To Pinterest or Not to Pinterest

Pinterest, Pinterest, Pinterest. It seems like that’s what everyone is talking about these days! But what exactly is Pinterest and should you be using Pinterest for your business?

Pinterest is a pinboard-style, photo sharing social media network that allows users to create an account and manage image collections or “pinboards” of items that interest them. With a Pinterest account you can browse other user’s pinboards and share “pins” on both Facebook and Twitter. Pinterest is a highly visual social media network that has really increased in popularity over the last few months. If you hadn’t heard of Pinterest before, now it’s all you’re going to hear, think and breathe. You’re welcome.

Back to the primary question at hand. Should you be using Pinterest for your business? Great question!

First things first - before you jump on any social media network (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or other) there are a few things you need to consider; communications plan, business goals and internal resources. Remember, social media won’t work for your business unless you have a tactical business plan, goals and objective set in place. You do? Great. Keep on reading.

If your business, product or service is highly visual (interior decorating, fashion, jewellery, art) your business should consider being on Pinterest. If you have an online medium (website or blog) where you can drive Pinterest users to convert (buy your product, sign-up for your newsletter…these are just a couple of options), your business should consider being on Pinterest.

Whether you’re showing screenshots of web products you’ve recently built or a new shoe that has just come in at your store, it’s important to remember that Pinterest is meant to be visual. If your business, product or service is highly visual then Pinterest (www.pinterest.com) is definitely worth doing!

Have you joined Pinterest yet?  What business goals has Pinterest helped you achieve?