If you’ve got a Facebook page and you tweet or occasionally find yourself on YouTube posting videos, you should be pinning. Pinterest, the online pinboard social network, has now surpassed YouTube, Reddit, Google+, LinkedIn and MySpace for referral traffic with 3.6 percent, barely behind Twitter’s 3.61 percent. The unique presence Pinterest has amongst its competition has boosted them to the top used social sites.
As their mission states, Pinterest links people all around the world to a common thread, whether that be a book, a recipe, a wedding bouquet or anything else. Brands are quickly realizing they can gladly fill the “anything else” hole with their products and services. HGTV, Nordstrom and West Elm are already capitalizing on the website that’s grown by 429% since September 2011.
At the moment, Pinterest is invite-only, however, we’ve got some tips on how to capture the most out of your brand’s experience.
(1) Tie in your branding: Selling flowers? Show every bouquet you’ve made, as well as ones that inspire you. Show off your products by linking it to your website. If that’s not an option, tie in your logo and commentary that fits in with the rest of your social preference.
(2) Share ideas: Chances are your followers believe in what you do. Don’t hesitate by sharing ideas with them from other sources. You’re likely to gain respect in the community, as well as potential partners in the industry.
(3) Link It: Currently, you can’t log into Pinterest as a Facebook page, which eliminates the opportunity to find followers. Be sure to announce your Pinterest presence on your other social networks, and don’t be afraid to follow them back.
(4) Benefit from others: Would you ignore a post on your page? No, which is why you should respond to comments on pins. Similarly, interact with those you follow through comments and likes.
(5) Remember – It’s a Community: Pinterest users come together because they share a common interest. Leverage that interest with your brand and you’ll be able to benefit from sharing.
Adding Pinterest to your social media toolbox can only benefit your business. The increased ability to share products and ideas works great for ambitious retailers, restaurants willing to share a recipe or two and techie folks looking to share a new product. Pinterest can change your brand image for the better, and we’re happy to send over an invite.
Anxious to start pinning? Contact SCORCH® Agency today for a personal invite into the pinning network. In the meantime, checkout the example of how we’re using Pinterest with our client, Plato’s Closet KirkChestCoMo.
