You’ll need:
- A Pinterest business account (free to upgrade!)
- A website or blog (WordPress, Wix, Shopify, etc.)
🔧 Step 1: Switch to a Pinterest Business Account
Go to your Pinterest settings > Account Settings > Convert to Business Account (or create one directly at Pinterest for Business).
🔧 Step 2: Go to “Claim” Section
- On desktop, go to Settings > Claimed accounts
- Click “Claim” next to Websites
🔧 Step 3: Add Your Website URL
Enter your site’s main domain (like www.luxeandglow.com)
Choose one of three verification methods:
- Add HTML tag to your site’s header
💬 What It Means:
Pinterest gives you a small piece of HTML code (called a “meta tag”). You need to paste this code into the <head> section of your website’s HTML.
✅ Why People Choose This:
- It’s simple and quick if you’re using a site builder like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace.
- No need to touch files or DNS settings.
🛠️ How to Do It (WordPress Example):
- Go to Pinterest → Settings → Claim → Enter your website URL → Choose “Add HTML Tag.”
- Copy the meta tag they give you.
- Go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Install a plugin like Insert Headers and Footers or use your theme’s settings if it has a header section.
- Paste the code inside the
<head>section. - Save changes and go back to Pinterest → Click “Verify.”
- Upload an HTML file to your root directory
💬 What It Means:
Pinterest gives you a special HTML file. You download it and upload it to the main folder of your website (also called the root directory).
✅ Why People Choose This:
- It’s straightforward if you have access to your hosting files or use platforms like Hostinger, Bluehost, or SiteGround.
- Good for people who don’t want to use plugins.
🛠️ How to Do It:
- From Pinterest → Choose “Upload HTML file.”
- Download the file.
- Go to your hosting provider’s File Manager or use FTP access.
- Upload the file to your root directory (usually under
public_htmlor the main folder of your website). - Go back to Pinterest and click “Verify.”
- Add TXT record to your DNS settings
💬 What It Means:
This method adds a small text record to your website’s domain name settings. It’s a way of telling Pinterest, “I own this domain,” using DNS (Domain Name System).
✅ Why People Choose This:
- It’s best if you’re not managing the site files directly.
- Works well with custom domains or if you’re managing multiple domains.
🛠️ How to Do It:
- Go to your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains).
- Find your DNS Settings or DNS Management section.
- Pinterest gives you a TXT record.
- Add a new record:
- Type: TXT
- Name/Host: @ or your domain
- Value: The code Pinterest gave you
- TTL: Default is fine (like 3600)
- Save it.
- Go back to Pinterest → Click “Verify.”
🕒 DNS changes may take a few hours to reflect, so be patient
If you’re using WordPress, you can:
✅ Use a plugin like Insert Headers and Footers
✅ Or paste the HTML tag directly into your <head> section via your theme settings
If you’re using WordPress, the HTML tag method is usually easiest.
If you’re using Shopify, they often recommend the HTML file method.
If you’re managing the domain separately (like you bought it from GoDaddy but use another platform), go for the TXT record.
🔧 Step 4: Click “Submit” and Wait
Pinterest will check your site in a few minutes to a few hours. Once it’s verified, your website is officially claimed!
📏 Pinterest Guidelines: Do’s and Don’ts for Affiliate Links
Pinterest allows affiliate marketing, but they have strict rules to keep the platform helpful and aesthetic — not spammy.
✅ DO:
- Use original, helpful content (like blog posts, guides, tutorials)
- Pin content from your claimed website
- Create Pinterest-friendly images (2:3 ratio, vertical pins)
- Disclose affiliate links clearly (e.g., “This post contains affiliate links”)
- Make sure the landing page is relevant to the pin
🛑 DON’T:
- Post the same pin to multiple boards over and over = spam
- Use shortened URLs like bit.ly in pin links (Pinterest hates this)
- Pin only affiliate links without value (Pinterest prefers blog posts or useful content)
- Redirect to unrelated or low-quality pages
- Upload stolen or AI-generated content with no originality
💥 Pro Tip: Drive Traffic to Your Affiliate Blog, Not Direct Links
Pinterest likes value-first content. So instead of pinning direct affiliate links, create:
- Blog posts with product roundups
- Tutorials featuring affiliate products
- “How to style this item” guides
- Comparison lists
Then pin THAT content. You’ll get more clicks, avoid spam flags, and build real trust (which leads to sales 💸).
🧠 Recap: Why You Should Claim Your Website on Pinterest
| 🔍 Feature | 💎 Benefit |
|---|---|
| Verified domain | Trust & visibility boost |
| Website analytics | Know what’s working |
| Rich pins | Better presentation |
| SEO signals | Higher Pinterest search ranking |
| Affiliate safety | Avoid getting flagged for spam |
🌐 Final Thoughts
Pinterest isn’t just for inspo boards anymore — it’s one of the best free traffic sources for creators, bloggers, and affiliate marketers. But to win on Pinterest, you’ve got to do it right.
✅ Claim your website
✅ Follow the rules
✅ Create beautiful, helpful pins
✅ Link to high-quality blog content
✅ Be patient, consistent, and creative