“The things you collect say a lot about you, and we wanted to bring that experience online,” – Pinterest founder, Ben Silbermann.
Pinterest has emerged recently as another innovative social media forum that is rapidly growing in popularity. Given this reality, Bolt PR poses the question: Is this new social network going to become another beneficial marketing medium, like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ outlets have, for businesses to consider when developing social media strategy and overall effective public relations and marketing campaigns?
HOW IT WORKS: Pinterest , an online vision board, allows users to create and manage theme-based image collections they find interesting or inspiring. As users upload or share photos, the images become known as “pins,” which the user can then place on customized, themed boards for other Pinterst users to view, follow and “repin” as they like.
Skyrocketing in reputation over the last year, currently with more than 3.2 million monthly unique visitors, fashionistas, foodies, and brides-to-be are just some of the many who have fully embraced the site to explore creative and visually appealing ideas for their next dinner, hone décor, date or outfit. As a result, leading lifestyle brands have recognized Pinterest as a key platform to leverage for brand engagement and awareness.
According to Experian Hitwise, Pinterest, an invitation-only site, now has 40 times the number of total visits it had six months prior and is quickly finding its way into the top 10 websites for social networking. Clearly, the popularity of this emerging social network is not slowing anytime soon – consumer businesses will want to carefully watch this evolving community and brainstorm tactics to effectively tap into this sea of target consumers.
If you’re debating the leap into Pinterest, here are a few examples to keep in mind:
- Bakeries: Post pictures of delicious and decorative wedding cakes, birthday cupcakes and recipes for top-selling cookies
- Fitness and Health Providers: Share impactful exercises on your own fitness equipment, images of inspiring fitness role models and health tips and diet plans
- Travel Company: Showcase pictures of desirable destinations, including resorts, restaurant, golf clubs and more, tips on how to take a cost-cutting vacation, and fashionable luggage
- Designers/Stylists/Salons: Highlight images of favorite looks, top trending clothing and accessories, and how to dress to impress on a budget
Keep in mind though, there is one downside to this new-found gem: If you want to join, you’ll have to request an invite and endure the waiting list.
Are you pinning? We would love to hear your Pinterest experience! Please share with us below.
