How to Use Pinterest to Earn Affiliate Commissions
- David Bisina
- Nov 5
- 5 min read
When I first heard that people were making money on Pinterest, I didn’t believe it. I thought Pinterest was just a place to find home decor ideas or wedding inspiration. But after trying it myself, I realized it’s one of the most underrated platforms for affiliate marketers especially if you know how to use it strategically.
This guide breaks down exactly how you can use Pinterest to earn affiliate commissions (even without owning a website). Whether you’re a beginner in Nigeria or anywhere in the world, you can start today with little to no budget and simple tools.
If you’re new to affiliate marketing, start with our Affiliate Marketing in Nigeria Beginner’s Guide.
Table of Contents
What Is Pinterest Affiliate Marketing?
Pinterest affiliate marketing means promoting affiliate links through pins. When someone clicks your pin and buys a product, you earn a commission. Simple as that.
Unlike other social platforms that rely on trends or followers, Pinterest is a visual search engine.
That means your pins can get discovered months or even years after you post them giving you long-term passive traffic.
According to Pinterest Business, over 465 million people use Pinterest monthly, and the majority are actively searching for ideas or solutions perfect for affiliate marketers.
Why Pinterest Works So Well for Affiliate Marketing
Pinterest is a goldmine for affiliates because it combines search engine power with visual appeal. Here’s why it works so well:
Evergreen content — Pins you create today can bring traffic for months.
Low competition — Few Nigerian affiliates are using Pinterest effectively.
Global reach — You can promote international products and get paid in USD.
Visual trust — Beautiful pins attract clicks, especially for digital products and skills-based offers.
Step-by-Step: How I Started Affiliate Marketing on Pinterest
Here’s exactly how I got started and what you can do too.
Step 1: Choose the Right Niche & Product
Your success on Pinterest depends on your niche. Focus on topics that have high search demand and visual appeal. Here are some great niches for Nigerians:
Need ideas? Check out our post on the Best Niches for Affiliate Marketing in 2025.
Digital skills (affiliate marketing, data analysis, design)
Personal finance
Lifestyle and productivity
Health & fitness
Pro Tip: Start with digital courses on Digistem they have high commissions and quality products across multiple niches.
Step 2: Create a Pinterest Business Account
Head to Pinterest Business and create a free account. Add a clear profile photo, short bio (e.g., Helping Nigerians earn online with affiliate marketing), and include your affiliate disclosure.
Step 3: Design Click-Worthy Pins
Use Canva (free) to create attractive vertical pins (1000x1500px). Use bright colors, bold text, and minimal clutter.
Each pin should include:
A short headline (e.g., Learn Data Analysis Online in Nigeria)
The product image or mockup
Your brand logo (optional)
Step 4: Add Your Affiliate Links (Without Breaking Rules)
Pinterest allows affiliate links, but avoid spammy behavior. You can:
Directly link your affiliate URL in the pin.
Use a redirect page (like a free Systeme.io or Google Site).
Or link to your blog if you have one (recommended long-term).
If you’re ready to build a blog for your affiliate links, read our guide on Best Affiliate Marketing Platforms for Nigerians
Always add a disclosure (e.g., “This post contains affiliate links”) for transparency.
Step 5: Optimize for Pinterest SEO
Pinterest SEO works just like Google the right keywords get your pins discovered.
Use Pinterest’s search bar to find related keywords.
Add those keywords to your pin titles, descriptions, and board names.
Example: If your niche is affiliate marketing in Nigeria, keywords might include:
"affiliate marketing tips", "how to earn online", "make money with Pinterest"
Step 6: Stay Consistent & Track Results
Consistency matters more than perfection. Aim for 1-3 new pins daily. Track clicks and saves using Pinterest Analytics.
After 30 days, I noticed my pins promoting a Digistem course started getting 300+ impressions per day, and my first few clicks led to actual affiliate conversions.
My Results After 30 Days on Pinterest
When I tried Pinterest affiliate marketing for 30 days, I didn’t go viral. But my pins quietly grew traction over time. I started with 0 followers and ended with:
9.2k monthly views
400+ link clicks
5 affiliate sales from Digistem
Not bad for a beginner setup with no website and just Canva.
The key lesson? Pinterest rewards consistency, not virality.
Best Types of Products to Promote on Pinterest
Pinterest users love visually inspiring, lifestyle-oriented content. That’s why digital products perform so well.
We’ve already reviewed the Best Affiliate Marketing Products to Promote in 2025
1. Digital Skills & Online Courses (Top Pick)
Courses on affiliate marketing, content creation, or freelancing sell easily because Nigerians are eager to learn high-income skills. Try Digistem’s affiliate program to promote digital courses across multiple niches.
2. Lifestyle & Productivity Tools
Promote global platforms like Canva Pro, Skillshare, or online business templates.
3. Fashion, Health, and Fitness Offers
If you enjoy visuals, these niches perform great on Pinterest but start with what you know.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make on Pinterest
Posting without keywords.
Copying other creators instead of finding your own style.
Linking to scammy or low-quality offers.
Giving up too early Pinterest takes time to build momentum.
Tools That Make Pinterest Affiliate Marketing Easier
Tool | Use |
Canva | Design your pins quickly and for free |
Pinterest Trends | Discover what Nigerians are searching for |
Build a free landing page to collect emails( not necessary as a beginner) | |
Digistem | Get access to high-commission digital products |
Start Your Pinterest Affiliate Journey Today
You don’t need a blog or a large audience to start. You just need consistency, strategy, and patience.
Download your Free Affiliate Starter Guide to get a 7-day beginner roadmap.
And when you’re ready to take affiliate marketing seriously, join the Digistem Affiliate UMM Course, the same system that helped me start earning real commissions online.
FAQs
1. Can I do affiliate marketing on Pinterest without a blog?
Yes! You can link directly to affiliate offers or use a free landing page. Pinterest allows affiliate links as long as they aren’t spammy.
2. How do I find the best products to promote on Pinterest?
Start with digital skills courses, online tools, and lifestyle products. Focus on what genuinely helps your audience.
3. Do Nigerians get paid from Pinterest affiliate sales?
Yes. Use affiliate platforms like Digistem or international ones that pay via Payoneer or bank transfer.
4. How many pins should I post per day?
Aim for 1–3 high-quality pins daily. Focus on valuable, keyword-rich designs over quantity.
5. Can I make money fast on Pinterest?
Pinterest isn’t about quick wins it rewards consistency. The longer your pins stay active, the more traffic (and sales) you’ll generate over time.