AFFILIATE MARKETING
How to Make Money on Pinterest
Some influencers make tons of money on Instagram and TikTok, but a truly hidden gem of a platform that has the potential to generate tons of passive income is Pinterest (NYSE: PINS). Many think that Pinterest is just a platform for wedding planning and home décor, when it actually offers a great opportunity because it has around 500 million monthly active users, meaning that whatever you post on it could be seen by millions. Here’s how to make money on Pinterest by leveraging its vast userbase to your advantage.
Creating a Website
Before you start thinking about how to make money on Pinterest, you need to take a look at the pins of anyone who makes money on the platform, like any popular Pinterest influencer. Most of the pins direct people who click on them to a specific website, so if you want to make money on Pinterest, you have to have a website of your own. Creating your own website isn’t a hard thing to do, since you can use websites like Canva.com or Hostinger.com to create a website, but they aren’t your only options as there are many platforms that you can find easily by googling “create a website” and use to create a website that you can use to publish articles that’ll link to your Pinterest posts.
Finding a Niche
You need to figure out what type of content you want to create, because that’s what your website and your Pinterest blog will revolve around. Try to find a niche that people are interested in, but don’t go for something that’s overly saturated on Pinterest, like fashion or home décor. It’d also help you a lot if that niche is something you’re passionate about, so you don’t get bored easily and give up on creating content for it, but instead go on to treat the money you make from it as an extra bonus to posting about something you love.
Creating a Professional Pinterest Account
You need to create a professional Pinterest account. It costs nothing to upgrade your account from a normal account to a professional one, but having a professional account helps you with a variety of things like viewing analytics and managing ads, so it’s definitely the way to go if you want to make money on the platform.
Creating Boards
After creating your account, you’ll need to open Pinterest and start creating boards, and make sure they’re boards that people can actually search for. Most of the time, people using Pinterest will search for boards, so your chances of getting more visitors will be higher if you create a lot of boards. But, don’t go all in at once and create hundreds of boards with thousands of pins, because this can be a red flag to Pinterest and the platform might think that you’re spamming and end up hiding your posts. Ideally, you want a dozen different boards, with each of them having 20 to 30 pins.
Boards are also extremely useful because they will help increase the number of visitors to your Pinterest blog because you can add to them other people’s posts, so you’d get the combined traffic from multiple people’s Pinterest accounts. If you’re wondering how you can find a name for your board that would get clicks, you can simply use the Pinterest search bar to see what people are already looking for. For example, if your Pinterest blog revolves around cooking, you can simply look up “cooking” and you’ll see results like “cooking for one” or “cooking recipes” and that makes it easy for you to know what keywords to include because that’s what people are searching for.
Creating Pins
You should learn to create pinnable images that people are going to actually click on. It’s important to understand that Pinterest works in the same way as Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), meaning that the first pins that come up when you search for something are the top ranking ones, so you’d need to create a pin that’s similar to the top ranking ones. By looking at the popular pins, you’d see what words and colors work well and then you can include them in your pictures when you’re editing them. You can edit and design pins on Canva for free, and Canva even has multiple Pinterest layouts for you to edit and use, so you can easily create attractive Pinterest pins without needing to be an expert graphic designer.
A good tip for creating pins is to save them, after you’re done with the design and edits, with the keyword of the group board, because this will help it rank better in Pinterest, and reach your intended target audience. For example, if you create a picture about a cooking recipe and you want to add it to your cooking recipes board, you should save the picture as “cooking recipes”. Then, you can post that picture to your Pinterest blog, but don’t forget to add in a bunch of keywords so more people can find your post, link the article about the pin from your website to it, and to also add your post to the right board.
How to Make Money on Pinterest
There are two ways to make money on Pinterest, and both of them require you to grow your views to something around a couple of thousand views per month, because having a lot of views may result in people clicking on your pins and actually going to your website, and that’s where all the magic happens.
Running Ads on Your Website
Once your website gets enough visitors, you can go to the Google AdSense website and sign up to allow Google to run ads on your website, which can give you anywhere from $50 to $100 per month if you have around 10,000 viewers per month, or even more, depending on how many people visit your website. Aside from Google, another website that can run ads on your website for you is called Media.net.
While this amount of money might not seem like a lot of money, but think about it this way, if you’re already doing Pinterest and you love using the platform, you can just link your own website to each pin you already post for free, but actually get paid by allowing businesses to run ads on it. Not only that, but once you hit around 25,000 views per month, you can sign up on Mediavine.com, which could help you get better deals when it comes to making more money with the ads that run on your website. Additionally, the income you earn from Pinterest can eventually turn into passive income as your website and Pinterest blog grow, because they will remain online forever for people to see and click on, even if you decide to stop posting on them.
Pinterest Affiliate Marketing
Running ads is just one way of earning money through Pinterest, and it’s the more passive one. But, if you want to earn more money, and have more time to invest into growing your Pinterest blog and website, then you should do Pinterest affiliate marketing. With affiliate marketing, you basically partner up with companies, allowing them to give you unique referral links to their products that you can share with people, and if those people use your link to buy the products, you get a commission on that sale.
There’s a lot of money to make in it because you can promote multiple products and join multiple affiliate programs for free, and you don’t have to enter an exclusive agreement with just one company, which diversifies your affiliate marketing revenue streams. As for how you’d get paid, different companies have different types of commissions. For example, some companies might just give you $50 for every purchase someone makes through your referral link, while others might give you something like 10% of the sale.
A great tip for starting Pinterest affiliate marketing is that you should start thinking of products that are related to your niche and you want to promote, before you even start creating the content, so you’re able to build the content around the products. The easiest way to get started with affiliate marketing is through joining the Amazon Associates program, which allows you to create affiliate links for any product that’s being sold on Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and you can get a commission of around 10% when people use your link to buy it within 24 hours of clicking on the link.
Keep in mind that you need to have your own website and personal brand to apply for the program, as Amazon would need to know that you’re legit and won’t just spam the link everywhere, and where you’re promoting the products. If the product you want to promote isn’t on Amazon, you can simply google the name of the product or the company that makes it, followed by affiliate program, and you might be able to find an affiliate program for it. In fact, a lot of affiliate marketers prefer to work with the companies directly, rather than Amazon’s program, because commissions can be higher this way.
Once you’ve found the product you want to promote, you can create content around it and post it on your website, and you can put your affiliate links in the website posts, then link the posts to your Pinterest pins. Even better, you can directly put your affiliate link in the description of the Pinterest pin, which could increase the chances of people clicking on it.
The Bottom Line
It’s important to note that while these two methods of making money on Pinterest can help you make a lot of money in passive income, they’re not really passive at first, since you’d need to invest a lot of time into growing your blog and your Pinterest account. In other words, don’t expect this to make you a millionaire in two weeks, but be patient and stay committed to growing your Pinterest presence, then you can hire someone to do all the work for you, and turn the income you make from Pinterest into a true passive income.
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AFFILIATE MARKETING
Cut Costs, Not Features with This Microsoft Bundle Deal
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
Software subscription fees can quickly add up, and for small-business owners, entrepreneurs, or freelancers, these costs can eat into profits. Businesses spend approximately 29% of their IT budgets on software, according to a 2023 survey by Gartner.
For business professionals who are looking to streamline workflow without paying steep subscription fees, the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle might be the perfect solution. For just $71.94 (regularly $927), this comprehensive four-part bundle offers Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019, Windows 11 Pro, Project 2019, and Visio 2019.
While it’s not the newest version of Microsoft’s software, it can deliver tremendous value for anyone seeking tools to manage their business, boost productivity, and work efficiently. The bundle offers a lifetime license, meaning you’ll get all the functionality you need without the recurring costs associated with subscription services like Microsoft 365.
However, it does come with Windows 11 Pro, which includes the recent AI updates. Windows 11 Pro delivers a modern, intuitive interface with enhanced security features such as biometric login and Smart App Control, making it ideal for professionals who prioritize privacy and usability. It’s also equipped with tools that support multitasking, such as Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops.
For companies looking to reduce overhead without compromising essential functionality, making a one-time purchase of slightly older software is a smart financial move. This includes Office’s most popular productivity tools, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Project 2019 is a must-have for anyone who is managing large or small projects. It helps track tasks, timelines, and resources, making it easier to stay on top of deadlines and ensure your team moves in the right direction. Project 2019 gives you the tools to streamline processes and manage tasks efficiently.
Visio 2019 is ideal for creating professional diagrams, flowcharts, and organizational charts. It’s particularly valuable for visualizing complex data or workflows, which is essential for business owners looking to improve operational efficiency.
If you need a productivity boost without eating into savings, take a closer look at this bundle.
Get the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle with Office, Project, Visio, and Windows 11 Pro for $71.94 (regularly $927).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
3 Trends That Will Change the Future of Entrepreneurship
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
The most recent data from the new Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report reveals a powerful trend for the future of entrepreneurship.
Young adults, aged 18-24, had both the highest entrepreneurial activity and entrepreneurial intentions in the United States, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2023-2024 United States Report. With similar results in 2022, this is not just a minor shift — it’s a fundamental change that could have lasting impacts on the economy and society.
I serve as the chair of the board for the Global Entrepreneurship Research Association, the entity that oversees GEM, which was founded in 1999 as a joint venture of Babson College and the London Business School. As the GEM U.S. team co-leader and a professor of entrepreneurship at Babson, I see firsthand the impact of the research created by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.
Here are three entrepreneurship trends from the new GEM report that are changing the landscape for the future.
Related: 21 Success Tips for Young and Aspiring Entrepreneurs
1. Young entrepreneurs on the rise
For years, entrepreneurship has been dominated by older, more experienced individuals, but this year’s report shows that the youngest adults are now at the forefront. According to GEM, 24% of 18- to 24-year-olds are engaged in some form of entrepreneurial activity, a higher rate than any other age group. What’s driving these young entrepreneurs is equally remarkable: They aren’t just starting businesses to make money; many are deeply committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment.
These young entrepreneurs make sustainability a key priority. They are more likely than entrepreneurs from older generations to build businesses with sustainability as a core focus — whether that means reducing their environmental footprint or focusing on social causes. This shift toward impact-driven entrepreneurship isn’t just anecdotal. GEM data shows a significant number of young entrepreneurs taking real, measurable steps to create businesses that align with their values. With sustainability as their north star, young entrepreneurs appear to be simultaneously pursuing societal impact as well as profits.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. While young people are leading the way in starting businesses, they are also discontinuing them at higher rates than their older counterparts. The discontinuation rate for 18- to 24-year-olds is 15%, the highest among all age groups. This is not surprising, given the challenges of inexperience and more limited access to capital. Starting a business is tough, and sustaining one is even more challenging. But despite these hurdles, the enthusiasm and energy that young people bring to entrepreneurship are undeniable, and with the right support, this generation has the potential to drive substantial change.
2. Tech gender gap narrows
One of the most promising findings in the GEM report is the narrowing gender gap in the technology sector. Historically, tech startups have been dominated by men, but 2023 saw a record-low difference in the number of men and women starting tech companies. The gap has narrowed to just 1%, with 8% of women compared with 9% of men launching businesses in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
This is a significant step forward and reflects broader efforts to support more women technology startups. Still, it’s important to recognize that while progress is being made, continued focus on providing equal opportunities is essential to ensuring this trend continues.
3. Optimistic outlook for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs
Another highlight from the report is the optimistic outlook among Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. These groups showed stronger confidence in their entrepreneurial abilities and lower fear of failure compared to their white counterparts. Black respondents, in particular, demonstrated high levels of resilience and self-assurance, which is vital in overcoming barriers faced in starting and sustaining businesses. This optimism is encouraging, but there’s still much work to be done in assuring ecosystems offer equal opportunities for all aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of their background.
Related: I Wish I Received This Advice as a Young Entrepreneur
A promising future
Reflecting on the key findings of this year’s GEM report, it’s clear that the entrepreneurial landscape is changing in meaningful ways. The rise of young, sustainability-driven entrepreneurs signals a future where business is not only about profit but also about making a difference. These young entrepreneurs are launching businesses at a time when the world is looking for solutions to some of its most pressing challenges — climate change, poverty and economic recovery.
Yet, to fully realize the potential of this next generation, there must be more focus on addressing the challenges they encounter. Young entrepreneurs need access to the right resources — whether it’s funding, education or mentorship — to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. The narrowing gender gap in tech is encouraging, but we must continue to foster environments that support women and other underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship.
The GEM report paints a picture of an entrepreneurial future driven by purpose, diversity and innovation. But it also reminds us of the work that lies ahead in making entrepreneurship more accessible and sustainable. If we can provide young entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need, we will not only see more businesses being created — we’ll see businesses that are making a lasting, positive impact on the world.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
These Are the Top Side Hustles to Work Less, Make More Money
In the best-case scenario, a side hustle could turn into a multimillion-dollar business that generates a passive income stream — but at the very least, starting a side gig could help pay some bills.
A new survey from personal finance software company Quicken shows that almost half (43%) of Americans with a side hustle, or an extra source of income added to a primary income, make more money and clock in fewer hours overall than those without a side hustle.
The three most popular side hustles pursued by those who work less and make more money were personal assistance (20%), cooking and baking (16%), and caregiving (16%). One in five people with side hustles said they were business owners, too, selling products online or offering services like photography.
The majority of people with side hustles (82%) said starting a side gig helped them financially, and kept them from living paycheck to paycheck. Most with side hustles (57%) had savings equal to at least four months of living expenses.
The survey also found that, for younger side hustlers, a way to an extra income doubles as a path to becoming more employable. 44% of Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) choose to start a side hustle in order to obtain skills for long-term careers, much higher than the overall 18% of Americans who started a side hustle with the same motivation.
Quicken conducted the survey online, gathering responses from more than 1,000 Americans.
Additional research on side hustles, released in August by NEXT Insurance, showed that three out of five people bring in less than $1,000 monthly in side income, while 22% make $1,000 to $10,000 a month, and 15% make more than $10,000.
Related: Starting a Side Hustle Should Come With a Warning Label — Here’s What You Need to Know