Pinterest KPIs Every Marketer Should Monitor in 2025

When marketers search for what to track on Pinterest, the real intent behind the query is clear: they don’t just want to pin content they want measurable results. Whether your goal is driving website traffic, boosting sales, or building brand visibility, Pinterest can be a powerful growth channel. But without knowing which key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor, your strategy is like throwing darts in the dark.

Unlike traditional social platforms, Pinterest functions as a visual search engine. Users come here with intent they’re actively searching for inspiration, ideas, or products to purchase. That means your Pins aren’t only competing for attention; they’re part of a discovery journey that can directly influence buying decisions. This high-intent environment makes it even more important to track the right data.

By focusing on the KPIs that matter most such as impressions, saves, clicks, conversions, and audience insights you’ll be able to:

• Identify which types of Pins drive the strongest engagement.
• Optimize your budget allocation for paid campaigns.
• Spot trends in user behavior that can guide your content creation.
• Measure ROI in a way that aligns with your business objectives.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most critical Pinterest KPIs every marketer should monitor, why they matter, and how to use them to refine your strategy. You’ll also see practical examples and action steps so you can go beyond vanity metrics and focus on the numbers that actually move the needle.

Why Pinterest KPIs Matter for Marketers

If you’re wondering what to track on Pinterest, the answer depends on your goals but tracking the right KPIs is non-negotiable. Many businesses make the mistake of focusing only on surface-level metrics like follower counts or Pin impressions. While those numbers look good, they don’t always tell the full story about performance or ROI.

Pinterest KPIs matter for three main reasons:

Aligning Efforts With Business Goals

Every marketer uses Pinterest differently. A food blogger may want to drive blog traffic, while an eCommerce store is focused on sales. By monitoring the right KPIs, you make sure your efforts tie directly to your business objectives. For example:

• A blogger should focus on outbound clicks and saves to grow readership.
• An online retailer should track add-to-carts, checkouts, and revenue-driven conversions.

Understanding User Intent

Pinterest is not a passive scrolling platform like Instagram. Users here actively search with intent they’re planning a wedding, decorating a home, or shopping for holiday gifts. Tracking KPIs like saves, clicks, and conversion events helps you understand how well your content matches user intent. If people are saving your Pins, it signals long-term interest. If they’re clicking, it shows immediate engagement.

Improving Campaign Efficiency

Without data, you can waste money on underperforming Pins or ads. By tracking KPIs like CPC (Cost Per Click), CPM (Cost Per Thousand Impressions), and ROAS (Return on Ad Spend), you can quickly identify which campaigns bring results and which need optimization. This ensures your budget goes toward content that actually works.

Moving Beyond Vanity Metrics

It’s easy to get excited about millions of impressions, but impressions alone don’t pay the bills. Tracking meaningful KPIs helps you avoid vanity metrics and focus instead on actions that drive traffic, leads, and revenue.

Example: A Pin with 100,000 impressions but only 50 clicks might not be as valuable as a Pin with 5,000 impressions and 400 clicks. Tracking the right KPIs highlights this difference so you can invest in what performs best.

The takeaway: KPIs aren’t just numbers they’re a roadmap to growth on Pinterest. The right data helps you refine your content strategy, improve audience targeting, and maximize ROI.

Essential Pinterest KPIs to Track

When asking what to track on Pinterest, the answer lies in understanding both engagement signals and business-driven outcomes. Pinterest offers a mix of organic and paid performance metrics together, they tell you how well your content connects with your audience and whether it supports your bottom line.

Here are the most important Pinterest KPIs every marketer should monitor:

Impressions (Top-of-Funnel Visibility)

Definition: The number of times your Pin was displayed on a user’s feed, search results, or board.

• Why it matters: Impressions measure reach and visibility. They help you understand whether your keywords, SEO, and visuals are making your Pins discoverable.
• Example: A recipe Pin optimized for “healthy vegan dinner ideas” may show up in thousands of searches, gaining high impressions even before clicks.
• Action step: Optimize Pin titles, descriptions, and board names with relevant keywords to boost impressions.

Saves (Long-Term Engagement)

Definition: The number of times users saved your Pin to their boards.

• Why it matters: Saves are strong intent signals. When people save, it means they want to revisit your content later similar to bookmarking.
• Example: A travel blogger’s Pin “Top 10 Destinations in Italy” may not get instant clicks but could generate hundreds of saves, building long-term engagement.
• Action step: Create evergreen, helpful, or inspirational content that people want to refer back to.

Outbound Clicks (Website Traffic)

Definition: The number of times users click your Pin and land on your website.

• Why it matters: Outbound clicks are the strongest traffic-driving KPI. They show that your Pin not only caught attention but also motivated users to take action.
• Example: An eCommerce brand promoting “Minimalist Desk Lamps” can track how many clicks lead to their product page.
• Action step: Use clear CTAs like “Read the full guide” or “Shop the collection” and ensure the landing page matches user expectations.

Pin Clicks (On-Pin Engagement)

Definition: Clicks on your Pin to enlarge it within Pinterest (not leaving the platform).

• Why it matters: Pin clicks measure in-platform engagement. If users click to expand, your creative is catching their eye.
• Example: A fashion brand’s carousel ad might get high Pin clicks because users want to browse different outfit ideas before deciding.
• Action step: Use compelling visuals, carousels, and videos that encourage exploration.

Engagement Rate

Definition: The percentage of users interacting with your Pins (clicks, saves, reactions) relative to impressions.

• Why it matters: Engagement rate helps compare Pins fairly. A Pin with fewer impressions but higher engagement may outperform a viral Pin with low engagement.
• Example: A home décor Pin with 10,000 impressions and 800 engagements has an 8% engagement rate excellent for Pinterest standards.
• Action step: Test different Pin formats (video, static, carousel) to find which drives the highest engagement rates.

Follower Growth

Definition: The increase in the number of people following your Pinterest profile.

• Why it matters: Followers directly impact your organic reach. The more followers you have, the more initial traction each Pin can get.
• Example: A DIY blogger who posts consistently may see steady follower growth, boosting overall Pin visibility.
• Action step: Post regularly, use niche boards, and engage with your audience to build followers over time.

Conversion Events (Sales, Sign-Ups, Leads)

Definition: Measured through Pinterest Tag or API, conversions track completed actions like purchases, sign-ups, or downloads.

• Why it matters: Conversions tie Pinterest activity to business revenue. This is the ultimate KPI for ROI.
• Example: An online course creator tracks how many users who clicked from Pinterest actually signed up for their free webinar.
• Action step: Set up Pinterest Tag and define clear conversion goals (checkout, add-to-cart, form submission).

Cost Metrics (For Advertisers)

If you’re running Pinterest Ads, track cost efficiency KPIs:

• CPC (Cost Per Click): Measures how much you pay per outbound click.
• CPM (Cost Per Thousand Impressions): Tracks how much it costs to get 1,000 views.
• CPA (Cost Per Action): Monitors the cost of conversions (e.g., sign-ups, purchases).
• Example: An eCommerce store may see a $0.50 CPC for their product ads, but $6 CPA for completed purchases.
• Action step: Continuously optimize targeting, bidding strategy, and creatives to keep costs efficient.

Key takeaway: If you’re deciding what to track on Pinterest, don’t stop at impressions or saves. Pair discovery metrics (impressions, saves, clicks) with business metrics (conversions, CPA, ROAS) to get a complete view of performance.

Awareness KPIs: Tracking Reach & Impressions

When marketers ask what to track on Pinterest, the starting point is awareness metrics. These KPIs don’t immediately show conversions or sales, but they’re the foundation of brand visibility. On Pinterest, the discovery journey begins at the top of the funnel users first need to see your Pins before they can engage, click, or buy.

Here are the most important awareness KPIs to monitor:

Impressions: How Many People See Your Pins

Definition: Impressions measure the total number of times your Pin appears in feeds, search results, related Pins, or boards.

• Why it matters: High impressions signal that your SEO strategy (keywords, descriptions, boards) is working. If your impressions are low, your Pins may not be reaching the right audience.
• Example: A “Christmas Dessert Ideas” Pin may get 500,000+ impressions in November–December but only 5,000 in March.
• Action step: Optimize Pin titles and descriptions with long-tail keywords (e.g., “easy gluten-free holiday desserts” instead of just “desserts”).

Reach: Unique Users Exposed to Your Content

Definition: Reach shows how many unique people have seen your Pins. Unlike impressions (which count every display), reach counts unique users.

• Why it matters: A high reach-to-impression ratio means your content is being surfaced widely but also repeatedly good for branding.
• Example: If a Pin gets 100,000 impressions but only 20,000 reach, it’s likely being shown multiple times to the same audience.
• Action step: Expand reach by diversifying boards, using seasonal content, and tapping into trending Pinterest searches.

Monthly Viewers (Profile-Level Awareness)

Definition: This metric represents the total number of people who saw your Pins across Pinterest in the past 30 days.

• Why it matters: While it doesn’t directly translate to clicks or conversions, monthly viewers give a snapshot of your overall brand exposure on Pinterest.
• Example: A small fashion brand might have 50,000 monthly viewers in January but grow to 200,000 by March after running spring outfit campaigns.
• Action step: Track trends over time spikes often correspond to seasonal campaigns, new product launches, or viral Pins.

Follower Growth as a Visibility Lever

Definition: The number of new followers your profile gains over time.

• Why it matters: Followers act as your built-in amplification network. Every time you publish new content, it gets an initial push through your followers before organic discovery kicks in.
• Example: A food blogger with 20,000 followers may consistently get strong impressions because Pinterest distributes Pins first to followers.
• Action step: Create niche boards (e.g., “30-Minute Vegan Meals” instead of just “Recipes”) to attract targeted followers.

Video Views (For Video Pins & Ads)

Definition: The number of times your video Pin has been played. Pinterest counts a view after 2 seconds.

• Why it matters: Video is a growing format on Pinterest, especially for tutorials and product demos. Tracking video views helps measure storytelling reach.
• Example: A beauty brand’s “5-Minute Skincare Routine” video might rack up 50,000 views but fewer outbound clicks it’s still a strong awareness driver.
• Action step: Use captions, text overlays, and a teaser-style format to maximize views and engagement.

Key takeaway: Awareness KPIs like impressions, reach, and monthly viewers answer the question of how many people are seeing your content on Pinterest. While they don’t prove ROI on their own, they are critical for diagnosing whether your Pinterest SEO and content strategy are putting your brand in front of the right audience.

Engagement KPIs: Saves, Clicks & CTR

Once you’ve established visibility through impressions and reach, the next step in what to track on Pinterest is engagement metrics. These KPIs reveal whether users find your content valuable enough to interact with it, instead of just scrolling past.

Engagement is a strong signal to Pinterest’s algorithm Pins with higher engagement rates often get boosted in search and recommendations, giving you compounding visibility.

Here are the core engagement KPIs every marketer should monitor:

Saves (Previously Called “Repins”)

Definition: A save occurs when someone adds your Pin to one of their boards.

• Why it matters: Saves extend your content’s lifespan. Each save makes your Pin discoverable by new audiences through that person’s boards.
• Example: A Pin titled “Small Kitchen Storage Hacks” might only get 500 clicks, but 5,000 saves signaling that people find it inspirational and want to refer back later.
• Action step: Use visually evergreen designs (infographics, checklists, mood boards) that people naturally want to save for future use.

Outbound Clicks (Website Traffic Drivers)

Definition: Outbound clicks track the number of users who click through your Pin to your website, store, or blog.

• Why it matters: For most marketers, outbound clicks are the primary Pinterest ROI metric, as they drive traffic, leads, or sales.
• Example: A “Free Social Media Calendar Template” Pin may generate 1,000 outbound clicks to a landing page directly fueling email sign-ups.
• Action step: Always pair an eye-catching image with a clear CTA (e.g., “Get the full guide →”) to maximize clicks.

CTR (Click-Through Rate)

Definition: CTR is the percentage of impressions that result in an outbound click.

• Why it matters: CTR reveals the effectiveness of your creative and copywriting. Even with high impressions, a low CTR means your Pin isn’t compelling enough.
• Example:
• • Pin A: 100,000 impressions, 1,000 clicks → CTR = 1%
  • Pin B: 20,000 impressions, 800 clicks → CTR = 4%
    Pin B is more efficient, even with fewer impressions.

• Action step: Test different Pin variations (colors, fonts, overlays) to boost CTR, not just impressions.

Comments & Pin Interactions

Definition: Comments are written responses, while interactions include close-ups, swipes on carousel Pins, or tapping to expand.

• Why it matters: While less common than saves or clicks, comments show deep engagement and can provide qualitative feedback.
• Example: A “DIY Wedding Decor” Pin might get dozens of questions like “Where can I buy this ribbon?” a goldmine for customer insights.
• Action step: Monitor comments to identify FAQs, and use them in your content strategy or product descriptions.

Engagement Rate (Holistic KPI)

Definition: Engagement rate = Total engagements ÷ Total impressions.

• Why it matters: This metric consolidates saves, clicks, comments, and interactions into one efficiency measure.
• Example:
• • Pin A: 50,000 impressions, 1,000 engagements → 2% engagement rate
  • Pin B: 30,000 impressions, 1,200 engagements → 4% engagement rate
    Pin B performs better despite fewer impressions.

• Action step: Use Pinterest Analytics to compare engagement rates across Pins, boards, and campaigns. Double down on formats/themes that outperform.

 Key takeaway: Engagement KPIs saves, clicks, and CTR tell you if your Pinterest audience finds your content compelling enough to act on. These metrics bridge the gap between awareness (seeing your Pins) and conversion (taking action off Pinterest).

Traffic KPIs: Outbound Clicks, Bounce Rate & Dwell Time

At the heart of what to track on Pinterest lies a key question: How much qualified traffic is Pinterest actually driving to your website? While impressions and engagement are important, it’s the traffic KPIs that reveal whether Pinterest is moving the needle on conversions, leads, or sales.

Here are the most important traffic KPIs to monitor:

Outbound Clicks (Pinterest → Website)

Definition: The total number of times users leave Pinterest by clicking through your Pin to your website, blog, or store.

• Why it matters: Outbound clicks are the clearest indicator of Pinterest ROI because they directly measure how many users are landing on your owned channels.
• Example: A Pin for “10-Minute Vegan Dinners” might generate 2,000 outbound clicks to a recipe blog, resulting in new subscribers or ad revenue.
• Action step: In Pinterest Analytics, check which Pins drive the most outbound clicks and replicate their format, keywords, and design style.

Bounce Rate (Measured in Google Analytics)

Definition: Bounce rate shows the percentage of Pinterest visitors who leave your website without taking any further action.

• Why it matters: A high bounce rate suggests your landing page doesn’t match the promise of the Pin, creating a disconnect.
• Example: If your Pin says “Free Printable Budget Planner” but the landing page requires sign-up before download, visitors may bounce quickly.
• Action step:
• • Align Pin visuals and copy with the landing page offer.
  • Reduce friction (e.g., avoid too many pop-ups).
  • Test different landing page layouts to lower bounce rate.

Dwell Time (On-Site Engagement)

Definition: The average time a Pinterest visitor spends on your website after clicking through.

• Why it matters: Longer dwell time signals content relevance and quality, which can increase both SEO rankings and Pinterest’s confidence in surfacing your Pins.
• Example: A “Step-by-Step Home Office Makeover Guide” blog may keep visitors engaged for 4–5 minutes, showing the content is valuable.
• Action step:
• • Use storytelling and visuals on your landing page to keep readers engaged.
  • Add internal links to guide Pinterest visitors deeper into your site.
  • Embed videos, galleries, or downloadable checklists to extend time on page.

Pages Per Session

Definition: The average number of pages a Pinterest visitor views during one website session.

• Why it matters: High pages-per-session shows your content funnel is effective at guiding users deeper (e.g., from blog posts to products).
• Example: A Pin on “Top 5 Fall Outfit Ideas” may lead visitors to also explore related “Best Fall Accessories” and “Boot Trends” posts.
• Action step: Optimize blog posts with related Pins or product recommendations to encourage browsing.

Conversion Rate from Pinterest Traffic

Definition: The percentage of Pinterest visitors who complete a desired action such as signing up for an email list, downloading a freebie, or purchasing.

• Why it matters: Traffic is only valuable if it converts. Pinterest is especially powerful at generating mid-funnel conversions (like email sign-ups) because users are in discovery mode.
• Example: A Pin offering “Free Meal Planner Template” might convert 10% of outbound clicks into newsletter subscribers.
• Action step:
• • Use lead magnets tailored to your Pinterest audience.
  • Track conversions with UTM parameters in Google Analytics.
  • Create Pinterest-specific landing pages for higher relevance.

Key takeaway: Outbound clicks, bounce rate, dwell time, and conversions tell you not just if people click on your Pins, but also what happens after. Monitoring these traffic KPIs ensures you’re attracting qualified visitors who stick around and take action, not just casual scrollers.

Conversion KPIs: Sign-Ups, Sales & ROAS

If traffic KPIs show whether Pinterest sends people to your site, conversion KPIs reveal whether that traffic is profitable. Many marketers struggle here impressions and clicks may look good, but without conversions, they don’t drive business growth. When considering what to track on Pinterest, conversion metrics are the ultimate proof of ROI.

Email Sign-Ups

Definition: The number of Pinterest visitors who subscribe to your newsletter, freebie, or lead magnet.

• Why it matters: Pinterest is a discovery-first platform where users often aren’t ready to buy immediately. Email sign-ups bridge the gap by nurturing leads until they’re purchase-ready.
• Example: A Pin promoting a “Free Social Media Content Calendar Template” drives 500 outbound clicks. If 75 visitors join your email list, that’s a 15% conversion rate.
• Action step:
• • Offer Pinterest-specific lead magnets.
  • Keep forms short name + email is enough.
  • Track conversions with GA4 (events) and Pinterest Tag.

Product Sales

Definition: The total number of purchases directly attributed to Pinterest traffic.

• Why it matters: This KPI ties your ad spend and organic efforts to tangible revenue.
• Example: A promoted Pin showcasing “Minimalist Gold Earrings” generates 120 clicks, with 12 people completing a purchase. That’s a 10% sales conversion rate.
• Action step:
• • Use rich product Pins with up-to-date pricing.
  • Create Pinterest-specific discount codes to measure sales impact.
  • Set up Enhanced Match in Pinterest Tag for accurate purchase tracking.

Add-to-Cart Conversions

Definition: The number of Pinterest users who add items to their cart, even if they don’t complete checkout.

• Why it matters: Add-to-cart metrics help measure purchase intent and can be used for retargeting campaigns.
• Example: A Pin for “Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats” generates 200 add-to-cart actions, even if only 50 result in completed sales.
• Action step:
• • Track this KPI with Pinterest’s Conversion API.
  • Retarget users with cart-abandonment ads.
  • Test incentives like free shipping or first-time buyer discounts.

Cost per Conversion (CPA)

Definition: The average cost of acquiring a single conversion (sale, sign-up, or lead) through Pinterest ads.

• Why it matters: CPA determines whether your Pinterest ads are profitable compared to other channels.
• Example: If you spend $500 on ads and generate 100 email sign-ups, your CPA is $5 per sign-up.
• Action step:
• • Lower CPA by tightening audience targeting.
  • Test multiple creatives against the same audience.
  • Optimize landing pages for mobile (Pinterest is 80% mobile-driven).

Return on Ad Spend (ROAS)

Definition: The revenue generated for every dollar spent on Pinterest ads.

• Why it matters: ROAS is the gold standard of profitability. A positive ROAS means your Pinterest campaigns aren’t just driving engagement but delivering revenue.
• Example: You spend $1,000 on Pinterest ads and generate $4,500 in sales. That’s a 4.5x ROAS.
• Action step:
• • Track with Pinterest’s conversion tracking + GA4 attribution.
  • Analyze which ad formats (Video Pins, Carousel, Shopping Ads) drive the highest ROAS.
  • Reinvest in top-performing audiences and creatives.

Key takeaway: When defining what to track on Pinterest, conversions are the most direct link to ROI. By monitoring sign-ups, sales, CPA, and ROAS, you’ll know whether Pinterest is truly contributing to your bottom line not just generating “vanity metrics.”

Engagement Quality KPIs: Saves-to-Click Ratio, Engagement Rate & Comments

Not all engagement on Pinterest is equal. While impressions and clicks measure reach, engagement quality KPIs reveal how deeply users interact with your content. When asking what to track on Pinterest, marketers should prioritize these signals because they show how well your content resonates beyond just driving traffic.

Saves-to-Click Ratio

Definition: The percentage of users who not only click your Pin but also save it for future reference.

• Why it matters: Saves signal long-term value people want to return later, which increases your content’s shelf life. A Pin with high saves-to-click ratio often spreads organically.
• Example: A “10-Minute Healthy Breakfast Recipes” Pin generates 1,000 clicks and 400 saves → 40% saves-to-click ratio. That’s a strong indicator of evergreen content.
• Action step:
• • Create timeless, useful content (recipes, checklists, how-tos).
  • Add aesthetic appeal with clean fonts and branded colors.
  • Use keyword-rich Pin descriptions so content resurfaces in search.

Engagement Rate

Definition: The percentage of users who interact with your Pin (click, save, close-up, or comment) out of total impressions.

• Why it matters: A high engagement rate means your Pins don’t just get seen they inspire meaningful action. Pinterest rewards high engagement with more distribution.
• Example: A Pin has 20,000 impressions, 1,000 clicks, and 500 saves. Engagement rate = (1,500 ÷ 20,000) × 100 = 7.5%.
• Action step:
• • Use short, benefit-driven text overlays (“5-Minute Workout Plan”).
  • Post seasonal and trending content when interest is highest.
  • Test different Pin formats (carousel vs. video vs. standard).

Comments & Community Interaction

Definition: The number and quality of comments left on your Pins.

• Why it matters: Comments are less frequent on Pinterest compared to Instagram or TikTok. So when they happen, they indicate strong user intent and emotional connection.
• Example: A Pin about “DIY Small Apartment Décor Ideas” receives 50 comments with users asking about paint brands and storage tips. That’s an opportunity to engage and build authority.
• Action step:
• • Respond to every comment to boost community trust.
  • Spark discussion with CTAs in your descriptions (e.g., “Which design do you prefer?”).
  • Track recurring questions → use them as content ideas for future Pins.

Key takeaway: Engagement quality KPIs tell you whether your Pinterest strategy is creating lasting impact rather than just fleeting clicks. When deciding what to track on Pinterest, metrics like saves-to-click ratio, engagement rate, and comments ensure you focus on content depth, not just reach.

Pin Performance KPIs: Top Pins, Top Boards & Pin Longevity

If you’re wondering what to track on Pinterest to measure long-term success, Pin performance metrics should be high on your list. Unlike fast-paced platforms like TikTok or Instagram, Pinterest has a longer content lifespan Pins can resurface months or even years after publishing. Tracking which Pins and boards perform best helps you double down on proven winners.

Top Pins

Definition: Pins that consistently deliver the highest impressions, clicks, or saves.

• Why it matters: Your top-performing Pins reveal what type of content format, design, and topic resonates most with your audience.
• Example: Out of 50 Pins, your “Fall Capsule Wardrobe Ideas” Pin drives 60% of all clicks in October. That shows seasonality + niche interest.
• Action step:
• • Repurpose your top Pin into different formats (carousel, video, infographic).
  • Test updated versions with new titles or overlays.
  • Use insights to guide future content planning (e.g., more seasonal wardrobes).

Top Boards

Definition: Boards that attract the most engagement, impressions, and saves.

• Why it matters: Boards serve as content clusters they group related Pins together and rank in Pinterest search. Knowing which boards perform well helps you expand the right topics.
• Example: A food blogger notices her “Gluten-Free Baking” board drives 3x more traffic than “Healthy Dinners.” This signals an audience craving gluten-free content.
• Action step:
• • Audit underperforming boards → merge or archive irrelevant ones.
  • Expand top-performing boards with fresh, optimized Pins.
  • Use keyword-rich board titles (e.g., “Gluten-Free Desserts Recipes”).

Pin Longevity

Definition: How long a Pin continues to generate traffic, saves, and impressions after being published.

• Why it matters: Pinterest content often outlasts traditional social media posts. A Pin that keeps driving results after 6–12 months is an evergreen traffic asset.
• Example: A “DIY Christmas Ornaments” Pin goes viral in December 2023, but still resurfaces the following holiday season with high engagement.
• Action step:
• • Track seasonal Pins and reschedule them ahead of peak months.
  • Identify evergreen Pins and amplify with promoted ads for steady ROI.
  • Refresh old Pins with updated designs and keywords to extend lifespan.

Key takeaway: Tracking top Pins, top boards, and Pin longevity ensures you don’t just chase new content but also leverage your best-performing assets. This approach transforms Pinterest into a sustainable traffic and engagement channel rather than a hit-or-miss platform.

Website Traffic & Conversion KPIs

When thinking about what to track on Pinterest, one of the biggest goals marketers have is driving traffic and conversions. Pinterest isn’t just about visual discovery it’s a powerful referral engine. To make the most of it, you need to go beyond engagement metrics and monitor how your Pins impact website visits and sales.

Here are the three most critical KPIs:

Outbound Clicks

Definition: The number of times users click through from your Pin to your website.

• Why it matters: Outbound clicks are the bridge between Pinterest and your business goals. High impressions without clicks mean your Pins aren’t compelling enough to move users to act.
• Example: A Pin titled “10 Budget-Friendly Dinner Ideas” gets 20,000 impressions but only 50 outbound clicks → weak CTA or Pin design. Meanwhile, another Pin with only 5,000 impressions generates 200 clicks → stronger relevance and messaging.
• Action steps:
• • Use clear, enticing CTAs like “Read the full guide” or “Shop now.”
  • Ensure Pin design guides the eye toward the clickable element.
  • Test multiple variations of titles and descriptions to improve click-through rates.

Landing Page Performance

Definition: How well the page users land on after clicking a Pin performs in terms of engagement, bounce rate, and conversions.

• Why it matters: Even if your Pin drives traffic, a poorly optimized landing page can waste those clicks. Pinterest users expect the landing page to deliver on the Pin’s promise.
• Example: If a Pin promotes “Free Pinterest Templates” but the landing page buries the download under pop-ups, users will bounce.
• Action steps:
• • Match the visuals and message of your Pin with the landing page.
  • Optimize for fast load speed (Pinterest users abandon slow pages quickly).
  • Use clean design with minimal distractions so the CTA stands out.

Assisted Conversions

Definition: Conversions (sales, sign-ups, downloads) where Pinterest played a role in the customer journey, even if it wasn’t the final click before purchase.

• Why it matters: Pinterest often works at the top and middle of the funnel inspiration, research, and comparison stages. Ignoring assisted conversions undervalues Pinterest’s true ROI.
• Example: A user clicks your Pin about “Wedding Décor Ideas”, saves it, and then comes back weeks later via Google to buy from your store. Without tracking assisted conversions, Pinterest’s contribution gets overlooked.
• Action steps:
• • Set up Pinterest Tag with enhanced match to track events.
  • Use Google Analytics attribution reports to see Pinterest’s indirect impact.
  • Measure Pinterest’s role in multi-touch journeys, not just last-click sales.

 Key takeaway: Outbound clicks, landing page performance, and assisted conversions show how Pinterest contributes directly and indirectly to your business growth. If you’re only tracking engagement, you’re missing the real value Pinterest brings to your funnel.

ROI & Revenue KPIs

When evaluating what to track on Pinterest, nothing matters more than revenue-driven metrics. While engagement, clicks, and impressions build awareness, marketers ultimately need to know: Is Pinterest profitable for my business?

Here are the three most crucial ROI-focused KPIs to monitor:

Return on Ad Spend (ROAS)

Definition: The revenue generated for every dollar spent on Pinterest Ads.

• Why it matters: ROAS tells you whether your ad budget is actually delivering profitable returns. A ROAS of 4:1 means that for every $1 spent, you earned $4 back in revenue.
• Example: An e-commerce store spends $1,000 on Pinterest Shopping Ads and generates $5,000 in tracked revenue → ROAS = 5.0 (strong performance).
• Action steps:
• • Use the Pinterest Tag to track conversions accurately.
  • Segment campaigns (awareness, engagement, conversion) and measure ROAS separately.
  • Scale ads with high ROAS campaigns, and cut or adjust low-performing ones.

Cost Per Conversion (CPC or CPA)

Definition: The average cost of acquiring a conversion (purchase, sign-up, download) through Pinterest.

• Why it matters: Even if traffic is cheap, what really counts is how much you’re paying per action. A low CPC but high CPA may mean your targeting or landing page isn’t converting.
• Example: You spend $500 on ads and get 50 purchases → CPA = $10 per sale. If your average profit per sale is $25, this is a healthy return.
• Action steps:
• • Track different types of conversions separately (purchases vs. sign-ups).
  • Optimize ad creative and targeting to reduce wasted clicks.
  • Use Pinterest’s campaign objectives (e.g., conversions) to let the algorithm optimize delivery.

Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)

Definition: The total revenue a customer acquired through Pinterest is expected to generate over their entire relationship with your business.

• Why it matters: Pinterest users often discover new brands, meaning they can become long-term repeat buyers. CLV gives you a more accurate measure of ROI beyond the first purchase.
• Example: A Pinterest user discovers your skincare brand, makes a $40 first purchase, and then buys $200 worth of products over the next year → CLV = $240.
• Action steps:
• • Segment Pinterest-acquired customers and compare their CLV to other channels.
  • Invest in email and remarketing strategies to nurture Pinterest leads into repeat buyers.
  • Use CLV insights to justify higher ad spend when long-term value is strong.

 Key takeaway: Tracking ROAS, CPA, and CLV ensures you’re not just measuring clicks, but profitability. This is where Pinterest proves its value as more than just a discovery tool it becomes a sustainable revenue driver.

Conclusion: 

When it comes to Pinterest marketing, success isn’t about posting the most Pins or chasing vanity metrics  it’s about tracking the right KPIs that tie directly to your goals. Whether you’re aiming to grow brand awareness, boost engagement, or drive sales, knowing what to track on Pinterest ensures you can measure progress, spot weaknesses, and optimize with confidence.

• If your goal is visibility, focus on impressions, reach, and follower growth.
• If you want engagement, track saves, repins, and Pin clicks.
• If your priority is traffic, monitor outbound clicks and CTR.
• And if you’re chasing revenue, prioritize ROAS, cost per conversion, and CLV.

Pinterest is a unique mix of social media and search engine — users arrive with high intent, often looking for inspiration before making a purchase decision. By aligning your KPIs with this discovery-driven mindset, you’ll not only track the right metrics but also uncover scalable opportunities for growth.

In short: Don’t just ask “How many people saw my Pin?” — ask “Did my Pin inspire action that grows my business?” That’s the real power of tracking Pinterest KPIs strategically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What KPIs should I track first on Pinterest?

Start with the foundational metrics: impressions, saves, and outbound clicks. Impressions tell you how many people are seeing your Pins, saves indicate how valuable people find them for later, and outbound clicks show whether users are taking the next step to your website. Together, these three KPIs give a clear baseline of visibility, engagement, and traffic performance.

2. What’s the difference between Pin clicks and outbound clicks?

Pin clicks measure the number of times someone taps to view your Pin in detail on Pinterest, which shows interest in your content. Outbound clicks, however, track when someone leaves Pinterest and visits your site, product page, or blog. While Pin clicks are good for gauging curiosity, outbound clicks are stronger indicators of purchase intent and conversions.

3. How often should I check my Pinterest KPIs?

The best approach is to review your Pinterest KPIs weekly to identify short-term performance trends and test results. Then, conduct monthly deep dives to measure overall strategy effectiveness and refine campaigns. Checking too often can distract you with fluctuations, while waiting too long risks missing optimization opportunities or wasted ad spend.

4. Do engagement metrics really matter for Pinterest marketing?

Absolutely  engagement metrics such as saves, repins, comments, and close-ups directly influence Pinterest’s algorithm. The more engagement your content receives, the more likely it is to be surfaced in search and recommended feeds. High engagement signals to Pinterest that your Pins are useful and inspiring, which helps boost long-term visibility and organic growth.

5. How do KPIs differ for organic Pins vs. Pinterest Ads?

For organic Pins, the most important KPIs are impressions, engagement (saves and repins), and outbound clicks since they show how content naturally performs. For Pinterest Ads, however, you need to focus on paid metrics like CPC (Cost Per Click), CPM (Cost Per Thousand Impressions), CPA (Cost Per Action), and ROAS (Return on Ad Spend). This distinction matters because ads require closer monitoring of cost efficiency and return.