Have you tried Pinterest yet?
Pinterest is the newest social media site getting lots of buzz. It is designed as an online forum that allows users to “pin” images to their virtual bulletin boards. As of February 2012, Pinterest had approximately 10.4 million visitors.
Businesses – retailers especially – have been quick to catch on to the power of Pinterest and what a phenomenal marketing tool it can be. In addition, Pinterest has the potential for retailers to reach potential customers who may not have otherwise known about their products and services.
Better Homes & Gardens magazine currently has a Pinterest following of 25,000+ (compare that to its following of 21,000 on Twitter). In addition, grocery retailer Whole Foods has already achieved nearly 20,000 Pinterest followers.
How can your business take advantage of Pinterest? Here are five best practices when it comes to engaging in the social media endeavor.
1. Link your pins back to your website. You’ve just posted a photo of a colorful necklace or gorgeous diamond ring that’s for sale on your website. Always make sure the image links back to your retail website and include your store’s URL within the pin’s description. This allows the interested user to click through to your site and potentially BUY. Plus every time that image is repinned, your name and URL are seen again and again. Click-through rates from Pinterest have been high because people want to learn more about the product.
2. Leverage your brand (even if you don’t sell products). There is no rule that says you cannot have a Pinterest presence even if you don’t sell gorgeous products. Leverage your brand and reach out to consumers with things they want. If you sell a service, focus on pinning images and products that illustrate how the service is used. Try highlighting products by your business partners or clients.
3. Promote the “pin.” Add Pinterest’s “pin” button to your website like you would the Facebook and Twitter “share” buttons. And just as you have the other social media icons on your home page, be sure to include a “Find us on Pinterest” button to your website. This allows customers to engage with you in multiple places.
4. Pinners are followers too. Find Pinterest users who are potential customers and follow them. Also connect with the people who follow your boards and “like” your pins. And don’t be afraid to follow competitors either.
5. Link Pinterest to other social media outlets. Link up Pinterest to Facebook and Twitter so that when you pin an object, it appears within your Facebook and Twitter feeds. This strategy triples your exposure to followers.
Take advantage of Pinterest and begin maximizing your social media presence today. With high click-through rates and more and more pinners every day, Pinterest is where you want to be.