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Thinking about running Pinterest ads as a beginner but not sure where to begin? Learn what Pinterest ads are, why they work for beginners, and how to start your first campaign in this step-by-step guide.
What Are Pinterest Ads for Beginners?
If you’re a beginner looking to explore Pinterest ads for the first time, you’ll be happy to know that Pinterest ads are designed to be beginner-friendly. Unlike other platforms that require technical expertise, Pinterest makes it easy to get started, even if you’re brand new to digital marketing.
Pinterest ads, also known as Promoted Pins, are paid posts that show up in Pinterest’s home feed, search results, and related pin sections. According to Pinterest’s official Ads Help Center, these ads blend naturally with organic pins, allowing your content to reach people while they’re actively searching for inspiration and solutions.
Unlike Instagram or TikTok, Pinterest functions more like a visual search engine than a social media feed. This means your audience is searching with intent—which makes Pinterest ads ideal for conversions, not just impressions.
Why Pinterest Ads Work (Especially for Beginners)
If you’re new to digital advertising or just starting a business, Pinterest offers unique advantages:
- High user intent: People come to Pinterest with a plan—whether it’s to buy, build, or learn.
- Low competition: Fewer small businesses use Pinterest ads compared to other platforms.
- Cost-effective: You can start with as little as $5 per day and still get meaningful results.
- Long-term reach: Pinterest ads can keep driving traffic long after the campaign ends.
- Visual focus: Great for bloggers, educators, creators, and service providers.
As someone earning a bachelor’s degree in digital marketing, I’ve tested Pinterest ads with first-time advertisers who gained real traction within days—without big budgets or complex strategies.

Types of Pinterest Ads You Can Use
Pinterest offers several ad formats, making it easy to find the right fit for your goals:
- Standard Pins – A single image with a title, description, and destination link. Great for beginners.
- Video Pins – Short videos that increase engagement and work well for tutorials or testimonials.
- Idea Pins (Boosted) – Multi-slide, story-like content that’s now promotable with paid boosts.
- Shopping Ads – Automatically pulled from your product catalog, ideal for e-commerce brands.
Want to learn how to create scroll-stopping pin graphics? Check out How to Create Clickable Pinterest Pins with Canva.
What You Need to Get Started
Before launching your first campaign, prepare these essentials:
- A Pinterest Business account
- A verified website (landing page, blog, or shop)
- A clear offer (freebie, product, or service)
- A visual ad (use Canva to design pins easily)
- A small daily budget ($5–$10 to start)
Need help picking keywords? Use Google Keyword Planner to research what your audience is searching for.
How to Run Your First Pinterest Ad (Step-by-Step)
- Set up a Business Pinterest account.
- Choose a campaign objective (traffic, conversions, or brand awareness).
- Define your audience (location, interests, and keywords).
- Upload your creative (pin image or video).
- Set your budget and schedule.
- Track your performance through Pinterest Analytics.
If you’re ready to go deeper, check out my step-by-step Pinterest Ads Checklist.
Quick Tips for Success
- Keep it simple: Start with one pin, one goal, and one audience.
- Use strong calls to action like “Get the Free Guide” or “Shop Now.”
- Test different designs or headlines to see what performs best.
- Watch your analytics: Pause low performers and boost the winners.
Related Blog Posts You May Like
- Why Pinterest Is a Goldmine for Digital Marketers
- Lead Magnet Ideas That Convert on Pinterest
- Top Mistakes Beginners Make with Pinterest Ads
Want to Launch Faster?
Download my Free Pinterest Ads Starter Kit — perfect for beginners!
You’ll get:
- A full Pinterest ads checklist
- Canva templates for high-converting pins
- Ad copy swipe files and headline formulas
Final Thoughts
Pinterest ads for beginners don’t have to be intimidating. With a small budget, the right creative, and a clear plan, you can launch your first campaign and start driving meaningful traffic to your site.
Whether you’re a blogger, coach, or entrepreneur, Pinterest gives you access to a motivated audience looking for answers—possibly the ones only you can provide.
If you’re still unsure, book a consultation and I’ll walk you through it step by step.