When I started my Etsy shop, I had no clue what I was doing with marketing. I just assumed that because Etsy had millions of daily shoppers, people would just come across my listings and start buying.
I wasn’t fully aware of Pinterest at the time either. It sounded like one of those platforms for mood boards and inspiration, not a place to actually make sales for a retailer.
Fast forward a few months of pinning with purpose, and let’s just say: Pinterest is now my biggest traffic driver. If you’re trying to promote your Etsy shop without blowing your budget, you’re in the right place.
Pinterest is powerful. With over 500 million monthly users, it’s one of the best free traffic sources for Etsy sellers.
Let’s break down everything step-by-step so you can start turning your pins into sales.
Why Pinterest Works for Etsy Shops
Pinterest isn’t social media, it’s a search engine. And unlike Instagram or TikTok, Pinterest users are planners. They’re actively looking for solutions, products, and inspiration. If you think about it, Etsy and Pinterest are the perfect duo. Why? Because handmade meets highly visual discovery.
Here’s what makes Pinterest very valuable for Etsy sellers:
- Pins last forever (literally, years!)
- High buyer intent (users search things like “handmade ceramic mugs” or “gift ideas for dog lovers”)
- It’s not algorithmic headache – Pinterest traffic builds over time
When I started using Pinterest seriously, I noticed my Etsy listings were getting daily views from pins I created months ago. That kind of evergreen traffic is what we want.
Step 1: Set Up a Pinterest Business Account (Free!)
This step is super easy and gives you access to analytics, rich pins, and ad tools. Don’t skip it.
Here’s what to do:
- Go to pinterest.com and click Sign up at the top-right of your screen.
- If you have an existing Pinterest account, you’ll need to log out to see this option
- Click Create a business account
- Enter your Email, Create a password and enter your Age
- Click Create account
- Fill out the fields to Build your profile, then click Next
- Fill out the fields to Describe your business, then click Next
- Select if you want to run ads, then click Next
- Select where you’d like to start or click the X icon to go to your new Pinterest business account
- Add a professional profile pic, shop name, and a keyword optimized bio like: “Handmade jewelry + wedding gifts | Minimalist accessories”
- Claim your Etsy shop link using the “Claim” tab – Pinterest will verify your domain so you get full credit for clicks.

Step 2: Optimize Your Pinterest Profile & Boards
Think of your Pinterest account like a storefront. If it’s messy or off-topic, people won’t stick around.
Create Niche-Specific Boards
Your goal with this Pinterest account is to promote your Etsy products and increase your click-through rate. If you sell pet products, don’t create random recipe boards. Stick to stuff your ideal buyer would browse.
Examples of good board ideas:
- “Gift Ideas for Dog Moms”
- “Minimalist Home Office Decor”
- “Boho Wall Art Prints”
Use Keywords in Board Descriptions
Pinterest SEO matters. Add your target phrases into your board titles and descriptions.
For example:
“A collection of modern pet accessories for dog moms. Featuring handmade dog collars, custom tags, and stylish leashes.”
This helps Pinterest understand what your content is about—so it can show it to the right people.

Step 3: Do Pinterest Keyword Research
Keyword research is so important if you’re looking to learn how to promote your Etsy shop on Pinterest Before you even design pins, you need to know what people are actually searching.
Here’s a quick DIY method:
- Go to Pinterest and type your product niche in the search bar
- Watch the auto-fill suggestions—it’s like getting SEO gold for free
- Example: Type “Etsy gifts” and you might see:
- “Etsy gifts for mom”
- “Etsy gifts for best friend”
- “Etsy gifts under $20”
Take note of 5–10 high-relevance, low-competition phrases. Use these in:
- Pin titles
- Pin descriptions
- Board names
Tip: To save you time, you want to use PinClicks! PinClicks helps you get more traffic from Pinterest.
How? By showing you the hidden stats for pins, important keywords, and search rankings of high-performing pins & accounts.

Step 4: Create Click-Worthy Pin Designs
This is where most Etsy sellers either shine or totally flop. Pinterest is a visual first search engine, so your pins need to be nice-looking, scroll-stopping, and on-brand to stand out.
Tips for high-performing pins:
- Use vertical images (1000 x 1500 pixels is ideal)
- Add text overlay: Don’t just show a product photo—add a phrase like “Minimalist Gold Necklace for Everyday Wear”
- Use clear, readable fonts (no cursive unless you’re targeting a super specific aesthetic)
- Brand your pins with a consistent style, color palette, or logo
Tools to use:
- Canva (Free and great for templates)
- Ideogram (if you want AI-generated visuals with text overlay)

Step 5: Pin Strategically (Not Randomly)
Posting once a week won’t cut it. Pinterest rewards consistency, variety, and relevancy.
What worked for me:
- Pin 15–25 pins a day (including a mix of your own + relevant repins)
- Create 5–10 different pin designs for each Etsy listing
- Schedule pins using Tailwind or Pinterest’s native scheduler
Here’s a mini content calendar I followed:
Day | Action |
---|---|
Monday | Create 3 new pins for your top product |
Tuesday | Repin similar content from others |
Wednesday | Post a new blog post (if you have one) and pin it |
Thursday | Create lifestyle pins (with mockups or user photos) |
Friday | Pin older pins to new boards |
Tip: Don’t delete underperforming pins. They might pick up traction months later.
Step 6: Track Performance with Pinterest Analytics
Once you’re a few weeks in, start tracking what’s working.
Key metrics to watch:
- Outbound Clicks – most important! That means people clicked through to Etsy
- Saves – shows long-term potential
- Impressions – gives clues on SEO effectiveness
Replicate what’s working: the colors, titles, style, and boards.
If a pin is performing really well, make more like it.
Pinterest Rewards Effort
When I launched my Etsy shop, I was struggling to get views. No ads budget. No followers. I created a Pinterest business account out of desperation.
I set a goal to make 5-10 pins for each product using Canva. Different backgrounds, different phrases, some lifestyle mockups. My business partner posted them gradually across multiple niche boards, using keywords like “cozy home office decor” and “gifts for plant moms.”
My very first semi-viral pin was one I almost didn’t post—just a simple image of the product with a short headline that focused on the benefits of the product. It now has over many thousands of impressions and has brought in hundreds of visits to my Etsy store (and sales).
The takeaway? Pinterest rewards effort + experimentation. Just stay consistent.

Bonus Tips for Etsy + Pinterest Success
- Create blog content that supports your Etsy products. Then pin the blog and link to your Etsy shop inside.
- Use lifestyle images when possible. Flat lays and mockups help people visualize owning the product.
- Offer a freebie (like a printable or discount) in your pin description to encourage clicks.
- Don’t just promote – provide value. Put together inspirational or educational pins too.
FAQ: Promote Etsy Shop on Pinterest
How can I promote my Etsy shop on Pinterest?
You can promote your Etsy shop on Pinterest by creating eye-catching pins, optimizing them with keywords, and linking them directly to your listings or blog content. Consistency and boards that are relevant to your niche, are key to long-term growth.
What’s the best way to use Pinterest for Etsy products?
Focus on visually appealing pins that highlight the benefits of your products. Use lifestyle images, rich pin titles, and keywords your customers are already searching for like “boho wall art” or “dog mom gift ideas.”
Does Pinterest actually bring traffic to Etsy shops?
Yes! Pinterest acts more like a visual search engine than a social media platform. With the right strategy, it can send consistent, long-term traffic to your Etsy store – even months after you’ve pinned.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about how to promote your Etsy shop on Pinterest, just remember that Pinterest is a long game. But unlike Instagram or TikTok, you don’t need to be constantly “on.” A few well-optimized pins can bring you sales months from now.
Start with what you have. Make 3 pins today. Add keywords using PinClicks. Add value. And keep showing up.
👉 Follow me on Pinterest for more tips on wealth, money and business!
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