How Pinterest Can Help Your Small Business Succeed
Pinterest is an online space where users can post images, “pinning” pictures to their virtual bulletin boards. Others can view the boards and repin images to their own boards. If a business has anything it can put into visual form, Pinterest can act as a marketing agent to expand the brand. For businesses, and especially consumer-based businesses, Pinterest offers an opportunity for promotion in a visually stimulating environment. If your business or products can be creatively displayed and can convey the personality of your brand, then Pinterest could be a good outlet for you. Here are eight ways to attract attention to your business using Pinterest:
1. Invest the time
Pinterest.com requires an investment in time. The key is to build relationships with those who are known for quality “pins” at the site. When these popular sites get to know you and your business, they will be more likely to post about your product. Focus on the users who get the most likes and repins.
2. Keep it simple
The main appeal of Pinterest is that the site is exceptionally easy to use. Everyone has a “board” where they pin images that are all the same size. It is best to use Pinterest’s uncluttered aesthetic. Each pinned photo should includes one link back your businesses site. Pinterest can dramatically boost page views on your site.
3. Connect your physical presence with your online presence
It’s important to connect the dots between a physical location and your Pinterest page. Your physical store can feature online ads and Pinterest promotions. This wiill increase page views directly from Pinterest and direct sales.
4. Make sure your business is a match
Pinterest caters to those looking for recipes, room décor, and do-it-yourself crafts although many small businesses have found great value in the product
5. Use other social nets to feed Pinterest
Connect your account with your Facebook and Twitter accounts. Not only will it help you gain followers, but making this connection adds social media icons under your profile picture that link to your Facebook and Twitter profiles.
6. Launch a daily pin theme
Create a daily pin to promote your brand. The idea is to come up with a catchy slogan that is tied to your business and is memorable enough so that the images get re-pinned. The daily themed pins usually lead to repeat visitors.
7. Promote more than products
The temptation for any business is to post pins only for products you sell. One key is to post interesting news tidbits, tips, and products from other companies. Pinterest users are savvy in spotting a board that is too self-serving and only posts product photos.
8. Follow the big hitters
One of the best ways to raise awareness about your company is to start following the big names on Pinterest. This is the proven method on Twitter: When you follow popular figures, and they follow you back, other Twitter users get the message and follow the leader. It’s important to find out who is “pinning” your products and to follow them to see if they follow you back.
