drive affiliate traffic using pinterest and youtube
Why Use Pinterest and YouTube for Affiliate Traffic
Relying solely on Google search traffic can limit your reach and revenue. Pinterest and YouTube offer alternative discovery-based platforms with long content lifespans and viral potential. Both are highly visual, SEO-friendly, and perfect for niche affiliate marketing strategies. When used correctly, they become passive traffic engines that feed your blog for months—or even years.
Pinterest for Affiliate Blogging
1. Understand Pinterest as a Visual Search Engine
Pinterest isn’t just social media—it’s a visual search engine. People use it to discover solutions, ideas, and products. This makes it a perfect platform for affiliate-friendly content like tutorials, checklists, and product roundups.
2. Create Clickable Pin Designs
Use tools like Canva to design eye-catching pins. Focus on:
- Readable fonts and high contrast
- Vertical aspect ratio (1000x1500px)
- Clear, benefit-driven titles
Examples: “5 Best SEO Tools for Bloggers” or “How I Made $500 With One Blog Post”.
3. Optimize Pin Descriptions with Keywords
Just like blog SEO, Pinterest SEO matters. Include keywords naturally in the pin title and description. Add 3–5 relevant hashtags for discoverability.
4. Link to Valuable Content
Always send users to a helpful blog post—not directly to an affiliate link. Blog content builds trust, improves SEO, and often converts better.
5. Use Tailwind for Automation
Tailwind helps schedule pins, loop old ones, and join Tailwind Tribes for exposure. Their SmartLoop feature can automatically repin evergreen content.
YouTube for Affiliate Blogging
1. Why YouTube Works
As the second-largest search engine, YouTube is ideal for demonstrating how affiliate products work. Videos build authority, trust, and emotional connection—key elements in the decision-making process.
2. Video Types That Convert
- Product Reviews: Honest insights with pros/cons
- Tutorials: Show how to use a tool, ending with an affiliate link
- Comparisons: A vs. B videos are highly searched and convert well
- Listicles: “Top 5 Hosting Services for New Bloggers”
3. SEO Optimize Video Metadata
Use target keywords in:
- Video title (keep it natural and clickable)
- Description (include affiliate disclaimers and blog links)
- Tags (use keyword variations and related terms)
4. Add Calls-to-Action and Links
Tell viewers exactly what to do next. Example: “Check out the tool I mentioned—link in the description.” Add links to:
- Your blog post
- Affiliate product with tracking
- Free lead magnets to build your email list
5. Use Thumbnails That Get Clicks
High CTR thumbnails = more views = more clicks. Use facial expressions, contrast, bold text, and curiosity-driven images.
Cross-Channel Strategy
1. Embed YouTube Videos in Blog Posts
This increases session time and helps both your blog and YouTube channel rank better. Add context and affiliate links below the embedded video.
2. Repurpose Pinterest Pins for Video
Create short video pins or stories from your YouTube content to maximize platform coverage. Add a “Watch on YouTube” link in the description.
3. Funnel Pinterest and YouTube Viewers to Email List
Use lead magnets to turn viewers into subscribers. From there, use email funnels (as discussed in previous article) to deliver affiliate offers.
Real Case Example
Background
Jessie, a personal finance blogger, struggled with SEO competition. She pivoted to visual platforms for affiliate traffic.
Strategy
- Created weekly pin graphics for her blog posts using Canva
- Posted 2 YouTube videos per month reviewing budgeting tools she used
- Linked to blog posts and opt-ins from both platforms
Results (after 4 months)
- Monthly Pinterest impressions: 250K+
- YouTube subscribers: 1,200
- Email list growth: +3,500
- Affiliate income up by 4.1x
Best Practices to Maximize Results
- Be consistent: Pinterest and YouTube reward regular uploads
- Use analytics: Track which pins/videos drive clicks and double down
- Provide real value: Don’t just sell—educate and inspire
- Use legal disclaimers: Especially on YouTube, always mention affiliate links
Final Thoughts
Pinterest and YouTube are powerful tools to supplement search engine traffic and expand affiliate reach. They offer evergreen visibility, build audience trust, and create new opportunities to monetize beyond your blog. Start with one platform, master it, and then layer in the next. Over time, they’ll become traffic machines that fuel your affiliate growth passively.
