How to Use Pinterest
for Business: Tips for Success
In the social media section of marketing, the value of
Facebook and Twitter are clear and established. However, the relatively new
(and highly addicting!) kid on the block, Pinterest, also presents some unique
opportunities to engage with customers.
However, users who are new to the
virtual pin board world may be unsure of how and why Pinterest is a boost to
businesses.
Like any social media platform, using Pinterest successfully
requires an intimate knowledge of its positives and negatives as well as a
systematic leveraging of both to benefit your end. The following tips will help
you to learn how to use Pinterest for business with ease.
Commit the Time
Pinterest is like all other social networking sites in that
it takes time to get fully acquainted with the platform. Businesses who want to
use Pinterest need to be willing to take the time necessary to develop
relationships with influential pinners who will pin their products. This means
taking the time to follow these influential pinners and to talk to and about
them. Research who is best known in your niche, HINT: look for a high volume of
‘likes’ and ‘re-pins,’ and cultivate your relationship with these people on
Pinterest as well as on connected platforms such as Facebook.
Learn the Language
Just like Twitter, Pinterest has its own language and they are not the same. Overuse of hasgtags,
dead end pins meant only for self-promotion, and ‘bomb’ posts of dozens of pins
at once will immediately annoy followers. Take time to lurk on Pinterest before
leaping too hard into pinning. Also, remember the all-important rule of
reciprocity. Pinning only your own products is an obvious sales tactic that
turns potential customers and popular pinners off.
Know the Audience
Pinterest isn’t for everyone. There is a very specific
demographic who use Pinterest. These people are generally focused around certain
niches, mostly recipes (cooking), DIY and crafts, educational ideas, decorating,
and fashion. Businesses in certain fields, like industrial equipment, will find
little ROI from Pinterest engagement.
Connect to Your Other
Networks
The complex web of social media these days is designed such
that posting on any one network can automatically update others. Funnel
Facebook and Tumblr users to Pinterest by cross-promoting your pins and
generating dialogue about Pinterest.
Learning how to use Pinterest for business is not as
straightforward as many other social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
However, the power of this platform and its ever-growing following make it an
open market for properly positioned brands.
Find David Slabon on Pinterest.
Find David Slabon on Pinterest.
