How Small Businesses Can Sell on Pinterest

Can Small Businesses Sell Online Through Pinterest? (Yes—Here’s How)
Pin it. Post it. Sell it.

Pinterest isn’t just for dream weddings and home makeovers anymore—it’s a powerful shopping platform, especially for small businesses. With high purchase intent and a visually driven audience, Pinterest makes it easy to turn ideas into sales.

Whether you’re selling candles, skincare, jewelry, or custom planners, Pinterest gives your products a place to live, be discovered, and convert—even months after posting.

Person holding a tablet and logging into Pinterest with options to continue via email, Facebook, or Google. Ideal visual for tutorials on creating a Pinterest business account or setting up a Pinterest shop.

Why Pinterest Works for Small Businesses

  • High buying intent – People come to Pinterest to plan future purchases

  • Long content lifespan – Pins can circulate for weeks, months, or even years

  • Visual-first – Great for product shots, flat lays, and tutorials

  • Organic traffic + SEO boost – Pins can rank on Google and Pinterest

  • Budget-friendly – You don’t need to run ads to get traction

How to Set Up a Pinterest Store (Step-by-Step)

Selling on Pinterest starts with creating a proper setup. Here’s how to turn your profile into a storefront:

1. Create a Pinterest Business Account

Start by signing up or converting your existing profile at Pinterest for Business.

A business account gives you access to analytics, ad tools, and product tagging.

2. Claim Your Website

Go to Settings > Claim and verify your website by adding a short code to your site or through Shopify/WooCommerce.

This links your products and Pins to your store and builds brand trust.

3. Upload Your Product Catalog

You can connect your store in one of two ways:

  • Shopify: Use the Pinterest app inside Shopify to sync your product feed

  • Manual Upload: Submit a product data source (CSV file) through Pinterest’s Catalogs tool

Once connected, Pinterest will automatically generate Product Pins for each item.

4. Apply to the Verified Merchant Program

This adds a blue checkmark to your shop and unlocks enhanced shopping features.

Requirements include:

  • A functioning website with return policy

  • Product availability and shipping transparency

  • High-quality lifestyle or product images

Being verified increases your visibility and credibility across the platform.

5. Activate the Shop Tab on Your Profile

Once your catalog is synced and your account is approved, Pinterest will add a Shop tab to your business profile—making it easy for users to browse your products.

This becomes your mini storefront inside Pinterest, accessible 24/7.

What Types of Businesses Thrive on Pinterest?

Pinterest is perfect for brands with visual storytelling potential. Ideal industries include:

  • Home & Living – Furniture, kitchenware, decor

  • Fashion & Accessories – Apparel, handbags, handmade goods

  • Beauty & Wellness – Skincare, candles, supplements

  • Stationery & Printables – Journals, planners, templates

  • Food & Beverage – Recipes, packaged goods, DIY kits

If your product looks good in photos, Pinterest is your playground.

Final Thoughts

Small businesses can and should sell through Pinterest. With the right setup, your products can show up in search, inspire buyers, and convert clicks into customers—all while you sleep.

Pinterest isn’t about being trendy. It’s about being useful, beautiful, and discoverable.

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How to Choose the Right Social Media Platforms for Your Audience

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How to Sell on Snapchat (Even Without a Store)