One of the most common questions I get when it comes to Pinterest ads: Where do I even start? You’ve probably heard that Pinterest can be a goldmine for passive traffic and sales (spoiler: it totally can be). But when you finally sit down to launch your first ad, it’s easy to get overwhelmed—there are different ad formats, audience types, budgets, pins, targeting strategies… it’s a lot.
Here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be complicated.
But you do need to start with the right strategy—for where you are right now.
Because truthfully? The best first ad to run on Pinterest depends on whether you already have traffic coming in… or you’re starting from zero.
Let me explain…
Part One: If You Already Have Website Traffic (Even a Little)
If you’ve already got visitors landing on your site—maybe from your blog, SEO, Pinterest content, or even social media—then listen up, because this is where Pinterest ads can really shine.
💡 Start with a remarketing ad.
This is hands-down the best ad to run if you’ve got even a little bit of traffic already trickling in.
Why?
Because it’s targeting people who’ve already seen your brand. Maybe they clicked through to a product, added something to their cart, or read one of your blog posts. These people are already warmed up—and a well-placed Pinterest ad might be the nudge they need to finally hit “buy.”
Real Talk: What Remarketing Can Actually Do
Let me give you a quick example.
In one day, I spent $11 on a remarketing ad and made $470 in return. (Yep, I triple-checked.) That’s the beauty of this type of ad—it’s not trying to introduce you to new people, it’s gently reminding someone who’s already been in your world that your offer is still there. Still helpful. Still worth it.
And when your ad shows up while they’re planning, searching, and making decisions on Pinterest? Magic. And the best part? Since this ad only gets shown to those who have visited your site, it’s a much smaller audience size, which means you really don’t have to spend much.
How to Set Up Your First Remarketing Ad on Pinterest:
- Make sure you have the Pinterest tag installed on your website (this tracks who’s visiting).
- Choose one of your top-visited products, services, or blog posts as your landing page.
- Create 3–4 fresh pin designs that lead directly to that page.
- Use Pinterest’s ad manager to retarget visitors who have already interacted with that page or your site in the last 7–30 days.
It’s a strategy I use regularly and still get amazing returns from—because it works.
But here’s the thing…
Part Two: If You’re Starting From Zero
What if you’re just getting started?
What if no one’s visiting your website yet, and you don’t have enough traffic to retarget?
Friend, don’t worry. This is still a perfect time to start with Pinterest ads. You just need a slightly different strategy.
💡 Run a cold traffic ad to your best-selling product or service.
Why your best seller? Because it’s already been validated. Even if it’s just through a few sales here and there—you’ve proven that people want this thing. And that means it has the highest chance of converting when you get it in front of more of the right people.
Once you start generating traffic (and sales) you can turn on a second ad for remarketing.
Why Pinterest Is Great for Beginners
One reason I love recommending Pinterest ads to business owners is that Pinterest doesn’t require you to have a giant following, or a warmed-up audience. People are already searching for solutions, ideas, and offers. And if you can match your ad to what they’re looking for? You’re in.
Instead of trying to interrupt someone’s scroll like you do on Instagram, Pinterest lets you place your ad right where someone’s already looking for what you sell.
That means better alignment. More clicks. And more potential for sales—even if your audience is still small.
Recap: The Best First Pinterest Ad Depends on Where You Are
Let’s make it simple:
| You Have Website Traffic | You’re Starting from Scratch |
|---|---|
| Start with: Remarketing ad to warm leads | Start with: Cold traffic ad to your best seller |
| Target: Past website visitors or engaged Pinterest users | Target: Interests, keywords, and search terms your audience is actively using |
| Goal: Boost conversions from people already familiar with you | Goal: Attract new traffic and make your first few sales |
Both are powerful. But choosing the one that matches your business stage will give you the fastest path to results.
Want My Exact Strategy?
So many of my business friends were curious about how I was running Pinterest ads and getting strong ROI—even with a small ad spend—that I created a 90-min course that walks you through my entire setup.
🎯 The Pinterest Ad Strategy is short, sweet, and super actionable. In under 90 minutes, I show you:
- How I set up Pinterest ads from start to finish
- What kind of ad creatives I use
- How I track conversions
- And how to target the right people who are ready to buy from you.
It’s like looking over my shoulder as I set up a real campaign—with takeaways you can apply right away.
If you’ve ever wanted to start running Pinterest ads but didn’t know how to start smart, this is it. You can check it out right here.
Pinterest ads don’t have to feel overwhelming or intimidating. You just need the right starting point for where you are right now.
If you have traffic—remarketing ads are gold.
If you’re just beginning—run a cold ad to your best offer.
Either way, you’re giving your business a boost by putting your work in front of people who actually want what you have.
