SOCIAL MEDIA + YOU

You’ve probably seen this icon popping up all over the web. 

So… what is it? And why is it taking the internet by storm?

Pinterest began in 2009, but didn’t reach it’s “open to the public” beta stage until 2010. The site didn’t explode until mid-2011 however, when women and designers alike took it by storm. It’s developers wanted to create a site that allowed friends and strangers to share their favorite things with one another.

What’s the hype about?

Pinterest allows you to “pin” your favorite photos, DIY ideas, fonts, designs, recipes, and clothes to your “board”. Your followers can access your categorized “boards” and check out your favorite things. If they like it, they can access the website you located it from originally and purchase it, or make it, or paint it, or design it, etc. You can also “re-pin” other’s photos, creating a world of DIY idea sharing and creativity.

On a personal level, Pinterest serves as place to share your favorite things with your friends. Do you LOVE Star Wars die-cuts for your bedroom walls? Well maybe your friends will too. Did you find a really delicious recipe called “S’more Reeses Campfire Bars”? Well maybe your friends would like to know how to make those too. Do you know of a great DIY artist who posts exclusively about creating cat needle-point masterpieces? Perhaps your feline-fond-friends would like to view the beauty.

Pinterest is great on a personal level, but what does it do for my business?

Use it to show what your company is all about

• You can’t blast photos of your products - that’s not in good taste, and that goes against what Pinterest’s mission. Get creative. You can upload to as many boards as you care to create. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. If you’re a bakery, start a board for breads, dough types, and kneading methods. If you work in fashion create boards dealing with drawings, prototypes, and prints. Create boards that show what your company is about and the different components that come together to form your business. Just stay away from selling your brand. Remember, authenticity is key on Pinterest.

Listen to your followers

• Monitor your followers. If they are watching your pins, they are most likely pinning to their own boards. Check out their boards and see what they’re interested in. If you’re noticing a trend, try to tap into those customer’s tastes by posting about those interests. Your followers are offering up a lot of information relating to their tastes and interests, why not utilize that information to benefit you?

Give your followers the VIP treatment

• If you’re a company with a product, or a t-shirt, or a sticker … ask your followers to pin photos of themselves wearing (or using) your stuff. Have them tag you in it, and post those photos to a special VIP board. 

Contests - because who doesn’t want free things?

• Contests are a great way to get your customers involved. You shouldn’t upload your own product photos, but that doesn’t mean your customers can’t. Ask individuals to post photos of your products on their custom “your company’s name” pinboard. Have them upload 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 photos of your product or brand via your website, blogs, personal photos, etc. Once complete, they’ll send their board URL to you and you’re at liberty to choose your favorite board as the winner, or perhaps it’s just the first 5 people to complete the task, etc.

Finding a voice for your company on Pinterest may require a little thought, but once integrated you’re only boosting your viral presence and hopefully creating a greater brand awareness.

Do you use Pinterest? How has it benefited you, or your company? Have any good, creative ideas?