality
Product niche competitiveness

Case Study Benchmarks:

Jewelry Brand:

Avg. product price: $45
Monthly Pinterest traffic: 25,000
Conversion rate: 3%
Monthly revenue: $33,750

Home Décor Store:

Avg. product price: $75
Monthly Pinterest traffic: 15,000
Conversion rate: 2.5%
Monthly revenue: $28,125

These are achievable with consistent effort and optimization.

Pinterest Selling Tools & Resources

Essential Tools

1. Tailwind (Pinterest Scheduler):

Smart scheduling
Analytics
Communities for reach
Cost: $14.99/month
Tailwind alternatives →

2. Canva (Design Tool):

Pinterest templates
Batch creation
Brand kit
Cost: Free (Pro: $12.99/month)

3. Pinterest Tag Helper (Chrome Extension):

Verify Pinterest Tag installation
Debug conversion tracking
Cost: Free

4. Google Analytics:

Track Pinterest traffic
Analyze user behavior
Measure ROI
Cost: Free

Free Pinterest Resources

Official Pinterest Resources:

SocialRails Free Tools:

Pinterest Selling Checklist

Setup Checklist (Week 1)

Convert to Pinterest Business Account
Verify website
Enable Rich Pins (Product Pins)
Set up Pinterest Shop / catalog integration
Install Pinterest Tag for conversion tracking
Optimize profile (name, bio, link, profile picture)
Create 10-15 product boards
Design 50+ product pins (5+ per product)
Write SEO-optimized pin descriptions

Monthly Maintenance Checklist

Growth Checklist (Quarterly)

Audit all boards and pins
Remove underperforming content
Refresh evergreen pins with new designs
Expand product catalog
Test Pinterest Ads ($10-20/day trial)
Reach out to 5 potential Pinterest influencers
Create new seasonal boards
Analyze competitor strategies
Update Pinterest SEO keywords

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling on Pinterest

Is it free to sell products on Pinterest? Yes, creating a Pinterest Business Account, setting up Pinterest Shop, and pinning products is completely free. You only pay if you choose to run Pinterest Ads. Organic Pinterest marketing costs $0 (besides your time).

Do I need a Pinterest Business Account to sell products? Yes, Pinterest Business Accounts are required for Product Pins, Pinterest Shop, and catalog integration. Converting from a personal account is free and keeps all existing content.

How long does it take to make sales on Pinterest? Most sellers see first sales within 30-90 days of consistent pinning. Pinterest has a longer conversion timeline than other platforms because users save pins for future reference. Consistency is crucial during the first 3 months.

Can I sell on Pinterest without a website? No, Pinterest requires a verified website to enable Product Pins and Pinterest Shop features. However, you can use platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or BigCommerce as your "website" and integrate with Pinterest.

What products sell best on Pinterest? Top-performing categories: Home décor, fashion, beauty, jewelry, crafts, wedding, food, and DIY. Products with visual appeal, aspirational lifestyles, and gift potential perform exceptionally well.

How many pins should I post per day? Optimal: 15-25 pins daily (mix of your products, blog content, and curated inspiration pins). Minimum: 5-10 daily for algorithm visibility. Maximum: 50 daily for established accounts.

Should I use Pinterest Ads or organic only? Start with organic for 90 days to understand what content performs. Then invest $10-20/day in Pinterest Ads to promote top-performing products. Organic + paid strategy works best long-term.

Can I sell digital products on Pinterest? Yes! Digital products (printables, templates, courses, e-books) perform well on Pinterest. Link pins to your sales page or platform like Gumroad, Etsy Digital, or your own website.

How do Pinterest Product Pins work? Product Pins automatically sync price, availability, and product details from your website. They display with a "Shop" button and appear in Pinterest shopping search results, making purchasing easier.

Does Pinterest take a commission on sales? No, Pinterest doesn't take a commission on organic sales. If you use Pinterest Ads, you pay per click or impression, not per sale. All revenue goes directly to you.

Start Selling on Pinterest Today

Selling products on Pinterest isn't complicated—it just requires a strategic approach that most sellers skip.

Your action plan:

Week 1: Setup

Create Pinterest Business Account
Verify website
Enable Product Pins
Set up catalog integration

Week 2-4: Content Creation

Design 50+ product pins
Create 10-15 product boards
Write SEO-optimized descriptions
Schedule 30 days of pins

Month 2-3: Consistency & Engagement

Pin 15-25 times daily
Engage with audience
Monitor analytics
Optimize based on data

Month 4+: Scale & Optimize

Double down on top performers
Test Pinterest Ads
Expand product catalog
Collaborate with creators

Don't skip the crucial step: Set up Pinterest Shop and Product Pins from day one. This single action can 2x your conversion rate.

Need help managing your Pinterest marketing? Try SocialRails for automated Pinterest scheduling, content suggestions, and analytics starting at $19/month.

The opportunity is massive: hundreds of millions of monthly active users ready to discover and buy your products. The question is—will you set it up correctly from the start, or skip the crucial steps like most sellers?

TL;DR - Quick Answer