Amazon affiliate marketing on Pinterest can be a highly effective way to promote products, but it’s not as simple as copying and pasting a link. There are specific rules and guidelines to follow, especially when it comes to Amazon’s Terms of Service. This guide will break down the most effective and compliant ways to leverage Pinterest to promote Amazon affiliate products while staying within Amazon’s strict guidelines.
Why You Can’t Just Grab Links and Post Images
Let’s start by addressing a common misconception: you cannot simply grab your Amazon Associate link, download a product image from the product page, and upload that to Pinterest.
Here’s why:
- Image Use Restrictions: Amazon’s terms explicitly forbid the use of images downloaded from their product pages. These images are proprietary, and using them without permission could lead to your account being flagged or terminated.
- Affiliate Link Rules: Posting an affiliate link directly to Pinterest without proper disclosure is a violation of both Amazon’s and the FTC’s guidelines. Amazon requires clear, conspicuous disclosures near your links, and the FTC mandates that your audience knows when you’re earning commissions.
So, how do you promote Amazon affiliate products on Pinterest the right way?
The Best Way to Promote Amazon Affiliate Products on Pinterest
The most effective and compliant strategy is through authentic product reviews and original content. Here’s an example of how you could do this:
Without an Amazon Influencer Account
If you only have an Amazon Associate account (and not an Amazon Influencer account yet), you can still promote products effectively. Let’s say you recently bought a cat bed from Amazon. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a compliant pin:
- Take Your Own Photos or Videos: Instead of using the product image from Amazon, take your own photo of your cat enjoying their new bed. Personal images and experiences build trust and engagement.
- Create Your Pin: Upload the image to Pinterest and create a pin. In the pin description, you can talk about how your cat loves the bed and what makes it special.
- Affiliate Link Options:
- Direct Link: You can include your Amazon Associate link by grabbing it from your Amazon Associates account and pasting it directly into the Pinterest description. Just make sure your affiliate disclosure is included. For example, “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
- Pinterest Sticker Feature: A great Pinterest tool is the sticker feature, which allows you to add a clickable link to your pin. When you toggle the “Affiliate Disclosure” option, Pinterest will automatically add the required disclosure near your link. This is the most compliant way to include affiliate links on Pinterest.
Leveraging Your Amazon Influencer Storefront
If you’re part of the Amazon Influencer Program, you have even more flexibility and ways to monetize through Pinterest.
- Create Idea Lists: One of the most powerful features of the Amazon Influencer Store is the ability to create Idea Lists. You can group products by theme—like “Best Cat Supplies”—and promote the entire list. Here’s how to do it:
- Create a collage or themed pin using a tool like Canva. For example, a pin titled “10 Best Cat Supplies” with a cute image of a cat can grab attention.
- Link to your Idea List on your Amazon Influencer Storefront. When users click, they’ll see all the products you recommend, and Amazon will display the “Earns Commissions” disclosure for you.
- Post Videos: If you create videos showing products in use, you can upload them to your Amazon Influencer Store and use those videos to create engaging Pinterest pins. This builds trust and shows that you’ve actually used the products.
- Built-In Disclosures: Amazon is strict about disclosure, and they help you by automatically including a disclosure on any Idea List or product page linked through your Influencer Store. Still, it’s a good idea to include a disclosure in your Pinterest bio or pin description, such as: “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Key Rules to Remember
When doing Amazon affiliate marketing on Pinterest, there are a few critical rules to always keep in mind:
- Always Use Original Content: Whether it’s a photo you took or a graphic you designed in Canva, using original content is essential. Do not download images from Amazon product pages.
- Include Affiliate Disclosures: Amazon requires that your affiliate disclosure is clear and close to your link. This is non-negotiable. Adding your affiliate disclaimer in your Pinterest bio and within each pin description ensures you’re covered. You can say something like, “This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.”
- Avoid Direct Links to Amazon Product Pages Without Disclosure: Posting an Amazon affiliate link without disclosure will get you into trouble. Either use the Pinterest sticker feature that includes a disclosure or add the necessary text manually.
- Utilize Your Influencer Store: If you’re part of the Amazon Influencer Program, take advantage of the additional features like Idea Lists and product tagging. These features not only make your content more engaging but also ensure that all disclosures are automatically included.
Conclusion: Stay Compliant and Boost Your Income
Amazon affiliate marketing on Pinterest is a powerful way to earn commissions, but it requires a careful approach to stay compliant. Always create original content, use affiliate disclosures properly, and leverage tools like the Pinterest sticker feature to enhance your pins. By following these strategies, you can build a successful affiliate marketing strategy on Pinterest that drives traffic and boosts your earnings.
