Pinterest is the fastest growing social media tool on the market. What is is and how do I use it as a business tool?
Think of Pinterest as an electronic bulletin board. I set up 4 boards initially based on things that interest me - cooking, recycling, gardening, and my dogs. Later I discovered more interests and now I have 21 boards. In other terms, think of boards as folders. Don't fret too much about the boards, you can go back and edit later. Just get started.
You can then upload photos and projects and load them into the board. Be sure you respect copywright rules. You will find that many businesses are inviting you to use their photos and ideas by adding a pin it button. You can either upload like any other photo, or you can upload a link like you do in ActiveRain. If it is a product affiliated with a company, you can copy/paste the link and search by photo. This comes in handy when you come across a DIY project and you want the instructions and to choose the photo to associate with it. If you want to add your phography work, be sure to brand it first.
As far as using it for business, well, that's tricky. Nobody wants you to bring a giant billboard to the BBQ - "Look at My Listing" - so I am very careful about how I do any marketing on social media. But they might not mind you wearing a polo shirt with your company logo; like a PS on a letter. This holds true for all social media; its a fun place to hang out, not a bill board on the Interstate.
Moderator's Boards: Follow Cathy Bureau
Please read the goals and rules in the side bar. What's the difference?
1. Goals: Strive but not required.
2. Rules: Must follow or your blog will be removed. Non-related blogs will dilute the group's purpose.
Not sure how to get started?
1. Start a Pinterest account. You can link it to your Facebook or Twitter account. I recommend this to avoid remembering another password, and see #4
2. Edit your Profile. I chose to keep mine low key since I'm pretty direct in my Facebook Fan Page and have LinkedIn. I just want to have fun, and if I get business, cool. Use whatever strategy you prefer. Read others' profiles to get ideas.
3. Follow people. You will be given an opportunity to follow popular people based on your interests, optional. I chose to do it to see what others are posting and to get ideas about boards. Another thing to consider is strategy to increase followers. The more followers they have, the more likely you'll get followed when they repin your ideas to their board increasing your presence.
4. Find followers. Seach your Facebook and Twitter friends - send them an invitation.Don't expect immediate action. Remember, Pinterest is new and lots of folks are late to the party. This is one reason why I created the group, however, is to figure out how to expand my followings. The other reason is to reach out to like-minded people like you.
MOST IMPORTANT! HAVE FUN!
Comments(5)