Let’s start with a confession: I used to think Pinterest was just a place to save recipes I’d never cook and dream about redecorating my living room. But then I discovered something wild—this platform isn’t just for DIY inspo or wedding mood boards. It’s a money-making machine. And the key to unlocking its potential? Pinterest Trends.
Whether you’re a small business owner, a content creator, or someone who just loves side hustles, Pinterest offers tools to turn your ideas into income. But first, let’s answer the big questions you might be asking.
What Is Pinterest Used For?
If you’ve ever planned a party, designed a garden, or even picked out an outfit, chances are you’ve turned to Pinterest. With over 482 million monthly active users, Pinterest is the go-to platform for visual discovery. People aren’t just scrolling mindlessly here—they’re actively searching for ideas, products, and solutions.
Here’s the kicker: Pinterest users are ready to spend. According to Pinterest’s own data, 83% of weekly Pinners have made a purchase based on content they saw from brands. Whether it’s home decor, fashion, or tech gadgets, users treat Pinterest like a search engine for their future selves. And that’s where you come in.
Is Pinterest Social Media?
This is a trick question. Technically, yes—Pinterest is categorized as a social media platform. But it’s more like a hybrid between Google and Instagram. Unlike Facebook or TikTok, where the focus is on likes, comments, and shares, Pinterest thrives on intent. Users aren’t here to socialize; they’re here to plan, shop, and act.
As Pinterest co-founder Ben Silbermann once said, “Pinterest is a tool for planning your dreams.” That makes it less about viral dances and more about connecting people with products, services, and ideas they’ll actually use.
Who Owns Pinterest?
Pinterest went public in 2019 and is currently led by CEO Bill Ready, a former Google executive. But its origins trace back to 2010, when co-founders Ben Silbermann, Paul Sciarra, and Evan Sharp launched it as a visual bookmarking tool. Today, it’s a publicly traded company (NYSE: PINS) valued at over $20 billion.
Why does this matter? Because Pinterest’s ownership and leadership have shaped it into a platform that prioritizes shoppable content and user intent. Unlike platforms owned by Meta (Facebook, Instagram) or Alphabet (Google), Pinterest’s independence allows it to focus on becoming the ultimate discovery engine.
Pinterest vs. Other Platforms: Why It’s a Money-Maker
Let’s get real: Instagram has Reels, TikTok has trends, but Pinterest has staying power. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Platform | User Intent | Content Lifespan | Sales Conversion |
|---|---|---|---|
| High (planning/shopping) | Months to years | 4x higher than other platforms | |
| Medium (entertainment) | Days to weeks | Moderate | |
| TikTok | Low (entertainment) | Hours to days | Low |
Pinterest pins continue to drive traffic and sales long after they’re posted, thanks to their evergreen nature. Plus, Pinterest ads can target users based on their search behavior—like showing camping gear to someone planning a hiking trip.
How Pinterest Trends Turns Clicks Into Cash
Now, let’s dive into the star of the show: Pinterest Trends. This free tool shows you what’s trending on the platform by category, region, or time frame. Here’s how to use it to make money:
1. Spot Trends Before They Go Viral
Pinterest Trends is like a crystal ball. For example, if you sell fitness gear, you might notice searches for “home workouts” spike every January. By creating content around these keywords before peak season, you’ll dominate search results.
Case in point: During the 2023 holidays, searches for “DIY ornaments” surged by 200%. Creators who pinned tutorials in October saw massive traffic by December.
2. Keyword Goldmine for Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to earn on Pinterest. Let’s say you run a food blog. By using Pinterest Trends to find rising keywords like “air fryer recipes,” you can create Idea Pins featuring your favorite products and drop affiliate links (like these Amazon bestsellers) in the description.
Pro tip: Use Rakuten or ShareASale to find affiliate programs in your niche.
3. Sell Products Directly (Without the Middleman)
If you have an online store, Pinterest’s shopping features let users buy your products without leaving the app. Integrate your Shopify store with Pinterest, and your product pins will auto-populate with prices and links.
And guess what? Pinterest users spend 80% more than shoppers on other platforms.
4. Land Brand Deals Like a Pro
Brands love Pinterest because users are in “buy mode.” If your pins consistently drive traffic, companies will pay you to promote their products. Use Trends to identify brands that align with your audience.
For example, if “sustainable activewear” is trending, reach out to eco-friendly fitness brands for collaborations.
3 Mistakes to Avoid (And What to Do Instead)
- Ignoring SEO
Pinterest is a visual search engine. Use keywords in your pin titles, descriptions, and alt text. Tools like Keyword Tool Dominator can help. - Posting Inconsistently
Pinterest rewards fresh content. Aim for 5-10 pins per day, but automate scheduling with Tailwind. - Forgetting Mobile Users
80% of Pinterest traffic comes from mobile. Use vertical pins (2:3 ratio) and bold text that’s easy to read on small screens.
Ready to Start? Here’s Your Action Plan
- Claim Your Free Business Account
Convert to a Pinterest Business account for analytics and ad features. - Spy on Trends Weekly
Visit Pinterest Trends every Monday to plan your content. - Mix Evergreen and Trending Content
Balance seasonal trends (holiday gift guides) with timeless topics (meal prep ideas).
Final Thoughts: Why Pinterest is Worth Your Time
Pinterest isn’t just another social media app—it’s a sales funnel disguised as a vision board. With its unmatched intent-driven audience and the power of Pinterest Trends, you can turn passive scrollers into loyal customers.
So, what are you waiting for? Your next viral pin (and paycheck) is just a trend away.
Pinterest Hashtag Generator – Get More Reach & Clicks Instantly
Intro: Want to skyrocket your Pinterest traffic? The secret is using SEO-friendly hashtags that help your content rank. With our Pinterest Hashtag Recommender, you’ll discover the top-performing hashtags in your niche, so your pins get more impressions, saves, and clicks—without guessing!