What is Pinterest?
In a nutshell, Pinterest is a new social networking channel designed to engage with audiences by sharing pictures, videos and interests by using what is effectively, online pin boards.
Users can either upload their own images or ‘pin’ things they find on the web by using the Pinterest ‘Pin it button’.
A user can look through items that other users have pinned and ‘like’ ‘repin’ or ‘comment’ on them. It is encouraged to share content found on Pinterest across other social media networks or even by embedding pins onto blogs.
What makes Pinterest stand out from other social media networks is the emphasis placed on the visual rather than text to capture a person’s lifestyle. Pinterest has described itself as the social network which enables you to connect with everyone in the world through the things they find interesting.
Does it work?
The majority of businesses rely on driving traffic to their website in order to generate sales. Any business that wishes to increase sales should consider joining Pinterest. Early research has conveyed how Pinterest is more effective at driving traffic than other social media sites, including Facebook and Twitter.
Users can connect their Pinterest account to their Facebook and Twitter profiles, enabling users to post new pins to other channels which give increased access to your pictures. When members are browsing through pins, they will have the ability to share posts through Facebook, Twitter or email. This will boost social sharing and strengthen your brand name.
How to build your Pinterest following
The first thing to do once you have set up your Pinterest account is to create a few pin boards, you need to create some interesting content in order to engage with your audience and to get users to pin or follow your pictures etc. Just like any social network, building an audience through a follower base is vital in creating a strong presence and driving traffic to your site.
There are two follower options on Pinterest, which differs from other social media platforms. A user can follow another user or can simply follow one of their boards.
Avoid self-promotion on Pinterest, share things you like and you feel represent your company but don’t advertise your brand in such a way that will annoy other users. This will detour audience engagement.
Happy Pinning!
Pinterest is fast becoming one of the most popular social media channels to promote businesses and is also becoming the most effective. It is a fun and creative platform for you to interact with other users and build upon your brand name.
The key thing to remember, is to use your Pinterest account to its full potential , don’t forget to upload your own images and information, this will drive traffic to your website. But also get involved, re- pin and like other user’s images and information. Get the balance right and you will see the results!