Pinterest can be a powerful platform for product discovery, but converting that interest into actual sales requires a seamless checkout experience.
Hosted checkout pages offer a simple, secure, and visually consistent way to guide users from pin to purchase.
In this article, we’ll explore how integrating hosted checkouts can boost conversions, and turn Pinterest browsers into loyal buyers.
What is a hosted checkout page?
A hosted checkout page is a secure, third-party web page where customers complete their purchases outside of the main website. It’s managed by a payment processor or e-commerce platform, which handles the transaction, security, and compliance requirements.
This setup reduces the merchant's burden, while offering a smooth and trustworthy checkout experience for customers.
Hosted checkout pages are especially useful for businesses that want to simplify payments without building custom infrastructure.
What is a hosted checkout page on Pinterest?
A hosted checkout page is a feature that has been available on Pinterest for several years, and is designed to make online credit card processing easier by removing unnecessary steps in the purchasing process.
Merchants who are part of the Pinterest Verified Merchant Program can provide a streamlined buying experience for their customers.
For eligible products, the customer will see a “Buy Now” button on the pin, rather than needing to go to your website to complete their purchase.
After clicking the button, the person will be presented with a checkout window on the Pinterest platform where the buyer can refine selections, and enter their payment and shipment details.
Why Pinterest-specific checkout optimization matters
Pinterest-specific checkout optimization matters because the platform is uniquely visual and discovery-focused, meaning users often arrive with inspiration rather than intent to buy.
A well-optimized checkout helps capitalize on that spontaneous interest before it fades.
Additionally, Pinterest users tend to engage with content differently by saving and sharing products, so a smooth checkout experience enhances brand perception and encourages repeat interactions.
Benefits of using hosted checkout pages
Using hosted checkout pages on Pinterest offers a streamlined path from product discovery to purchase, which is crucial on a visually-driven platform where attention spans are short.
When a user clicks on a product pin, they’re taken directly to a clean, secure checkout environment, eliminating distractions and minimizing the steps to complete a transaction.
This simplicity improves conversion rates, especially on mobile devices where most Pinterest browsing happens.
Hosted checkout pages also boost trust and reduce cart abandonment by offering familiar, secure payment experiences.
Since they’re managed by reputable payment providers, they come with built-in fraud protection, PCI compliance, and support for various payment methods.
For sellers, this means less technical overhead and more time to focus on marketing and product strategy, while Pinterest shoppers enjoy a faster, more confident buying journey.
Creative ways to sell more on Pinterest using hosted checkout pages
To maximize sales on Pinterest, it’s essential to remove as much friction from the buying process as possible.
One of the most effective ways to do this is by integrating direct checkout links into your content, from pin descriptions to video pins and affiliate promotions.
Add checkout links right in pin descriptions
Two characteristics are commonly found in internet shoppers: They are savvy about what they want, and their attention spans can be quite limited.
Therefore, your priority should be to provide clear and thorough information about your products on Pinterest, while simultaneously making it as easy as possible for customers to seamlessly complete their purchase quickly and securely.
Do this by putting the purchase link in pin description, ensuring that there is no guesswork and total transparency at every step.
Use video pins with one-click checkout
Images are powerful, including video content that provides augmented ways for consumers to see how your products can be integrated into their lives.
When your fast-loading checkout page is connected to your videos, buyers can move quickly from visually perceiving your offerings to pressing the “Buy Now” button.
Give affiliates direct checkout links
The truth is that people are much more likely to make a purchase when they see evidence that others like them have already done so, and are happy with their decision.
This social proof is the secret sales funnel for Pinterest that truly can take your company to the next level.
The key is to connect with influencers and affiliate marketers who are aligned with your brand and mission, and are willing to endorse your offerings on their sites.
Make it as easy as possible for them to do so by furnishing them with your direct checkout links. Once you do, you will see an influx of traffic from these celebrities’ followers.
North is a leading financial technology company that builds innovative, frictionless end-to-end payment solutions designed to simplify and grow businesses of all sizes. From the front door, to the back office, the developer world, and partnerships that expand the payments landscape, North offers proactive, comprehensive merchant services, in-house processing, and more.
