Running Pinterest ads can feel like you’re playing a game where no one explained the rules. You log in, glance at all those numbers, and immediately ask yourself… “Is this working? Am I wasting money? What should I even be looking at?” I’m about to walk you through the exact metrics that actually matter, and how to use them to make smarter decisions (without needing a marketing degree or a Google rabbit hole).
First Things First: Let’s Break Down the Most Common Pinterest Ad Metrics
Here’s what you’ll see inside your dashboard, and what each metric is actually trying to tell you:
Impressions: How many times your ad showed up in someone’s feed. This tells you your targeting and keywords are being triggered — but impressions alone don’t mean it’s working.
Clicks: The number of times someone clicked on your ad to learn more. This is the first real sign of interest. It means your creative is catching attention. But it’s not the final word…
Outbound Clicks: These are the golden clicks — the ones that send people off Pinterest and onto your site. These clicks tell you your pin is doing its job: sending people into your world.
Saves: When someone saves your pin to a board. Saves are intent. It means they’re interested — maybe not ready to buy, but keeping it for later. If your saves are high, your ad might be too good for just one glance.
Conversions: When someone signs up, buys, or takes the action you asked for. This is what we’re here for, right? Conversions tell you if your whole ad + landing page combo is working.
So… Which Metrics Actually Matter Most?
If I had to pick the ones to watch like a hawk, it would be these:
Outbound Clicks
This is the biggest signal that your ad is truly working. Pinterest is a traffic platform, and if you’re not getting people to your site, we need to adjust your creative or targeting.
Conversions
This is the actual number of people who took the action you wanted. Whether that’s signing up for your list, buying your product, or filling out a form. It’s easy to obsess over impressions or saves, but conversions are the real proof that your ad is doing its job. No fluff, just results. And tracking this number over time tells you exactly which offers are working.
Cost per Click (CPC)
This is how much you’re paying for every single click on your ad — and it’s where Pinterest really shines. Compared to platforms like Instagram or Facebook, Pinterest clicks are often way more affordable. That means you can get in front of more potential customers without blowing your ad budget. Low CPC with high outbound clicks? That’s a winning combo.
What You Can Worry Less About
- Impressions are good for brand awareness, but they’re not what pays the bills.
- Saves are a lovely compliment, but you can’t take them to the bank.
- Clicks are a first step, but outbound clicks are the real MVP.
Think of impressions, saves, and clicks as breadcrumbs. They’re part of the journey — but not the destination.
If Your Metrics Aren’t Where You Want Them To Be… Don’t Panic
I know the moment you see numbers going the “wrong” way, it’s easy to feel like you messed up. But this is where strategy lives. If the clicks are high but no one’s converting? It might be your page. If impressions are low? Time to adjust your targeting or keywords.
This isn’t failure, it’s feedback. And when you know which numbers to pay attention to, you can stop guessing and start tweaking.
Your Pinterest Ad Metrics Checklist
Before you spend another dollar, take a moment to run through this list:
Am I getting outbound clicks?
If people aren’t clicking off Pinterest and into your world, it’s time to revisit your creative or targeting.
Are those clicks costing me less than other platforms?
Pinterest should win here. Low cost per click (CPC) is one of its biggest advantages — don’t overlook it.
Is my landing page doing its job?
Check your conversion rate. If people are clicking but not taking action, the issue might be your page (not your ad).
Do I know my cost per action (CPA)?
What are you actually paying for a sale or signup? That number helps you gauge real ROI.
Am I tracking actual conversions — not just impressions or saves?
Impressions are nice. Conversions are everything.
Pinterest is one of the most underrated tools in the marketing world, especially if you’re craving traffic that lasts, ads that actually convert, and peace of mind that your content isn’t just disappearing 24 hours later.
I’ve made over half a million dollars with one single product using Pinterest ads. That’s not a typo. No massive launch calendar. No daily social grind. Just a smart strategy, the right funnel, and a platform that quietly does the heavy lifting.
And if you’re ready to learn exactly how I go about setting up my ads? I walk you through my entire process, step by step, inside my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course. It’s built for entrepreneurs like you who want to grow sustainably, confidently, and with way less noise.
Because when you know what actually matters, Pinterest stops feeling confusing, and starts becoming one of the most powerful tools in your business.
