With somewhere in the region of 6 million users, Pinterest is this year’s most talked about social start-up. This week, Golley Engage explores the network, and asks should you look to drive Pinterest in your business?
With somewhere in the region of 6 million users, Pinterest is this year’s most talked about social start-up. The networking site allows users to curate pictures and content that interests or inspires them and pin it to their virtual pinboard. Much more than just a digitised scrapbook, Pinterest has delivered some really impressive results since its popularity exploded towards the end of 2011; estimated unique users to the site increased by 429 per cent from September to December 2011, and retailers claim that in some cases it has driven an increase in same-store referral traffic of up to 389 per cent. This week, Golley Engage explores the network, and asks should you look to drive Pinterest in your business?
Have a Purpose
Pinterest works best when you have a particular ‘angle’ or purpose for your boards. Creatives can use it as a hub for inspiration; retailers for showing some of the story behind their collection and tradesmen for sharing tips and work that they’ve done in a particular arena.
Boards can have multiple contributors, so they can be really useful as a way to share inspiration with colleagues.
Pin it button
Uploading the Pin It button makes pinning really simple. When you come across an image you like, just click the button and select whatever it is you’re looking to pin. Pick the right board, add a comment and you’re done! You can also Repin posts from other people.
Be Sociable
Pinterest is built on interaction; comment and like other people’s pins and join the conversation! Repin to one of your own boards. If you find a board that’s especially interesting, follow its updates, or alternatively view the pinner’s profile and subscribe to all their boards. No permission is required, and it’s non-invasive, much like Twitter.
Video
Fewer people are at it, but you can pin video too. The Videos tab at the top of the page is worth exploring.
Be Creative
Use this opportunity to make connections within your industry by linking and connecting to people who share the same sort of content. Perhaps share the story behind your latest products visually. You can use Pinterest for self-promotion, just do so with a bit of imagination.
Pinterest is most useful for companies who have creative output to share, whether you are a fashion or homewares retailer, or a creative agency; Pinterest can be a great way to show potential customers how you tick. The Pinterest community is a really engaged and active community, so sign up and get involved. You never know what doors your pins may open.
Lindsey Reaney
Account Manager and Digital PR Consultant, Golley Engage
February 15th, 2012
