When someone mentions “sales funnels,” your mind might go straight to Facebook ads, email marketing, or Instagram stories. But when you throw Pinterest into the mix, there’s often a pause. The idea of using a Pinterest funnel? It sounds a bit… unconventional, right?
And that hesitation is understandable. Pinterest, with its endless flow of pretty images and DIY projects, doesn’t always scream “sales tool.” But, what if I told you that Pinterest could be the key to building a sales funnel that runs quietly in the background, consistently bringing in leads without needing constant attention?
That’s the reality for many businesses—once they stop doubting Pinterest’s potential and start treating it as a legitimate part of their sales strategy. Today, let’s take a moment to challenge those common beliefs holding you back from using Pinterest as the sales machine it can be. By the end, you might just be ready to build a funnel that works for you around the clock.
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What Exactly Is a Pinterest Funnel?
If you’re new to the term “Pinterest funnel,” it’s easy to overthink it. But let’s strip it down: a Pinterest funnel is simply a way to guide people from discovering your content on Pinterest all the way through to making a purchase. It’s the same basic concept as any other sales funnel, but optimized for Pinterest’s unique platform.
When someone searches for solutions or inspiration on Pinterest and stumbles across your content, they’re starting at the very top of your funnel. From there, the goal is to move them through a series of steps, from casual browser to interested buyer. And because Pinterest users are already in discovery mode, they’re often more open to engaging with your content in a deeper way than on other platforms.
So, whether you’re offering a service, digital product, or even physical items, your Pinterest funnel can be the bridge that leads people from problem-aware to purchase-ready.
And the best part? Once set up, it works over time—without needing constant oversight.
Why Pinterest is a Better Sales Tool Than You Think
Here’s a belief I hear all the time: “Pinterest is great for traffic, but can it really drive sales?”
I get it. If you’ve only ever seen Pinterest as a platform for mood boards and weekend projects, it’s easy to assume it won’t be a reliable sales channel. But what if Pinterest’s true strength lies in how users already behave on the platform?
Pinterest users come to the platform looking for answers. They’re problem-aware, solution-seeking, and often primed to take action—whether that’s saving ideas for later or clicking through to learn more. Unlike social platforms where people passively scroll, Pinterest users are in an active mindset, making them more likely to engage with your brand and ultimately, make a purchase.
The challenge is guiding them the right way. But once you’ve got a funnel that meets them where they are in their journey, you’ll find that Pinterest isn’t just a traffic driver—it’s a tool for steady, long-term sales.
Is Pinterest a Good Sales Channel?
There’s a lingering misconception that Pinterest isn’t a “serious” marketing channel. Maybe you’ve been hesitant to invest in it because it seems niche, or you’ve read that it’s just for certain types of businesses like fashion, DIY, or home décor. But the truth? Pinterest is packed with buyers looking for all kinds of solutions.
Whether you’re in finance, business consulting, health, or education—Pinterest can be a game-changer. Why? Because it’s built to connect users with products and services they’re actively seeking out. Unlike other platforms where you’re competing for attention with viral videos or celebrity updates, Pinterest’s user base is searching for inspiration, advice, and yes, things to buy.
In fact, 89% of Pinterest users say they use the platform for purchase inspiration. That means they’re already in a buying mindset—and if your business shows up at just the right time with the answers they’re looking for, you’re in an excellent position to make the sale.
The Barriers That Keep Businesses From Thriving on Pinterest
Many business owners shy away from using Pinterest, thinking their product or service won’t fit in. But let me tell you, that’s not true. While Pinterest may have started as a platform for bloggers and DIYers, it has grown into something far more diverse. These days, brands across every niche are leveraging Pinterest to drive serious business results.
Maybe you’ve wondered if your audience is even on Pinterest.
Or maybe you’ve been waiting for the right moment to add it to your marketing strategy but feel unsure about how it would fit into your overall plan. Here’s where many businesses miss out: Pinterest isn’t just for specific industries anymore. People are searching for everything—from financial advice to self-improvement tips to business strategies.
In fact, if your business offers any kind of solution to a problem, Pinterest can help you reach those problem-aware users right when they’re looking for answers. The key is creating the right kind of content that captures attention at just the right stage of the funnel. You don’t need a ton of pins or endless content. You need a few pieces of well-placed, highly-targeted content that guides users along the buyer’s journey.
Why Do Pinterest Sales Funnels Work?
You may be asking, “Do sales funnels really work on Pinterest?” The answer is, yes—if you’re using the platform with the right mindset.
Think of it this way: every purchase decision involves a journey. When someone first stumbles across your brand on Pinterest, they’re often in the research phase, looking for inspiration or solutions. That’s why a funnel is crucial. You want to meet them at the right stage in their journey and guide them step-by-step towards making a purchase decision.
The key is being strategic. Throwing up a few pins and hoping for the best doesn’t cut it. But if you design your Pinterest funnel with intent—leading users from a discovery pin, to a blog post, to an opt-in, and eventually to a product or service—you create a seamless journey that feels natural for the user. They get the value they’re searching for, and you get a lead that’s primed to buy.
How to Work With the Pinterest Algorithm to Build Your Funnel
Let’s talk about the algorithm for a minute because this is where many people get stuck. How do you get Pinterest to show your pins to the right audience at the right time, especially when you’re using it to drive your sales funnel?
The answer is simple: think about who you’re trying to reach and what they’re searching for. The Pinterest algorithm loves relevancy. It rewards content that is relevant to what users are already searching for. So, if you want to “beat” the algorithm, the trick isn’t trying to game the system—it’s aligning your content with what your ideal audience is actively searching for.
For your funnel, that means understanding the problems your target customers are aware of and creating content that addresses those pain points. When someone searches for a solution on Pinterest, your content needs to pop up with the answer. Use keyword-rich pin descriptions and titles to show up in those searches. It’s not just about being seen—it’s about being seen by the right people.
Pinterest gives you a unique advantage here: users are already problem-aware. They’re using the platform to seek out solutions, which means your funnel is starting on solid ground. By providing clear, actionable content at the discovery phase, you’re positioning your brand as the obvious next step.
Why Pinterest is Still a Relevant Marketing Tool in 2024
There’s often skepticism around whether Pinterest is still a good marketing tool today. With so many platforms competing for attention, you might be wondering if Pinterest is even worth your time.
The truth? Pinterest has carved out a unique space in the digital landscape, and it’s one that continues to grow. It’s not just about quick traffic spikes or viral content—it’s about long-term visibility and engagement. Pins have a shelf life unlike any other platform, meaning your content can continue to drive traffic months, even years, after it’s been posted.
Pinterest is a place where users actively seek out new brands, services, and solutions, making it a perfect platform for businesses looking to build a consistent, long-term sales funnel. The ability to reach potential customers who are already searching for what you offer is a major advantage you won’t find as easily on other platforms.
Ready to See What Pinterest Can Do for Your Sales Funnel?
Building a Pinterest funnel doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, once you understand how to work with the platform—leveraging its searchability, visual appeal, and long-lasting content—you’ll find that it’s one of the best-kept secrets for driving sales.
If you’ve been on the fence about using Pinterest for your sales strategy, now’s the time to see what’s possible. Let’s talk about how you can build a funnel that turns Pinterest traffic into actual sales for your business. Schedule a Pin Chat with me today, and let’s figure out how to make Pinterest work for you, no matter your niche.