Pinterest is not just another social media platform. It works more like a visual search engine. People come to Pinterest to plan, compare, and decide what to buy. That makes it one of the most effective ad platforms for Shopify stores.

Many Shopify sellers ask the same question: Is Pinterest advertising worth it, or should we focus only on Facebook and Google? The short answer is yes, Pinterest ads can work very well — when done the right way.

In this guide, we explain Pinterest advertising for Shopify from start to finish. We cover setup, ad formats, targeting, costs, strategy, common mistakes, and real use cases. The goal is simple: help you use Pinterest ads to bring high-intent traffic and convert that traffic into sales.

Why Pinterest Advertising Works Well for Shopify Stores

Pinterest users behave differently from users on other platforms. They are not scrolling for entertainment. They are searching for ideas and products.

People use Pinterest to:

• Plan purchases

• Save product ideas

• Compare styles

• Prepare for future buying decisions

This makes Pinterest a strong platform for ecommerce.

Research from Pinterest shows that over 80% of weekly users have discovered a new brand or product on the platform. That means ads do not feel intrusive. They blend naturally into user searches and feeds.

For Shopify stores selling fashion, home decor, beauty, fitness, food, gifts, or digital products, Pinterest ads can deliver traffic with buying intent.

How Pinterest Advertising Is Different From Facebook and Google Ads

Understanding the difference helps you use the platform properly.

Pinterest vs Facebook Ads

Facebook ads interrupt users while they scroll. Pinterest ads appear when users are already searching or browsing ideas.

Pinterest users often save ads for later. That means conversions may happen days or weeks after the first click.

Pinterest vs Google Ads

Google ads target users who are ready to buy now. Pinterest targets users earlier in the buying cycle. This allows you to influence decisions before competitors appear.

When used together, Pinterest builds demand and Google captures demand.

Types of Pinterest Ads for Shopify

Pinterest offers several ad formats. Each serves a different goal.

Standard Pins

These look like normal pins but are promoted. They work well for product images, lifestyle photos, and collections.

Video Pins

Short videos showing product use, styling, or transformation perform well. Video pins often get higher engagement.

Shopping Ads

These pull product data directly from your Shopify store. Prices, titles, and images stay updated automatically.

Carousel Ads

Carousel ads show multiple images in one pin. They work well for collections or product variations.

Idea Ads

Idea ads allow multiple pages of content. They are useful for tutorials, guides, or brand storytelling.

For most Shopify stores starting out, shopping ads and standard pins deliver the best balance of effort and results.

How to Set Up Pinterest Advertising for Shopify

Setting things up correctly from the start saves time and budget.

Step 1: Create a Pinterest Business Account

A business account gives access to ads, analytics, and shopping features.

Step 2: Claim Your Website

Claiming your Shopify store helps Pinterest track content and improve ad delivery.

Step 3: Install the Pinterest Tag on Shopify

The Pinterest tag tracks actions like:

• Page views

• Add to cart

• Checkout

• Purchases

Shopify allows easy tag installation without coding.

Step 4: Connect Your Product Catalog

Connecting your Shopify catalog enables shopping ads. Product data syncs automatically.

Once this setup is complete, you can start creating campaigns.

Pinterest Ad Campaign Objectives Explained

Pinterest offers different campaign goals. Choosing the right one matters.

Brand Awareness

This objective focuses on impressions. It works well for new brands.

Consideration

This objective drives traffic and engagement. It is useful for blog content and collections.

Conversions

This objective focuses on sales and checkout actions. Most Shopify stores use this once data is available.

If your store is new, start with traffic or consideration. Move to conversions after collecting enough data.

Pinterest Targeting Options for Shopify Stores

Pinterest targeting is one of its strongest features.

Keyword Targeting

Users search Pinterest like Google. You can target keywords such as:

• “minimalist jewelry”

• “home office decor”

• “gift ideas for moms”

This targets users with clear intent.

Interest Targeting

Pinterest groups users based on saved pins and browsing behavior. This works well for discovery.

Demographic Targeting

You can target by age, gender, location, and language.

Customer Lists

Upload customer emails to retarget past buyers or visitors.

Actalike Audiences

Pinterest creates similar audiences based on your existing customers.

Combining keywords with interests often produces the best results.

Pinterest Advertising Costs for Shopify

Pinterest ads are often cheaper than Facebook ads in many niches.

Average cost ranges:

• CPC: lower than Facebook in many ecommerce categories

• CPM: competitive, especially for visual products

Pinterest uses an auction system. Your costs depend on:

• Competition

• Targeting

• Ad quality

• Relevance

A Shopify study showed that brands using Pinterest ads saw up to 2x return on ad spend when ads were paired with shopping catalogs.

Start with a modest daily budget. Test creatives and targeting before scaling.

How to Create High-Performing Pinterest Ads

Pinterest is a visual platform. Design matters.

Image Best Practices

• Vertical images perform better

• Use bright, clear visuals

• Show the product in use

• Avoid clutter

Text Overlay Tips

• Keep text short

• Focus on benefits

• Avoid heavy sales language

Product Descriptions

Use clear titles and descriptions. Include keywords naturally.

Landing Page Alignment

Your landing page should match the pin. If users click a product pin, they should land on that exact product.

Consistency improves conversions.

Pinterest SEO and Ads Working Together

Pinterest ads perform better when combined with organic pins.

Optimise your pins by:

• Using keyword-rich titles

• Writing helpful descriptions

• Organizing boards clearly

Organic performance improves ad relevance, which can lower costs.

Think of Pinterest ads as amplification for strong content, not a replacement for it.

Common Mistakes Shopify Stores Make With Pinterest Ads

Many sellers fail because of avoidable errors.

Sending Traffic to the Homepage

Product ads should go to product pages, not homepages.

Using Horizontal Images

Pinterest favors vertical content. Horizontal images underperform.

Expecting Instant Results

Pinterest users often save first and buy later. Track performance over time.

Ignoring Analytics

Pinterest Analytics shows saves, clicks, and conversions. Use this data to refine campaigns.

Avoiding these mistakes improves results quickly.

How Pinterest Ads Fit Into a Full Shopify Marketing Strategy

Pinterest should not work alone.

Strong combinations include:

• Pinterest ads + email marketing

• Pinterest ads + retargeting

• Pinterest ads + content marketing

Pinterest builds interest. Email and retargeting close sales.

This layered approach improves overall store performance.

Real Use Cases: Who Benefits Most From Pinterest Advertising

Pinterest advertising for Shopify works best for:

• Fashion and accessories

• Home decor and furniture

• Beauty and skincare

• Fitness and wellness

• Food and beverage brands

• Print-on-demand products

• Digital planners and templates

If your product is visual and solves a lifestyle problem, Pinterest is worth testing.

Measuring Success With Pinterest Ads

Key metrics to watch:

• Click-through rate

• Cost per click

• Conversion rate

• Return on ad spend

• Saves and engagement

Saves matter on Pinterest. They show long-term interest, even if sales happen later.

Evaluate performance over 30–60 days, not just one week.

Pinterest Advertising Trends for Shopify in 2026

Several trends are shaping performance:

• Shopping ads becoming more prominent

• Video content gaining priority

• Search-based discovery increasing

• Mobile usage continuing to rise

Stores that adapt early gain an advantage.

Final Thoughts

Pinterest advertising can be a strong growth channel for Shopify stores that rely on visual appeal and long-term buying intent. When we approach Pinterest as a search-driven platform rather than a social feed, ads work better, traffic quality improves, and conversions follow over time. The key is setting up tracking correctly, choosing the right ad formats, and staying consistent with testing and optimization.

For Shopify store owners who want to turn Pinterest into a reliable sales channel, working with an experienced partner makes the process easier and more effective. At The Smith Marketing, we help brands plan, launch, and optimize Pinterest advertising strategies that align with real business goals. From Shopify setup and product feeds to ad structure and performance tracking, we focus on practical solutions that support steady and measurable growth.