In 2009 I started using Pinterest to post everything I loved. It didn’t have an order, plan, or strategy. If I liked it, I put it on its appropriate board and kept it moving.
But like most mediums, Pinterest transitioned from only personal fun to another piece of business strategy. Now, brands are utilizing Pinterest as part of their social media marketing plan.
Because of this, Pinterest went from a simple platform to find the next meal to becoming its own search engine.
I know it’s a headache to think about another platform to add to the list to utilize, but don’t shut yourself off from it just yet.
Three reasons to use Pinterest for business.
Lead customers straight to your cart.
Selling on ETSY, Society6, or have your own shop on Shopify? Pin your products so customers can automatically fill their cart. In 2013, J Crew was one of the first major retailers to utilize the Pin-to-shop tool. It’s now the number one use for small and big retailers.
Create “pre-mood boards” with your designer.
My clients are online so Pinterest is a huge factor in getting a feel of what they’re looking for. Before our kick-off meeting, I like to get a sense of what they’re like. I want to know what DIY projects they’re attempting and what their overall aesthetic is. After kick-off, clients use our secret boards to gather inspiration for our project. It’s emphasized I am not using this opportunity to copy other designers, but for us to understand the visual identity you’re building.
After kick-off, clients use our secret boards to gather inspiration for our project. It’s emphasized I am not using this opportunity to copy other designers, but for us to understand the visual identity you’re building.
Pinterest for Business is good for self-promotion.
Bloggers and Freelancers have been criticized for using Pinterest to promote themselves. I don’t see this as a problem. Not only are retailers pinning to customers’ carts, but bloggers are also using it to increase their mailing lists and boost blog traffic. Freelancers use this as a way to promote their work. What’s the problem with that?
One-click from a post can bring you a new readership, having the “Target Effect.” You’re on Pinterest looking for ONE thing, and now you’ve found 10-20 pins, you’re interested in, all open in your browser.
Who doesn’t want this exposure?
How to use Pinterest for business to increase traffic
Your Pinterest boards are like blog post categories.
This was suggested in chat and I 100% agree! Much like your blog content is in categories, your pins should do the same. Create boards relative to your brand and place them at the top. I think it’s OK to have some things unrelated. I love working out and gardening, but I’m not an expert in that field. I want the most active categories that I have expertise in to be the first people see.
Make sure your content has pinnable images.
Whether you’re creating graphics with type or using simple photos, make sure they’re worthy of being repinned. You don’t like ugly images, right? Don’t create them! Pinterest is all about being aesthetically pleasing. Keep this in mind when you’re creating graphics and photos for everything you’re going to pin.
Pin on more than one board.
I joined a few group boards. In there, I pin relevant pins from my blog to that group. It increases the chances of people seeing content they wouldn’t see otherwise.
For example, I have a board about blogging that I’ll pin appropriate content in. I also belong to a Pinterest group ran by XO Sarah that focuses on blogging where I’ll pin content there. This doubles the amount of potential exposure.
Pinterest for business is a great tool for self-promotion.
Take the opportunity to work with your designer on your mood board, grow traffic to your boards, and eventually to your site!
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