If you’re running a small online business and want more traffic to your product listings—without constantly posting on social media—Pinterest could be your new best friend. The key? Creating product pins that actually convert.
The good news is: you don’t need to be a designer or marketing pro to do this. In this post, I’ll walk you through what a product pin is, why it works so well for selling digital and physical products, and exactly how to make one that drives clicks and sales.
What Is a Pinterest Product Pin?
A product pin (also called a shoppable pin) is a Pinterest image that links directly to a product page—whether it’s on Etsy, Shopify, Gumroad, or another ecommerce platform.
Unlike a regular pin that might lead to a blog post, a product pin is created specifically to showcase and sell an item. These pins often:
- Feature product mockups or styled images
- Include a clear title overlay
- Link straight to a checkout or product page
You don’t need a Pinterest catalog or API integration to make one. You just need a well-designed image and a link to your product.
Why Product Pins Work So Well for Small Business Owners
Pinterest acts more like a search engine than a social platform. That means your pins have a longer shelf life than TikToks or Instagram posts—and they can drive traffic for months or even years.
Here’s why it works:
- Search Intent – People are looking for ideas and solutions
- Visual First – A beautiful pin can stop the scroll fast
- Longevity – Good pins keep gaining traction long after posting
- Buy-Ready Users – Pinterest users are often planners and buyers
Whether you sell digital downloads, handmade jewelry, or eBooks, Pinterest can help you get in front of the right audience.
Step-by-Step: How to Create a Product Pin That Sells
Step 1: Choose Your Selling Platform
Pick a platform that lets you create a direct product link:
- Etsy
- Shopify
- Gumroad
- Stan Store
- Payhip
- SamCart
Copy the product link. This is where your pin will send people.
✅ Step 2: Design Your Pin
Use a free tool like Canva to create a vertical pin (1000 x 1500 px).
Make sure to include:
- A high-quality mockup or product image
- A bold, benefit-focused text overlay (e.g., “Weekly Meal Planner – Instant Download”)
- Optional: Add your logo or domain for brand recognition
Pro tip: Lifestyle or real-use images perform better than plain screenshots.
✅ Step 3: Write a Keyword-Rich Title and Description
Use keywords people are actually searching for (check Pinterest Trends).
Example:
- Title: “Printable Meal Planner for Busy Moms”
- Description: “Instant digital download | A printable meal planner designed for busy families. Organize your week with this stylish, minimal layout. Click to download now!”
✅ Step 4: Upload to Pinterest
- Use your Pinterest business account
- Upload the pin image
- Add your product link as the destination URL
- Paste your keyworded title + description
✅ Step 5: Save to a Niche Board
Choose or create a Pinterest board that fits your product’s niche, like:
- “Etsy Favorites for Home Organization”
- “Digital Planners & Printables”
- “Small Business Gift Ideas”
Add a board description with keywords too!
Best Practices to Make Your Product Pins Convert
- Use bold text that’s easy to read on mobile
- Highlight the benefit, not just the product (e.g., “Save time!” vs. “PDF template”)
- Be consistent with brand colors and style
- Include mockups that show the product in real life
- Create 2–3 pin variations to test what performs best
Tools to Make It Easier
- Canva – Design pins with templates and mockups
- Tailwind Create – Quickly build branded pins and schedule them
- Pinterest Trends – Discover keywords your audience is searching
- Pinterest Business Hub – Track pin performance and audience insights
Conclusion
Product pins are one of the easiest, most powerful tools for small business owners to promote their digital or physical products online—without paying for ads or hiring a designer.
Whether you’re linking to your Etsy shop, Shopify site, or digital download page, a well-crafted pin can bring in clicks and conversions on autopilot.
Want to make sure your product pins are optimized for success?
Grab my free [Pinterest Product Pin Checklist] to make your next pin your best-performing one yet.
Use Canva to design a vertical pin that links to your product on Etsy, Shopify, or another platform. Upload it with a keyword-rich title and description using your Pinterest business account.
A regular pin often leads to a blog post or idea, while a product pin links directly to a product page for purchase.
Yes! You can link to your Etsy shop, Gumroad listing, or even a Stan Store—all without having your own website.
1000 x 1500 pixels (2:3 ratio) is the recommended size for vertical pins.
It’s optional—price can attract or repel, depending on your audience. If your platform supports it (like Pinterest Catalog + Shopify), it can auto-show price.
