What is Pinterest?
Pinterest is a fun new social media network. It displays content visually and lets its users share, curate and discover interesting new content. Users share content by pinning links to images, posts and webpages to various pinboards. Users may create as many boards as they like, and sort them in whichever way makes sense to them; each board is given a title. Pinterest accounts can be linked to Twitter and Facebook accounts so that when users pin an item to their pinboard, the item is also shared on their other social profiles.
While Pinterest seems primarily centered around personal interests and lifestyle, it can be used by businesses and nonprofit organizations to boost their online profile.
How to use Pinterest for business
- As with any social media platform, Pinterest has its own etiquette that you should be aware of. They aren’t so different from other platforms. Follow people back when they follow you and keep your profile up to date. Post content regularly to show your followers that you’re present. When you repin content, make sure you give credit and that the pin links back to the original source. Don’t pin only your own content. As with other profiles try to keep a balance.
- Use Pinterest to show your customers and followers the human side of your business. One of the special things about social media is that it lets people get to know your business and the people running it in a different way than ever before. Pinterest lets you use this to your advantage. Set up boards that resonate with your business’s personality. Have fun, reach beyond just what your business is about. If you sell real estate, set up bulletin boards about interior design inspiration. If you offer health services, set up a board of active vacation ideas. Give your fans something unexpected.
- Use Pinterest for market research. Get to know your clients or customers by looking at what type of content they pin. Looking at their board will give you tremendous insight into their priorities and preferences. Once you start to understand what makes them tick, try pinning content that’s more up their alley. Take a step outside your business for a minute and try pinning content that will inspire them to repin it.
- Become a resource. Set up niche boards that highlight interesting news, trends or resources within your market. Become a go-to place for people to find answers to their questions, or solutions to their problems.
- Collaborate on Pinterest. Let others pin to your boards. Try creating a kind of testimonial board for your clients or customers. Let them pin images or blog posts of how they use or benefit from your service. Pinterest lets you take recommendations to a different level.
- Use Pinterest to highlight activities and events that your business is participating in. Pinterest is a great place to display photos and video because it’s a very visual platform.
Here are 4 brands doing Pinterest right. Pinterest is a new take on content marketing. And while it may not make sense for all businesses, consider the linking potential of this network. Pinterest takes the viral potential of the internet and magnifies it.
