5 Effective Strategies for Using Pinterest for Your Business

Did you know that the human mind can process an image in just 13 milliseconds? Compare that to how long it takes to read written content and it’s easy to understand why using images in marketing can be so powerful. This is why many businesses are turning to the popular media platform known as Pinterest to share images and other visual content in hopes of reaching new clientele and engaging with existing customers. That said, here are 5 simple ways that you can start leveraging Pinterest for your own marketing needs.

Repinning

The basics of Pinterest involve creating boards by category, and then “pinning” images to the corresponding board. These images (including photos, memes, infographics and more) can then be viewed and also shared by others. Sharing on Pinterest is also known as repinning. From a business perspective, you want pin things that others will want to share. You should also return the favor by repinning relevant posts by others. This builds rapport.

Host Contests

A great way to bring more attention to your content on Pinterest is to hold a contest. There are many options for this, such as asking others to create their own pins and holding a voting period. This brings traffic to your boards and increases brand awareness. Just be sure to stay within the contest guidelines set forth by Pinterest.

Collaborate

Pinterest lets you grant others access to pin to your boards, so you may want to consider designating one or more boards that your customers and prospects can post to. This creates a feeling of collaboration and establishes a sense of trust and loyalty among your followers.

Add “On Hover Pin It” Buttons

Getting people to share the images on your blog or website is easy when you add an “on hover pin it” button to them (here’s how). This creates a small “Pin It” button that will link the user directly to their Pinterest account where they can choose what board of their own to pin it to. The easier you make it, the more likely your brand will be shared.

Use Rich Pins

Like the name implies, these pins contain much more robust information that just an image. For businesses, rich pins may include links to download your app, articles your audience may find useful, product pins which your customers can use to make purchases and learn about sales, and movies that can enhance the interactions between your audience and your brand.

With Pinterest expected to reach 50 million users in the US alone by next year, there’s no question about the opportunity this online platform provides for expanding your reach and further establishing your brand. By incorporating these simple strategies into your overall Pinterest marketing plan, you’ll be well on your way to pinning your future success!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cynthia Cavoto is the Founder and Social Media Strategist of Firebrand Social Media bringing online solutions to businesses. Based in her hometown of Stratford, CT, she and her team ignite the online fire for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Working with her clients, she develops and implements a strategy for social media messaging that includes increasing brand visibility while engaging a following of customers and prospects. Understanding that social media is just part of a larger marketing plan, Cynthia also works with marketing professionals to develop and implement social media strategies for their clients.

Cynthia’s experience as a computer programmer eased her transition into the new technology of social media. She credits her love of technology to her social media success and believes this is what sets her apart from others in her field.

She has been at the forefront of the social media evolution, believing that it is a large part of what drives business success. Not only can she develop and execute a strategy, she understands the technology and analytics.

Firebrand Social Media helps clients develop and implement strategies on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Google+.

Cynthia volunteers as a SCORE Counselor for the local Bridgeport, CT chapter. She is also an ambassador with the Bridgeport Regional Business Council. She received a BS in Marketing from Post University. When she isn’t strategizing with clients, she enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, and cat.

Cynthia can be reached at 203 414 5509; or by e-mail: [email protected].