How to Sell Art on Pinterest (Without a Huge Following!)
- kitkat53
- Mar 4
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 6
Introduction
Pinterest is a goldmine for artists looking to sell their work. Unlike social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok, where you need constant engagement, Pinterest acts as a visual search engine—meaning your pins can continue driving traffic and sales for months (even years) after posting. The best part? You don’t need a massive following to succeed.
If you’re an artist who wants to start selling art on Pinterest, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from setting up your profile to optimizing your pins for searchability and sales.
Step 1: Set Up a Pinterest Business Account
A Pinterest Business Account gives you access to analytics, rich pins, and ad tools that help boost visibility. Here’s how to set it up:
Go to Pinterest Business – Visit Pinterest Business and create a new business account, or switch your personal account to a business one in settings.
Claim Your Website – This unlocks Pinterest analytics and allows you to link pins directly to your shop.
Enable Rich Pins – Rich Pins add metadata to your pins, making them more informative and likely to appear in search results.
Write an SEO-friendly Bio – Use keywords that reflect your art style (e.g., “Minimalist Digital Artist | Custom Wall Art & Prints”).
How to Claim Your Website on Pinterest Claiming your website ensures that your content is properly attributed to you and boosts your visibility. Follow these steps:
Go to Pinterest Settings – Click on your profile icon and navigate to “Settings.”
Select 'Claim' – Find the “Claim” section in the left-hand menu.
Enter Your Website URL – Type in the full URL of your store or portfolio.
Choose a Verification Method:
HTML Tag: Copy a code snippet and paste it into the <head> section of your website.
Upload an HTML File: Download a verification file and upload it to your website’s root directory.
Meta Tag (for Shopify or Etsy users): Add a provided meta tag into your store settings.
Click ‘Verify’ – Pinterest will check your site and confirm within a few hours to a few days.
Step 2: Optimize Your Profile for Sales
Pinterest works like a search engine, so making your profile keyword-rich helps your content show up more often.
✅ Profile Name & Bio: Instead of just your name, try something searchable like "[Your Name] | Abstract Digital Art & Prints". ✅ Profile Picture: Use a clear image (ideally a logo or headshot). ✅ Call-to-Action (CTA): Direct users to your shop (e.g., "Shop my latest prints at [YourWebsite.com]").
Step 3: Creating High-Converting Art Pins
Your pin design plays a huge role in getting clicks and conversions. Here’s how to make eye-catching pins:
📌 Image Size: Use 1000x1500px (2:3 ratio) for best results. 📌 High-Quality Visuals: Showcase your art in mockups (e.g., framed art in a styled room). 📌 Text Overlay: Add a clear title or CTA like “Shop My Latest Art Prints.” 📌 SEO-Friendly Titles & Descriptions: Example:
Title: “Minimalist Line Art Print – Scandinavian Wall Decor”
Description: “Upgrade your space with this elegant minimalist wall art. Perfect for modern home decor! Available as an instant digital download or framed print.” 📌 Link to Your Store: Always direct pins to your Etsy, Shopify, or personal website.
Visual Sample Concepts of High-Converting Pins
Here are some examples of effective Pinterest pins for selling art:
📌 Example 1: Aesthetic Art Print Mockup – A framed artwork in a stylish interior setting with a CTA overlay: “Shop Now.”
📌 Example 2: Process Video Pin – A time-lapse of a digital painting in progress with a caption like “See how this was created! Link in bio.”
📌 Example 3: Seasonal Art Collection – A pin featuring a winter-themed art series with text: “Limited Edition Holiday Prints Available!”
Step 4: Pinterest SEO for Artists
Pinterest works like a visual search engine, so keyword optimization is essential. Here’s how to do it:
1. Finding the Right Keywords for Your Art
Use Pinterest Search Bar: Start typing a relevant term (e.g., "modern wall art"), and Pinterest will auto-suggest popular searches.
Check Competitor Pins: Look at high-ranking art pins and note which words are in their titles/descriptions.
Use Pinterest Trends (trends.pinterest.com) to find seasonal keywords.
Try a mix of broad (e.g., "digital art") and specific (e.g., "boho watercolor prints") terms.
2. Where to Use Keywords for Maximum Impact
Pin Titles: Use your main keyword at the start (e.g., "Minimalist Wall Art Print – Scandinavian Home Decor").
Pin Descriptions: Naturally include 2-3 long-tail keywords and a call-to-action (CTA) (e.g., "Shop my modern line art prints for an instant home decor upgrade!").
Board Names: Instead of "My Art," use keyword-rich names like "Aesthetic Prints for Home & Office."
Board Descriptions: Write a natural, keyword-packed description about what users will find. Example:
"This board features modern wall art, minimalist line drawings, and aesthetic prints perfect for contemporary interiors."
Alt Text: When uploading pins, add a descriptive alt text for accessibility and SEO.
3. Hashtag Strategy (Do They Still Matter?)
Pinterest no longer prioritizes hashtags in search, but using 1-3 relevant ones can still help (e.g., #WallArt #DigitalPrints #ArtForSale).
Focus on keywords first, then add a few hashtags at the end of descriptions.
Step 5: Creating Pinterest Boards That Sell
Your Pinterest boards are like mini storefronts that help buyers discover your art. Here’s how to optimize them:
1. How Many Boards Do You Need?
Start with 5-10 niche boards that reflect your art style and audience interests. Examples:✅ "Minimalist Digital Art Prints"✅ "Boho Wall Art for Cozy Homes"✅ "AI-Generated Abstract Art"✅ "Modern Office Decor – Art Prints"✅ "Best Gifts for Art Lovers"
2. Personal vs. Curated Content
80% Your Own Pins: Showcase your own artwork & products.
20% Curated Content: Pin complementary art inspiration (not direct competitors!).
3. Organizing Boards for Maximum Sales
Arrange your top-selling boards first so visitors see them right away.
Create seasonal boards like "Holiday Gift Guide for Art Lovers" to catch trending searches.
Add aesthetic covers to make your profile visually cohesive.
4. Should You Use Group Boards?
Group boards can increase exposure but aren’t as powerful as before. If you join any, pick highly active ones related to art and home decor.
Step 6: Scheduling & Pinning Strategy
Pinterest rewards consistent activity, so having a solid pinning strategy is key.
1. Best Times to Pin for Maximum Exposure
Peak Hours: Evenings & weekends (especially Friday–Sunday).
Best Time Blocks: 8-11 PM (EST), 12-2 PM (lunch break scrolls).
Seasonal Planning: Pin holiday-themed art 1-2 months in advance (e.g., start Christmas art in October).
2. How Often Should You Pin?
New Accounts: 5-10 pins/day
Growing Accounts: 10-20 pins/day
Mature Accounts: 20+ pins/day (if using a scheduler)
Mix new pins (fresh content) with re-pinning older best-performing pins for engagement boosts.
3. Using Tailwind for Automation
Batch schedule pins weekly or monthly.
Tailwind’s SmartLoop feature can auto-recycle your best-performing art pins.
Tailwind Communities can help with more exposure from other pinners sharing your work. Conclusion & Next Steps
Selling art on Pinterest doesn’t require a huge following—it just takes strategy and consistency. By optimizing your pins, boards, SEO, and pinning schedule, you can turn Pinterest into an evergreen sales machine for your art business.
✅ Next Steps:
Follow this checklist and start pinning today!
Want more Pinterest tips? Download my free Art Seller’s Pinterest Guide [insert link]!
Follow me on Pinterest for more art-selling insights!
Cheers!