Professional Portfolio
Pinterest is in Your Business
During a short internship with the Baylor Alumni Association (BAA ), a staff member mentioned she would be starting a BAA Pinterest account to increase awareness of their association. When I think of Pinterest, I think of decadent dessert pictures, dream wedding gown pins, and an assortment of other random pictures pinned by bored users with not so much going on. I never considered it as an outlet for businesses and organizations, and in the midst of a business marketing project, I wanted to know exactly how Pinterest can be used as a promotional tool. I did some googling, and I found great ways to use Pinterest for Business.
Necessity
Not all businesses and organizations will benefit from a Pinterest account, so before jumping on the bandwagon consider how your business or organization will prosper on Pinterest.
Angie's blog suggests these businesses will benefit most:
- Apparel – men’s, women’s and children’s
- Food/beverages, especially recipe driven
- Architecture
- Interior design
- Wedding themed
- Technology
- Sports
- Healthcare
- Personal Care
- Home Improvement/DIY Accessories
- Pets
- Kids products/toys
- Travel
Etiquette
Remember to be attentive to the rules and regulations of Pinterest when using their services. Do not be rude or offensive, and always credit your sources.
Follow Button
When you start a business Pinterest page, don’t forget to add a Pinterest button, so your clients know of your presence on the website. The goodies page offers several choices of Pinterest buttons.
Crowdsource
Ask fans of your business or organization to pin pictures of themselves using your product or service and tag you in the picture. You can put these onto a VIP board and really show your clientele you care about their patronage. Potential clients will be impressed by the dedication seen from current customers.
Take it further by holding contests for the best photos pinned by clients.
Lots of Links
Provide links to your website in your profile and your pin description. Also, provide links to your Twitter and Facebook page. This allows users to connect with your business in more ways than Pinterest.
Pinnable Photos
Pinterest runs on photos, so always use high-quality photos when pinning.
Angie’s tips for pinning photos are:
- Because Pinterest emphasizes pictures over text, it’s important to have high-quality photos.
- Make sure your photos can be pinned; sites in Flash do not allow photos to be pinned.
- Ensure that photos are tagged correctly on your site so that they index properly within Pinterest.
Cultivate Comments
Create an interest in your pins. Encourage comments by asking questions like, “What do you think of our products makeover?” Give users a reason to comment. Follow up with users comments by letting them know you appreciate their ideas and feedback by typing @username.
Pin Often
Pin consistently to establish a legitimate Pinterest presence.
Most importantly, have fun pinning. Pinterest is an exciting way to increase awareness of your business.
