For Shopify stores: install the Pinterest app, connect your business account — done.
For other platforms: get your tag ID from Pinterest Ads Manager (Ads → Conversions → Tags → Create),
paste the base code in your site's <head>, then add event code on key pages.
Verify with Pinterest Tag Helper Chrome extension.
Method 1: Shopify (Recommended for Shopify Stores)
Pinterest's Shopify app is the easiest and most reliable installation method. It handles the base tag, all standard events, and Conversions API automatically.
- Go to Shopify App Store → search "Pinterest" → install the official Pinterest app
- Log in with your Pinterest business account
- Follow the connection wizard — it links your catalog and installs the tag
- Enable "Enhanced Match" in the app settings (sends hashed email for better attribution)
- Verify using Pinterest Tag Helper — visit your homepage and check the extension
The Shopify app fires these events automatically: page_visit, add_to_cart,
checkout, lead. No additional code required.
Method 2: Google Tag Manager
If you're using GTM (and don't have the Shopify app available), this is the cleanest non-Shopify setup.
- Get your Pinterest tag ID: Pinterest Ads Manager → Ads → Conversions → Tags → Create tag
- In GTM: New Tag → Tag Configuration → discover community templates → search "Pinterest"
- Select the Pinterest Tag template, enter your tag ID
- Set trigger: All Pages (for the base tag)
- Add a second tag for the
checkoutevent — trigger on your order confirmation page URL - Add a third tag for
add_to_cart— trigger on add-to-cart button click or cart URL - Preview mode → verify events fire on the correct pages → Publish
Method 3: Manual Installation
If you're not on Shopify and don't use GTM, install the tag directly in your theme code.
Step 1 — Base tag in <head>
Get your tag ID from Pinterest Ads Manager. Add this code to every page's <head>
(replace YOUR_TAG_ID):
<script>
!function(e){if(!window.pintrk){window.pintrk=function(){
window.pintrk.queue.push(Array.prototype.slice.call(arguments))};
var n=window.pintrk;n.queue=[],n.version="3.0";
var t=document.createElement("script");
t.async=!0,t.src=e;
var r=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];
r.parentNode.insertBefore(t,r)}}("https://s.pinimg.com/ct/core.js");
pintrk('load', 'YOUR_TAG_ID', {em: '<user_email_address>'});
pintrk('page');
</script>Step 2 — Purchase event on order confirmation page
<script>
pintrk('track', 'checkout', {
value: ORDER_TOTAL,
order_quantity: ITEM_COUNT,
currency: 'USD',
order_id: 'ORDER_ID'
});
</script>Step 3 — Add to cart event
<script>
pintrk('track', 'addtocart', {
value: PRODUCT_PRICE,
order_quantity: 1,
currency: 'USD'
});
</script>Verifying the Tag
Pinterest Tag Helper (Chrome extension)
Install the Pinterest Tag Helper extension. Visit your site. The extension shows:
- Green dot: Tag found and firing correctly
- Yellow dot: Tag found with warnings (check the details)
- Red dot: Tag error — check console for specifics
Pinterest Ads Manager Tag Health
Ads Manager → Ads → Conversions → Tags → select your tag. The Health column shows:
- Active: Receiving data in last 24 hours ✓
- No recent activity: Tag not firing or installed incorrectly
- Inactive: Tag never received data
Standard Events Reference
| Event | When to Fire | Key Parameters |
|---|---|---|
page_visit | Every page load (base tag handles this) | None required |
view_category | Category/collection pages | product_category |
search | Site search results page | search_query |
add_to_cart | Add to cart button click | value, currency |
checkout | Order confirmation page | value, order_id, currency |
lead | Email sign-up confirmation | lead_type |
Common Setup Mistakes
- Tag fires on order confirmation page only without base tag elsewhere: Pinterest can't build audiences from page_visit data — only conversion events fire. Fix: add base tag to all pages.
- Duplicate tag installations: Tag fires twice per page (e.g., Shopify app + manual install). This inflates conversion counts. Check Tag Helper for double-firing.
- Checkout event on add-to-cart page: This overcounts conversions. checkout event must fire only on the confirmed order page, not cart or checkout step pages.
- Missing currency parameter: If currency isn't specified, Pinterest defaults to USD — incorrect for UK/EU stores. Always include
currency: 'GBP'etc. - Tag blocked by consent management platform: If you have a GDPR consent banner, the tag may be blocked for non-consenting users. Verify Tag Helper shows tag firing after consent is given.
Pinterest Tracking Troubleshooter
Step-by-step checklist for diagnosing tag, conversion, and attribution issues.
Step-by-step diagnosis for every Pinterest tracking issue — tag gaps, conversion drops, GA4 discrepancies, attribution windows, and CAPI setup.
Need tracking set up as part of full campaign management?
Decor Ads Pro handles tag setup, catalog, and campaign management for home decor brands.