“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.

Bolt PR | Public Relations | Social Media | Marketing | Crisis Communication

Raleigh, NC | Orange County, CA

It may seem like everyone is sending text messages in today’s world, but according to a Forbes report, texting is on the decline.

According to the report, text messaging rates in large texting markets, such as Finland and Hong Kong, are on the decline. Christmas Eve text messaging, one of the biggest days for sending messages on Finnish carrier Sonera, dropped from 10.9 million in 2010 to 8.5 million in 2011. A similar 14% decline was seen in Hong Kong on Christmas Day this year.

So, what gives? The Forbes report blames social networks, such as Twitter and Facebook, for this reduction in messages. This trend isn’t just occurring overseas. Text messages are also declining in the United States thanks to social networking and apps like the iMessage from Apple.

Still, people aren’t ready to forgo sending and receiving texts all together. According to a Pew Research Center Global Attitudes Project study published in December 2011, about 75 percent of cellphone users in 21 countries said they still send texts.

Do you think text messaging will be replaced by other platforms and services in the future? Weigh in and leave us a comment below.

Bolt PR | Public Relations | Social Media | Marketing | Crisis Communication

Raleigh, NC | Orange County, CA

Sites like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+ have become a part of most American’s daily life, and nonprofit donors are starting to expect more social engagement from the organizations and causes to which they give.

Recently, PR Daily listed 10 reasons why nonprofits should be active on Twitter. We couldn’t agree more! Here are a few reasons that topped our list:

• You have something to say. You care about your company’s mission, have passion about the life-changing work you’re doing for the community, and others care about your causes. Now, spread the word about it.

• Your donors are on Twitter. If you start engaging on Twitter, chances are you will find donors. You’ll get to tell them about the great work their donations are helping to do for the cause– inspiring them to give more or spread the message to their own networks.

• You can build authority. By tweeting about your work and spreading awareness of your cause, you not only spark inspiration, but you also establish yourself as an authority on the work your company does.

Do you agree that nonprofits should be active on one of the world’s fastest-growing social media sites? Leave us a comment below.

Bolt PR | Public Relations | Social Media | Marketing | Crisis Communication

Raleigh, NC | Orange County, CA