Monday, July 23, 2012

Pinning Power: Using Pinterest


          
            Not all social media sites are created equal.  You may think you and your company need to create as many pages as possible, but truthfully, that’s not the best idea.  Depending on who your company is and what they sell, some sites may not serve you. Pinterest has become a groundbreaking social media tool, but is it right for you and your business?  Here are a few things we tell clients to think about if they are deciding to create a business Pinterest page: 
(1) Take the time:  Take some time out of your schedule to build up your Pinterest page.   The goal with your Pinterest page should be to build relationships with people who have quality “pins” on their site.  Look to connect with users who are very interactive with their pages.  This means they frequently “pin” relevant topics, post on other’s boards, and have extensive connections with lots of pinner friends.  Once the interactive type of pinner gets to know more about your products and business, the more likely they are to post about or repin your products.  This also makes befriending on Twitter or Facebook easier. 
(2) Make sure Pinterest fits with your business: This was roughly stated before, but we’ll say it again and spell it out better this time.  Pinterest is NOT for every business or product.  Pinterest probably isn’t the best way to show your company’s construction equipment, but it is a great way to show off your company’s new clothing line.  Hopefully, you catch our drift here.  Pinterest caters to style, photography, crafts, and room décor.  Clothing companies, teachers, chefs, hair stylists, makeup artists, guess what, Pinterest is definitely for you!  Pinterest makes it easy to show off these types of products and typically, that is what people are looking for on the site.  Remember to always promote your company accordingly.  Go where you are wanted and make your presence known that way. 
(3) Promote more than just your company’s products:  Pinterest users aren’t just looking for products.  They are looking for tips and solutions as well.  If you are a clothing company, for example, promote more than just your clothing.  Dedicate a board to your products, but also create a board for “Style Tips and Tricks” or “Hair Styles that Match Your Look.”  Give users more than just your products.  Give them a reason to come back to your page and visit your website.  The more you have to offer them, the better the chance they will repeatedly visit your page and potentially become your customers. 
(4) Define your brand:  What you pin says alot about who your company is and what they value.  Make sure that you pay attention to what you pin and pin things that make your company relevant. 
(5) Connect your Pinterest with your website: Many businesses are allowing customers to pin products found on their website.  Once your product is pinned by a pinner, it gives unlimited potential to the number of people who can now see your product.  It’s like virtual word of mouth and is extremely powerful for businesses that can utilize pinning power. 
The main takeaway from this blog is that not all social media is created equal.  Pay attention to trends in social media and use the sites that best fit your business.  If you have your own thoughts on Pinterest or other social media sites, drop us a comment

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