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Creating Pins for Affiliate Marketing (Without Getting Banned)

Introduction

Today, I’m going to show you how to link an affiliate offer directly to a Pinterest pin. Yes, it’s allowed despite much of the internet suggesting otherwise. You just need to follow Pinterest's terms of service and affiliate marketing guidelines. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to do this step-by-step.

My name is Britney. I'm a social media marketing and Pinterest strategist, and I provide this information on YouTube for free. I make a full-time income working part-time as a stay-at-home mom, and I want to share my secrets with you. All I ask is that you like, subscribe, comment, and engage with my videos so that I don't have to charge for a course. My entire YouTube channel is filled with social media tutorials and Pinterest marketing advice, with additional freebies and resources linked in the description box of each video.

Let’s start turning your Pinterest pins into links to affiliate offers.

Why Pinterest?

Why take affiliate marketing offers to Pinterest instead of sticking to Instagram, TikTok, or other social platforms? The answer lies in what Pinterest actually is—a search engine, similar to Google or YouTube. Users enter search terms, and Pinterest’s algorithm matches those terms with relevant pins.

Unlike mainstream platforms where a post's lifecycle might peak and then quickly fade, effective Pinterest pins can bring in traffic for months if they’re properly optimized with the right keywords. This contributes to passive income because you create the content once, and it continues to yield results over time.

For a deeper dive into affiliate marketing on Pinterest, check out my comprehensive guide linked in the description box of my YouTube video. But today, we will focus on how to link a pin to an affiliate offer.

Steps to Promote Affiliate Products on Pinterest

Step 1: Select a Product to Promote

Say, you’re in the motherhood niche and wish to promote the book "Mindful New Mom" on Amazon. You can create Pinterest pins that lead directly to the Amazon product page.

Here’s what you shouldn’t do: do not steal product images from Amazon. This violates Pinterest’s terms of service and can get your account banned. Instead, you need unique, visually appealing pins that highlight the benefits of the affiliate product.

Step 2: Designing Your Pin

Conduct a quick Pinterest search for colors and styles that are trending. For example, for mindfulness-related content, you may see a trend for soft pinks and purples.

Using Canva, you can create a new pin. Choose relevant imagery, such as a calm and happy mom. Use bold, readable text like “How to Not Lose Your Cool in Motherhood". Include a call-to-action such as “Learn More” to encourage clicks.

After creating your pin, upload it to Pinterest. For an Amazon product, get your affiliate link via the "Get Link" feature on the Amazon product page. Paste this link in the destination URL field on Pinterest.

Step 4: Tagging Products on Mobile

You can also tag products directly on Pinterest pins using the mobile app. After uploading your pin, use the "Tag Products" feature to add your Amazon affiliate link. Alternatively, you can use the "like to know it" creator app to compile multiple affiliate products into one pin.

Final Touch: Compliance

Make sure to include a disclosure like “contains affiliate link” in your pin description to comply with Pinterest’s rules and regulations.

Here’s a brief overview of options:

  1. Direct Linking: Create pins with a direct affiliate link.
  2. Using Your Own Photos: If you have the product, use your photos/videos.
  3. Videos: Create engaging videos related to the product.
  4. Tag Products on Mobile: Use Pinterest's tagging feature to link products.

Use these strategies, keep your content unique and value-driven, and you’ll stay within Pinterest’s guidelines while promoting your affiliate products effectively.

Keywords

  • Affiliate marketing
  • Pinterest pins
  • Search engine
  • Canva design
  • Amazon affiliate
  • Mobile tagging
  • Call-to-action
  • Compliance
  • Like to know it

FAQ

Q: Can I use any affiliate link on Pinterest? A: Most affiliate links are supported, but some may not work with Pinterest's tagging feature. Always disclose that your pin contains affiliate links to stay compliant.

Q: What type of images should I use for my pins? A: Use unique, visually appealing images that align with the content and target audience. Avoid using images directly from affiliate websites unless you have permission.

Q: How do I ensure my pins are searchable for longer durations? A: Conduct proper keyword research to ensure that your pins are optimized for the search terms your audience uses most frequently.

Q: Can I use video pins for affiliate marketing? A: Yes, video pins are highly effective on Pinterest and can also be tagged with affiliate links just like static pins.

Q: Is it necessary to add a call-to-action on my pins? A: Adding a call-to-action can help increase engagement and click-through rates, though it's not absolutely required.

Q: What do I need to do to stay compliant with Pinterest’s guidelines? A: Ensure that your pins provide value, do not use unauthorized images, and always disclose the presence of affiliate links.

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