Very Pinteresting...
Pinterest is the easy-to-use social network site, allowing pinning-obsessed users to share and discover interests by liking or posting their own images or videos on their designated pinboards. Starting in March 2010, Pinterest has expanded into a site hosting 70 million with a goal to "connect everyone in the world through the 'things' they find interesting." Covering everything from recipes, traveling tips, craft ideas, witty quotes, and so much more; anyone and everyone can find something useful on Pinterest.
Businesses are starting to take part in the Pinterest evolution. As of July 1, 2013 there were approximately 500,00 businesses in the United States using Pinterest to get there brand, product, and lifestyle out to the world. With that low of a number, businesses should look towards Pinterest as another social media outlet to expand and integrate their businesses.
Here are a few useful tips that businesses can do with Pinterest to help promote their company.
Feature Visual Content
Since Pinterest is based as a visual social network, use that to your advantage. Pumping out visual content and making specific pinboards directed towards different subjects will help clarify who you are as a company, as well as give some different insights into the company that customers might not necessarily have.
Take for example, The North Face. They have 15 pinboards all depicting what their company represents and the product that they sell. Their boards range from product guides to different outdoor activities. With over 7,000 followers, they are able to expand their knowledge of outdoor activities and products to Pinteresters, that will in turn repin photos and videos for others to see.
User-Generated Pinboards: Create some!
Companies aren't the only ones that can contribute to their boards. Pinboards are also available for fans of the brands to post their own images and thoughts to their boards as well. This is a great way to enhance your marketing of the company; allow different pinboards for customers and fans to post what they like about the company and/or product. Etsy (the website where people can sell one of a kind products) has more than 20 'Guest Pinner' pinboards, featuring some of their unique customers and what they sell on Etsy.
Add the Pin-It Button to EVERYTHING
Looking at various websites, you always see Facebook, Twitter, and the occasional Goggle+. Why not add Pinterest too? The button will make it super fast and easy to share visual content on Pinterest with just a click from your website. Much like the Facebook and Twitter button, there will be much more exposure of your brand to possibly new audiences and already faithful customers.
Add Videos!
Beyond adding images, add some video content in there as well. K2 Skis has eight pinboards, where two boards are dedicated to product and action videos. This gives another look into the company that still photos might not give to customers. Companies should add anything to their video pinboards that adds value to the company; maybe show a goofy side of the company by adding bloopers of a commercial or add footage from an event that took place.
Use #HASHTAGS
Hashtags aren't just for Twitter and Instagram. Within pinboards, tag the people who are involved with the picture or video, and use strategic hashtags so more people will be able to view your posts. Looking again at The North Face, almost every post has #MOUNTAINHERITAGE and another hashtag representing something that they are pinning.
Lastly, Keep Track
Keep an eye out for what goes on between your website and Pinterest. Use analytics to see where recent activities take place on pinboards and fine tune content to tailor to future pinners and customers.
Pinterest is becoming one of the more powerful social media tools for businesses. It lets businesses be in direct contact with target markets and engage with future fans of the brand. So the question is...is Pinterest just a fad or is it here to stay?
