Ten years ago, I had no idea that Pinterest could turn into a full-time career. Like many, I started out pinning recipes, DIY projects, and travel inspiration. Over time, I realized businesses were struggling to use Pinterest the right way — they didn’t understand strategy, keywords, or how to create visuals that actually got clicks. That’s when I stepped in.

Today, Pinterest management is not just my profession — it’s my business. I work with brands across niches like lifestyle, eCommerce, coaching, and SaaS, helping them grow traffic, leads, and sales through Pinterest. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what it really takes to become a Pinterest Manager, based on my decade of experience.

What Does a Pinterest Manager Do?

A Pinterest Manager is not just someone who pins images. The role goes much deeper. My daily tasks include:

  • Researching keywords and trending topics
  • Designing high-converting pins (using Canva, Photoshop, or brand templates)
  • Writing SEO-rich pin titles and descriptions
  • Creating and managing boards aligned with brand goals
  • Scheduling content through tools like Tailwind
  • Tracking analytics to see what’s driving clicks and conversions
  • Updating strategies when Pinterest changes its algorithm

It’s part creative, part analytical, and part marketing strategy. That’s why this role has become so valuable to businesses.

The Skills You Need to Succeed

When I first started, I thought design was the only skill that mattered. I quickly learned Pinterest is 70% strategy and 30% design. To thrive as a Pinterest Manager, you’ll need:

  • Pinterest SEO: Understanding how keywords work on Pinterest is crucial.
  • Graphic Design Basics: Canva is enough at the start, but learning how to make scroll-stopping pins will set you apart.
  • Copywriting: Crafting compelling titles and descriptions that people want to click.
  • Analytics & Reporting: Brands care about results, so you must learn how to track impressions, clicks, and conversions.
  • Communication Skills: You’ll work closely with clients, so clarity and professionalism are key.

The Tools That Make Life Easier

When I started, I managed everything manually. Today, there are tools that save hours:

  • Canva: For quick and professional pin designs.
  • Tailwind: For scheduling and analytics.
  • Pinterest Analytics: To measure performance directly from the platform.
  • Google Analytics: To connect the dots between Pinterest traffic and website results.

My Step-by-Step Roadmap to Becoming a Pinterest Manager

Here’s exactly how I built my career:

  1. Start With Your Own Pinterest Account
    Before taking on clients, I treated my own Pinterest like a business. I experimented with boards, tested pin designs, and figured out what worked. This gave me a mini-portfolio to showcase.
  1. Build a Small Portfolio
    My first clients came from offering free or discounted services. I didn’t love working for less, but it gave me case studies that helped me land paying clients later.
  1. Invest in Learning
    I took short courses on Pinterest SEO, stayed updated with platform changes, and followed Pinterest trends. The learning never stops.
  1. Create Service Packages
    Instead of charging hourly, I designed packages: monthly account setup, pin creation, and analytics reporting. Clients loved the clarity.
  1. Find Clients Strategically
    My first paying client came through a Facebook group. Later, I used LinkedIn, referrals, and freelance platforms. The key is positioning yourself as a Pinterest expert, not just a general social media manager.

How to Land Your First Clients

This is the part most beginners struggle with. What worked for me was:

  • Showcasing results from my own Pinterest account.
  • Sharing before-and-after case studies.
  • Pitching directly to small businesses who clearly had no Pinterest strategy.
  • Building relationships in online communities.

Once you land 1–2 clients and deliver results, referrals follow naturally.

Also Read more about Pinterest marketing strategies

How Much Can a Pinterest Manager Earn?

When I started, I charged as little as $200 per month. Today, experienced Pinterest Managers can charge anywhere between $500 to $2,000+ per client, per month, depending on services.

Popular pricing models include:

  • Monthly retainers (e.g., $600/month for account management)
  • Packages (setup, keyword research, pin design)
  • VIP Days or Intensives (1-day strategy sessions at premium rates)

Is It Worth Becoming a Pinterest Manager?

Absolutely — if you enjoy both creativity and strategy. Pinterest is still an underutilized platform compared to Instagram or TikTok, which means there’s less competition and more opportunities.

Many of my clients have gone from zero traffic to thousands of monthly visitors within months. And for me personally, Pinterest management gave me the freedom to work remotely, choose my clients, and scale my income.

FAQs About Becoming a Pinterest Manager

1. What skills does a Pinterest Manager need?

A Pinterest Manager needs a mix of creative, analytical, and marketing skills. You’ll need Pinterest SEO knowledge, the ability to design scroll-stopping pins (usually with Canva), strong copywriting for pin descriptions, and an eye for trends. On top of that, client communication and reporting skills are essential because businesses want to see clear results.

2. What does a day in the life of a Pinterest Manager look like?

Every day is different, but typically it includes:

  • Researching new keywords and trends
  • Designing fresh pins and scheduling them
  • Reviewing analytics to see what’s working
  • Adjusting strategies to improve traffic
  • Updating boards and ensuring branding is consistent
  • Communicating with clients about progress

It’s a balance of creativity (designing pins) and strategy (data analysis + optimization).

3. Is Pinterest management profitable?

Yes, Pinterest management can be very profitable. Many managers earn between $500–$2,000 per client, per month depending on their expertise and the scope of services. Once you have multiple clients or offer premium services (like strategy intensives or consulting), your income can scale quickly.

4. How do I start managing Pinterest accounts?

Start with your own account. Treat it like a client project: set up SEO-friendly boards, design professional pins, and track analytics. Once you see results, use that as a portfolio to pitch your services. Even if you have no paid clients yet, results from your own account prove your expertise.

5. What are the first steps to take?

  • Learn the basics of Pinterest SEO
  • Set up and optimize a Pinterest business account
  • Practice designing pins in Canva
  • Study analytics to understand performance
  • Build a simple portfolio (your own account or test accounts)

These steps create a foundation before you start charging clients.

6. Which tools are useful (Canva, Tailwind, analytics)?

  • Canva – for designing pins
  • Tailwind – for scheduling, analytics, and SmartLoops
  • Pinterest Analytics – to track impressions, clicks, saves
  • Google Analytics – to measure traffic and conversions
  • Trello/ClickUp – for managing client workflows (optional)

7. Where can I learn Pinterest SEO?

You can learn Pinterest SEO through:

  • Pinterest’s own Business Resources & Blog
  • Online courses (many Pinterest managers now teach affordable ones)
  • Free YouTube tutorials and podcasts
  • Hands-on practice — the best lessons come from testing strategies yourself

8. Should I manage my own account first?

Absolutely. Managing your own account first is the best way to learn. You can experiment without pressure, showcase growth as a case study, and build a portfolio. Many of my early clients hired me because I showed them the results I had achieved on my personal account.

9. How do I find first clients even with no experience?

  • Offer discounted or free services in exchange for testimonials
  • Join Facebook groups or freelance platforms (Upwork, Fiverr)
  • Pitch directly to small businesses with poor or inactive Pinterest accounts
  • Share your personal Pinterest growth as proof of skills

Once you get a couple of clients and results, referrals will naturally follow.

10. How much do Pinterest Managers charge?

Beginner Pinterest Managers often charge around $200–$400 per month. As you gain experience, you can increase to $600–$1,500+ per month depending on services. Premium experts who offer strategy + design + analytics can charge even more.

11. What are typical service packages?

Common packages include:

  • Account Setup Package – creating boards, optimizing profiles, keyword research
  • Monthly Management Package – designing and scheduling pins, board updates, analytics
  • Strategy Package – keyword research, content calendar, growth roadmap
  • VIP Day – a one-day intensive for strategy and setup

12. Is this a real job?

Yes, Pinterest management is a real and growing profession. Many brands outsource it just like they do with Instagram or Facebook ads. In fact, because Pinterest drives long-term traffic (unlike other platforms), businesses see it as a high-value investment.

13. Can someone actually earn a living doing this?

Yes. Many Pinterest Managers make a full-time income from this work. By charging $600–$1,000 per client and working with 5–10 clients, you can easily replace or surpass a traditional job’s salary. Some even expand into agencies, courses, or consulting.

14. What are success stories?

I’ve seen clients grow from zero to 100,000+ monthly visitors in under a year through Pinterest. For managers, success stories include freelancers who started small and now run six-figure businesses. The common theme: consistency, strategy, and adapting to changes in the platform.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Pinterest Manager isn’t about overnight success. It’s about building skills, experimenting, and positioning yourself as the go-to expert. If you’re willing to put in the work, it’s one of the most rewarding online careers — and the demand is only growing.

My advice? Start today. Open a Pinterest account, practice, track results, and then offer your services. The sooner you start, the faster you’ll build the experience that clients are looking for.