Pinterest Link Pin vs. Shoppable Pin - What is The Difference?

Last Updated May 1, 2025
Pinterest Link Pin vs. Shoppable Pin - What is The Difference?

Photo illustration: Pinterest Link Pin vs Shoppable Pin

Pinterest Link Pins drive traffic by directing users to external websites, while Shoppable Pins enable in-app purchases, enhancing e-commerce functionality. Explore the advantages and best uses of Link Pins and Shoppable Pins in this article.

Table of Comparison

Feature Pinterest Link Pin Shoppable Pin
Purpose Drive traffic to external websites Enable direct product purchases on Pinterest
Click Behavior Clicks redirect to external URL Clicks lead to product details with Buy Now option
Shopping Integration Not integrated with shopping features Supports product tags and pricing info
Target Users Content creators, bloggers, marketers Retailers, brands, e-commerce sellers
Conversion Tracking Limited to external analytics tools Built-in e-commerce tracking and insights
Visual Elements Image or video linking externally Product images with price and availability badges

Understanding Pinterest’s Pin Types

Pinterest offers various pin types to enhance user engagement and content visibility, including standard pins, video pins, product pins, and idea pins which provide diverse formats for showcasing ideas and products. Understanding the specific features of each pin type helps you tailor your content strategy to increase reach and interaction, such as using product pins for direct shopping links or idea pins for step-by-step tutorials. Optimizing your Pinterest pins with relevant keywords, high-quality images, and clear descriptions boosts algorithm performance and drives targeted traffic to your profile or website.

What is a Pinterest Link Pin?

A Pinterest Link Pin is a type of pin that allows users to save and share content directly from external websites, providing a clickable link that drives traffic back to the original source. These pins typically feature an image, a title, and a short description, making it easier for users to discover and engage with content related to their interests. Pinterest Link Pins are essential tools for marketers and content creators aiming to increase visibility and referral traffic through visually appealing, easily accessible links.

What are Shoppable Pins on Pinterest?

Shoppable Pins on Pinterest integrate product information and pricing directly into Pins, allowing users to discover and purchase items seamlessly without leaving the platform. These Pins utilize rich metadata and real-time inventory updates, enhancing your shopping experience with up-to-date product details and availability. Leveraging Shoppable Pins can drive increased engagement and conversion rates for brands by connecting browsing and buying in one place.

Features of Pinterest Link Pins

Pinterest Link Pins enable you to seamlessly connect images or videos to external websites, driving traffic directly to your desired content. These pins include rich metadata such as titles, descriptions, and website URLs, enhancing SEO and user engagement. By leveraging Pinterest Link Pins, your brand can boost visibility and generate higher-quality leads through visual storytelling.

Key Benefits of Shoppable Pins

Shoppable Pins on social media platforms streamline the buyer journey by allowing users to purchase products directly within the app, reducing friction and increasing conversion rates. These pins enhance user engagement through rich product details, high-quality images, and real-time inventory updates, improving the overall shopping experience. Brands benefit from targeted analytics and increased visibility, driving higher sales and fostering customer loyalty.

Link Pin vs Shoppable Pin: Core Differences

Link Pins on social media primarily drive traffic by directing users to external websites, enhancing content discoverability and increasing click-through rates. Shoppable Pins integrate product information and pricing directly within the pin, enabling seamless in-app purchases and boosting ecommerce conversion rates. The core difference lies in Link Pins focusing on site visits, while Shoppable Pins optimize the path from discovery to purchase on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram.

When to Use Link Pins for Marketing

Link pins are most effective when driving traffic to time-sensitive promotions, special offers, or new product launches on social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. Utilizing link pins during peak engagement hours maximizes visibility and click-through rates, particularly in industries such as fashion, beauty, and e-commerce. Incorporating clear, action-oriented descriptions with link pins enhances user interaction and improves conversion rates for marketing campaigns.

Leveraging Shoppable Pins for Sales

Leveraging Shoppable Pins on platforms like Pinterest enhances e-commerce by allowing users to purchase products directly through visual content, streamlining the buyer's journey and reducing friction. Brands utilizing Shoppable Pins report increased conversion rates and higher average order values due to seamless integration between discovery and purchase. Optimizing product descriptions with relevant keywords and high-quality images further boosts visibility and engagement, driving sustained sales growth.

Strategic Tips for Choosing the Right Pin Type

Selecting the right pin type on social media is crucial for maximizing engagement and reach. Focus on using video pins to capture attention quickly and infographic pins to convey detailed information effectively. Tailoring your pin style to your content and audience preferences ensures your messages resonate and drive stronger interaction with Your brand.

Optimizing Pinterest Strategy with Pin Variety

Optimizing your Pinterest strategy with a diverse pin variety enhances engagement and reach by appealing to different audience preferences. Incorporate a mix of infographics, videos, product pins, and story pins to capture attention and drive traffic effectively. Your content's visual diversity boosts discoverability through Pinterest's algorithm, increasing your potential for broader brand exposure.



About the author. A.S. Krishen is a renowned author and leading social media expert, recognized for his innovative strategies in digital marketing and brand communication. With over a decade of experience, Krishen has helped businesses and individuals harness the power of social platforms to build engaged audiences and drive measurable growth. His insightful books and articles provide practical guidance on navigating the evolving world of social media, making him a trusted voice in the industry.

Disclaimer.
The information provided in this document is for general informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be complete. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we cannot guarantee that the details mentioned are up-to-date or applicable to all scenarios. Topics about Pinterest Link Pin vs Shoppable Pin are subject to change from time to time.

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