Using Pinterest for Small Business?

When it comes to social networks, it seems as though brand-new platforms are popping up daily. One that is especially buzz-worthy lately is Pinterest. What is it, and how might it be applicable to your small business? Read on to find out!

The Basics
Launched just a few short years ago, the invite-only site is about inspiration…think of it as an e-bulletin board where you can virtually “pin” all the stuff you find on the Web that you love.

But according to the site, it’s about more than just the act of bookmarking — it revolves around sharing content and connecting with others: “You can browse pinboards created by other people…[it’s] a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.” From the looks of it, this idea has struck a chord with the online community. One reason might be that the site stands out from “traditional” social platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, which rely more on networking, and less on the site as a creative outlet. And according to an Experian Hitwise article, Pinterest is growing in a big way. “The site received nearly 11 million total visits during the week ending December 17, 2011, almost 40 times the number of total visits versus just six months ago,” it reports. That’s not all — according to a November TechCrunch article, Pinterest saw over 420 million pageviews in the

United States in the month of October…a 2,000 percent increase since June.

Small Businesses on Pinterest
Sure, there are a ton of articles out there about how great Pinterest is for highlighting personal inspiration items, but what how you can use it for your business? As pointed out on an American Express Open Forum article, Pinterest protocol does have a few important restrictions businesses have to keep in mind. “Pinterest etiquette clearly states that it’s not a

platform for self-promotion…so brands need to approach the site a little differently,” Lauren Drell writes. The author is also quick to point out that there are, however, a number of creative ways to make the platform work well for your brand. A tip we loved highlighted something small businesses tend to do quite well: think creatively. By focusing on the core of

your brand and your company’s personality, not just what you sell, you can concentrate on what Pinterest represents. “Think outside the box and pin images that capture a lifestyle and/or the essence of your brand,” she writes. For instance, if you own a landscaping company, consider creating multiple boards with flowers you love, examples of stylish patio furniture or even favorite tools you use on the job.

Another helpful article in PCWorld takes a different look at Pinterest, and features a step-by-step guide on how to ensure your business’s website is more Pintrest-friendly. One hint calls

for making it simple for anyone on Pinterest to pin your products by adding a “Pin It” button to product pages.

Now that you have a little background on the site, do you think Pinterest might work for your small business?

Learn More
In case you’re interested in getting your Pin on, here are some additional resources for you to check out:

How Pinterest Works, Business Insider
9 Tips: Boost Your Business with Pinterest, Inc.
Pinterest: 11 Things to Know About the Surging Social Network, The Sacramento Bee

5 Ways Brands Can Use Pinterest to Boost Consumer Engagement, Mashable
Pinterest for Brands: 5 Hot Tips, American Express Open Forum
There’s even a Pinterest blog for you to check out if you’re so inclined.

Image–TinyApartmentCrafts