How To Start As Affiliate On Pinterest And To Implement Links Correctly - So You Don't Get Muted By The Platform

This guide breaks down the entire process, from setup to execution, and highlights the crucial hurdles you need to navigate.

Phase 1: Setting the Foundation for Success

Before you can start pinning affiliate links, you need to establish a credible and optimized presence on the platform.

Step 1: Create a Pinterest Business Account
A business account is essential. It's free and unlocks crucial tools like Pinterest Analytics, which allows you to track pin performance, and other features necessary for affiliate marketing.

Step 2: Define Your Niche and Optimize Your Profile

• Choose a Niche: Focus on a specific area that you are passionate about and that aligns with products you can promote.
• Optimize Your Profile: Use relevant keywords in your display name, bio, and board titles. This helps users discover your content through search. Your profile should clearly communicate the value you offer to your audience.

Step 3: Join Affiliate Programs
Pinterest does not have its own affiliate program. You must join third-party affiliate networks.

• Official Partners: Pinterest's official partners include Rakuten, LTK, Shop Style, and Amazon Associates (US).
• Other Networks: Popular platforms like Awin and ShareASale are also widely used.
• Individual Programs: Many brands offer their own in-house affiliate programs.

Phase 2: The Two Core Strategies for Sharing Links

There are two primary methods for sharing affiliate links on Pinterest. The best approach often involves a mix of both.

Strategy A: The Direct Linking Method

This involves adding your affiliate link directly to a Pin, sending users straight from Pinterest to the merchant's product page.

• When to Use It: Best for simple, product-focused Pins where the user has high purchase intent.
• How to Implement It: When creating a standard Pin, simply paste your unique affiliate link into the "destination link" field.

Strategy B: The Content-Driven Method (Indirect Linking)

This is the most recommended and sustainable strategy. It involves creating valuable content on your own platform (like a blog) that naturally incorporates your affiliate links. You then create Pins that link to this content.

• When to Use It: Ideal for building trust, providing more context, and promoting multiple products. This method is often required by affiliate programs that don't allow direct linking.
• How to Implement It:
  1. Write a high-quality blog post (e.g., "10 Must-Have Gadgets for Your Kitchen," "A Review of the Best Yoga Mats").
  2. Place your affiliate links naturally within the article.
  3. Create multiple, visually appealing Pins for that single blog post.
  4. Add the URL of your blog post to the "destination link" field on each Pin.

Phase 3: Creating and Publishing Your Affiliate Pins

Once your foundation is set and you have a strategy, it's time to create compelling content.

Step 1: Design High-Quality, Engaging Pins

• Visuals are Key: Use high-resolution, vertical images (2:3 aspect ratio is recommended). Video Pins and Idea Pins are also highly effective for showcasing products.
• Add Text Overlays: Use clear, bold text on your Pin image to highlight the benefit or call to action (e.g., "Shop Now," "Learn More").
• Create Multiple Pin Designs: For a single product or blog post, create 3-5 different Pin designs to keep your content fresh and appeal to different segments of your audience.

Step 2: Add Your Affiliate Link Correctly

• Standard Pins: Paste the affiliate link in the "Add a destination link" field.
• Idea Pins: You can add affiliate links to Idea Pins using "product stickers" on the mobile app. You can search for a product or add a URL directly.

Step 3: Write SEO-Optimized Descriptions

• Use Keywords: Research and include relevant keywords that users are searching for in your Pin titles and descriptions.
• Be Descriptive: Clearly explain what the user will find when they click. The description should match the content on the destination page.

Step 4: The Golden Rule: Disclosure
This is the most critical hurdle. You are required by law (FTC guidelines) and by Pinterest's policy to disclose your affiliate relationships.

• How to Disclose: Add a clear disclosure in your Pin description. Common practices include using hashtags like #ad, #affiliate, #sponsored, or a simple phrase like "Affiliate link."
• Placement: The disclosure should be easy to see, not buried at the very end of a long description.

Navigating the Hurdles: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Hurdle: Getting Flagged as Spam. Pinterest's spam filters are sensitive.
  • Solution: Avoid pinning the same link repetitively in a short period. Mix affiliate content with non-promotional, value-driven Pins. Be consistent with your pinning schedule, but don't overdo it.
• Hurdle: Using URL Shorteners. Do not use generic URL shorteners like bit.ly to cloak or hide your affiliate links. Pinterest's systems often block these as they can be used for spam.
  • Solution: Always use the full affiliate link provided by your program.
• Hurdle: Amazon Associates Image Policy. You cannot simply download product images from Amazon and upload them to Pinterest. This is a violation of their policy.
  • Solution: Use your own original photos of the product, create custom graphics using tools like Canva, or use the Amazon SiteStripe tool to share content directly where allowed.
• Hurdle: Broken or Outdated Links. A user clicking on a dead link creates a poor experience.
  • Solution: Regularly check your Pins to ensure the links are still active and the products are in stock.

By following this guide, you can effectively implement affiliate links on Pinterest, build a trustworthy presence, and create a sustainable source of passive income.