When I first started on Pinterest as an affiliate marketer, I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. I thought, “Just pin a few links to my blog posts and wait for the cash to roll in.” Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work that way. BUT once I figured out the types of content that perform best on Pinterest, everything changed. My traffic grew, my affiliate commissions started to pop, and I felt like I finally cracked the code.
If you’re ready to grow your Pinterest game and drive affiliate income, here are 10 types of content that work like magic on Pinterest.
1. How-To Guides
How-to guides are step-by-step tutorials that teach readers how to do something specific. For Pinterest, this could be guides like “How to Create Viral Pinterest Pins” or “How to Drive Traffic From Pinterest to Your Website.” These guides work exceptionally well because they solve problems for Pinterest users who are actively looking for actionable advice.
Why They Work:
Pinterest users are planners. They’re not just scrolling aimlessly—they’re there to figure things out. How-to guides meet that need and position you as a helpful expert. Plus, these guides allow you to naturally recommend affiliate tools that make the process easier.
Example:
If you’re an affiliate for PinClicks, you can create a guide like, “How to Find Pinterest Keywords That Boost Your Traffic.” In the guide, explain the importance of Pinterest keywords, and show readers how to use PinClicks to find high-volume, low-competition keywords to optimize their pins and boards.
How to Use the Tool:
PinClicks is a keyword research tool designed specifically for Pinterest. In your guide, you can include step-by-step instructions like:
- Log into PinClicks using your account.
- Enter a broad keyword related to your niche (e.g., “home organization”).
- Review the suggested keywords and their search volume.
- Select 3–5 keywords to include in your pin titles, descriptions, and boards.
Picture This:
Imagine a small business owner trying to grow their Pinterest traffic but struggling to get their pins noticed. They find your guide, follow the steps to research keywords with PinClicks, and start ranking higher in Pinterest search results. They’re thrilled with the results—and you’ve earned a commission through your affiliate link.
2. Listicles
Listicles are blog posts that present information in an easy-to-read list format, like “10 Best Tools for Pinterest Marketing” or “5 Strategies to Get More Affiliate Sales on Pinterest.” These are great for showcasing multiple tools, strategies, or ideas in one post while providing readers with value.
Why They Work:
Pinterest users love lists because they’re easy to skim and promise quick, actionable takeaways. Including your affiliate tools in a curated list can help readers solve problems while earning commissions.
Example:
If you’re an affiliate for Tailwind, create a listicle like “5 Essential Tools for Pinterest Success.” Include Tailwind as your top recommendation for scheduling pins, and briefly explain how it saves time and increases pin reach.
How to Use the Tool:
In your post, explain how Tailwind can be used:
- Set up your account and connect your Pinterest profile.
- Upload pins to the Tailwind dashboard.
- Use the SmartSchedule feature to automatically pin at the best times for your audience.
- Monitor analytics to track which pins are driving the most traffic.
Picture This:
Imagine a busy blogger overwhelmed with manually pinning every day. They click on your listicle, learn about Tailwind, and sign up through your affiliate link. Now, they can batch-schedule their pins for the month in one afternoon.
3. Product Comparisons
Product comparison posts compare two or more tools or strategies side-by-side, helping readers decide which one is the best fit for their needs. For example, “Manual Pinning vs. Tailwind: Which Strategy Works Best?” or “PinClicks vs. Pinterest Trends Tool: Which One Helps You Rank Faster?”
Why They Work:
Pinterest users are often researching tools or strategies to grow their accounts. A product comparison simplifies the decision-making process, builds trust, and positions you as a helpful resource.
Example:
If you’re an affiliate for Tailwind, write a comparison post like, “Tailwind vs. Manual Pinning: Which One Saves You More Time?” Break down the features, benefits, and time-saving potential of Tailwind, and include examples of how it streamlines Pinterest marketing.
How to Use the Tool:
In your comparison, walk readers through Tailwind’s key features, such as:
- The SmartSchedule feature for automated pinning.
- Tailwind Communities for collaboration and expanded reach.
- Analytics for tracking pin performance and optimizing strategy.
Picture This:
Imagine a solopreneur who’s been manually pinning every day but feels burned out. They read your post, see how Tailwind can save them hours each week, and decide to give it a try using your affiliate link.
4. Seasonal Content
Seasonal content focuses on timely topics tied to specific times of the year, like holidays, summer travel, or back-to-school season. Examples include “Top Pinterest Marketing Tips for Black Friday” or “How to Plan Your Pinterest Strategy for the Holidays.”
Why They Work:
Pinterest users are planners who love to prep for seasonal events ahead of time. Seasonal content is highly shareable and has a sense of urgency, making it ideal for driving traffic and conversions.
Example:
If you’re an affiliate for a design tool like Creative Market (for Pinterest templates), you could create a post like, “The Best Pinterest Templates for Holiday Promotions.” In your post, explain how using customizable templates can save time and ensure their pins look professional.
Picture This:
A small business owner is prepping for holiday sales but struggling to create eye-catching pins. They find your guide, download a holiday template pack from Creative Market using your link, and have beautiful pins ready to go in no time.
5. Checklists
Checklists are simple, step-by-step resources that help readers accomplish a task or ensure they don’t miss anything important. Examples include “The Ultimate Pinterest Marketing Checklist” or “10 Steps to Optimize Your Pinterest Profile.” These are great for breaking down complex processes into actionable steps.
Why They Work:
People love checklists because they’re straightforward and easy to follow. They provide clarity and remove the guesswork, which is perfect for Pinterest users who are often searching for resources to simplify their goals.
Example:
If you’re an affiliate for Tailwind, you could create a resource like “The Pinterest Scheduling Checklist for Beginners.” Include steps like setting up a Tailwind account, adding boards to your Tailwind dashboard, and scheduling pins using SmartSchedule.
How to Use the Tool:
Explain how to use Tailwind in the checklist:
- Create a Tailwind account and connect your Pinterest profile.
- Use Tailwind’s “Board Lists” feature to group similar boards for faster scheduling.
- Schedule 10–20 pins per week using the SmartSchedule to post at the best times.
Picture This:
A busy entrepreneur trying to stay consistent on Pinterest finds your pin and downloads your checklist. They realize how much time Tailwind could save them and sign up for a free trial using your affiliate link. Now they’re equipped with a clear plan, and you’ve earned a commission.
6. Templates and Freebies
Templates and freebies are downloadable resources that provide immediate value to your audience. For Pinterest marketers, this could include Pinterest pin templates, content calendars, or keyword tracking spreadsheets. You can pair these freebies with affiliate tools that help readers customize or use them effectively.
Why They Work:
Pinterest users love resources that save them time. A free template or worksheet feels like a gift, and when you include affiliate tools that enhance the freebie (like graphic design or analytics tools), it’s a win-win.
Example:
If you’re an affiliate for Creative Market, you can offer a free guide like “5 Pinterest Templates to Drive Traffic.” In the guide, recommend Pinterest templates from Creative Market that readers can purchase and customize.
Picture This:
A small business owner struggling to design professional pins stumbles across your freebie. They download your guide, love the free templates, and purchase a premium template pack from Creative Market using your affiliate link.
7. Case Studies
Case studies highlight real-life examples of how a tool or strategy has worked for you or someone else. These posts are excellent for affiliate marketing because they provide proof that the tool delivers results, building trust with your audience.
Why They Work:
Pinterest users want to see evidence before they invest time or money into a new tool or strategy. A detailed case study shows them exactly how a tool works and why it’s worth using, making it easier for them to take action.
Example:
If you’re an affiliate for PinClicks, write a case study like, “How I Increased Pinterest Traffic by 50% Using PinClicks.” Share specific data, like how you used PinClicks to find high-traffic keywords, optimize your pin descriptions, and track performance.
How to Use the Tool:
Walk readers through the process of using PinClicks in the case study:
- Use PinClicks to identify trending and high-volume keywords in your niche.
- Incorporate those keywords into your pin titles, descriptions, and boards.
- Track your pin rankings over time to measure success.
Picture This:
A blogger who’s frustrated with stagnant Pinterest traffic reads your case study. Inspired by your results, they decide to sign up for PinClicks using your affiliate link to replicate your success.
8. Infographics
Infographics are visually appealing graphics that condense information into an easy-to-digest format. They’re perfect for Pinterest because they’re highly shareable and ideal for explaining concepts quickly, like “The Anatomy of a Perfect Pinterest Pin” or “Pinterest Marketing: Do’s and Don’ts.”
Why They Work:
Pinterest is a visual platform, so content that’s both educational and eye-catching performs well. Infographics naturally drive clicks, shares, and saves. Plus, you can use them to introduce affiliate tools that help readers create their own graphics.
Example:
If you’re an affiliate for Creative Market, create an infographic like “5 Steps to Create a Viral Pinterest Pin.” Include Creative Market as a resource for purchasing high-quality graphics, icons, or templates to design professional pins.
Picture This:
A Pinterest marketer sees your infographic, saves it to their board, and later clicks your link to purchase design assets from Creative Market. Now they’re equipped with tools to improve their pins, and you’ve earned a commission.
9. Tutorial Videos or Video Pins
Tutorial videos (or video pins) demonstrate how to do something step-by-step. For example, “How to Schedule Pins With Tailwind” or “How to Optimize Pin Descriptions for SEO.” Pinterest recently started prioritizing video pins in its algorithm, so this type of content is perfect for grabbing attention and driving clicks.
Why They Work:
Videos stand out on Pinterest and offer a unique way to show how a tool works in real time. They’re personal, engaging, and perfect for building trust with your audience.
Example:
If you’re an affiliate for Tailwind, create a video pin like, “How to Schedule 100 Pins in One Hour With Tailwind.” Show viewers how you use Tailwind to plan, schedule, and optimize pins for maximum reach.
How to Use the Tool:
In the video, demonstrate Tailwind’s features step-by-step:
- Upload a batch of pins to the Tailwind dashboard.
- Use SmartSchedule to find the best posting times.
- Monitor analytics to adjust your strategy.
Picture This:
A new Pinterest user sees your video pin and clicks through to learn more about Tailwind. Impressed by how easy it looks, they sign up using your affiliate link.
10. Roundup Posts
Roundup posts feature curated collections of tips, tools, or strategies from other experts in your niche. For example, “10 Pinterest Marketing Tips From the Pros” or “Top Resources for Growing Pinterest Traffic.” These posts are great for showcasing affiliate tools in a natural way.
Why They Work:
Readers love hearing advice from multiple sources, and roundup posts position you as a well-connected expert. They’re also easy to pin and share, making them perfect for Pinterest.
Example:
If you’re an affiliate for Creative Market, include it in a roundup post like, “Top 5 Tools to Create Stunning Pinterest Pins.” Explain how Creative Market helps users find customizable templates and design assets to elevate their Pinterest game.
How to Use the Tool:
In the post, recommend Creative Market as your go-to resource for professional Pinterest templates. Include a link to a specific product category, like Pinterest graphics or social media templates, to make it easier for readers to explore.
Picture This:
A Pinterest newbie reads your roundup post, clicks your Creative Market link, and purchases a bundle of templates. Now they have beautiful pins, and you’ve earned a commission.
