How to sell digital products on Pinterest in 6 steps

Why Pinterest works for digital products

Pinterest works like a visual search engine. A Pin can turn up in searches months after you publish it and keep sending visitors to your site. Add a link to your article or sales page so interested readers have somewhere to go next.

1Get a business account

It’s free and gives you access to Pin analytics. You can track impressions, saves, and clicks. To see which Pins bring people to your site, focus on outbound clicks.

If you own your website, claim it in your Pinterest settings. You’ll need to verify ownership through your site or domain settings. Your profile will then be linked to Pins saved from your website, with your photo and a link to your account. Pinterest’s help page walks you through the process.

2Name your boards with relevant search terms

Create a board for each topic your customers care about, such as “Selling an ebook,” “Notion organization,” or “Quick weeknight recipes.”

Type your topic into Pinterest search and look at the suggestions. Use the ones that fit your content to name your boards. A specific name tells people what they’ll find inside.

3One Pin, one question, one answer

Use a vertical image with a headline people can read on their phones. A number can make the promise more specific, such as “7 reasons…” or “The 12-point checklist,” as long as the content delivers.

Your headline should answer a customer’s question or explain what your product helps them do. “Plan your week in Notion” tells them more than your planner’s name alone.

4Write a description with relevant keywords

Write two or three natural sentences explaining what people will find when they follow the link. Include search terms that fit the topic.

Choose a useful description over a string of hashtags. It helps Pinterest understand your content and recommend it to people who might be interested.

5Choose the right link for each Pin

A Pin titled “7 reasons your ebook isn’t selling” should lead to an article explaining those seven reasons. You can introduce your ebook afterward.

Avoid sending people to your home page if they’ll have to hunt for what you promised. Take them straight to the right content.

6Find a pace you can maintain, and give it time

Publish a few Pins a week at a pace you can keep up. You can create several Pins for the same link by trying different angles and visuals.

Give yourself several weeks before judging the results. Some Pins find an audience right away; others take much longer. Focus on outbound clicks to see which ones bring visitors to your site, rather than relying on impressions alone.

Don’t depend on a single channel

Don’t wait for Pinterest traffic before sharing your link elsewhere. Put it where people already follow you. You can also ask a complementary business to introduce your products to its audience.

Common mistakes when selling on Pinterest

• Posting only your product cover without explaining what it offers.
• Giving boards vague names people wouldn’t think to search for, such as “Little joys.”
• Giving up after three weeks without checking which Pins are starting to bring in visitors.
• Linking to a page that doesn’t deliver what the Pin promises.

Frequently asked questions about selling on Pinterest