Pinterest put the world on notice in 2012, letting us all know that it was a social powerhouse here to stick around for a while. In no time it seems, the virtual pinboard site went from being a niche destination to a worldwide phenomenon that had captured the attention of the business community. And businesses are wise to pay attention because this innovative social network has a lot to offer.
When Pinterest first started to heat up, we were seeing loads of data on its unbelievably fast growth and ability to deliver referral traffic. Now we’re starting to learn more about its engagement qualities. According to some recent statistics, the average Pinterest user has 2757 pins, on 35 boards, while following 355 users. That activity is mighty impressive and underlines the importance of having a following on this thriving platform.
Pinterest has tremendous potential as a tool that can generate new leads, drive traffic, and even boost sales. But as with other social tools, its true value hinges on the strength of your following. Here are some tips on using Pinterest to build a network that makes an impact.
Figure Out Your Branding Strategy
While Pinterest is an excellent marketing tool, it is very strict on advertising. In fact, companies were initially limited to creating personal profiles tied to individuals because that was the only option. But with the recently introduced business accounts in the mix, you now have the power of choice. So what should you do? Know what each option brings to the table.
The new business accounts come with the advantage of being able to promote your brand directly rather than have to do so discreetly under a personal account attached to someone’s first and last name. There are also new tools designed to help with integration and promotional efforts.
Although the personal accounts were limited, businesses learned to make them work by choosing the best individual to represent the brand. This allowed them to get to know the people in their network on a more personal level and subsequently build massive followings. Going the route of the business accounts may seem like the obvious choice, but the right choice will vary depending on your specific situation.
Create Good Boards
Visual content is king in the world of Pinterest. If you want people to take notice and connect, your boards must showcase it. There is nothing wrong with pinning up photos of the development team or even your products every now and then, but you have to remember the nature of the beast. Many people are on the Pinterest with the sole purpose of storing and sharing pictures. A special offer might be tempting, but something they are likely to share with others could be even more effective.
Share and Encourage Sharing
Pinterest may be dressed in different clothing, but it is still a social networking platform at the core. And what is social networking all about? You got it — sharing. Just about any given piece of content can go viral these days, especially when pushed through a busy platform like Pinterest. But you’ve got to maximize its potential, so in addition to posting solid content, don’t hesitate to encourage your followers to share what they find interesting. The more your content gets around, the more eyes and followers it will attract.
It also wouldn’t hurt to help spread the wealth by sharing content pinned by other users. As long as it is valuable and relevant to your network, this content can be very effective at helping you grow your following.
Mix with Other Social Efforts
The fastest and arguably most effective way to build that powerful Pinterest network is to combine what you’re doing there with your existing social efforts. Luckily, this couldn’t be any easier. A simple click of the “Find Friends” tab allows you to import your contacts from platforms like Gmail, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also actively share your Pinterest content on those networks to pique the interest of others. On top of dishing out good content, this one alone can dramatically increase the size of your Pinterest following.
With the web shifting to visual content, platforms like Pinterest have become powerful than ever. More people are showing that they would rather consume information in an easier way, and this particular site caters to the demand. Ready to add Pinterest to your bag of social tools? If so, understand that your success rides on the value of your network.
Sources
http://www.repinly.com/stats.aspx
Author Bio:
Abel Velazquez @benchmarkabel is a freelance blogger, online marketing expert, and advocate for event marketing company, Benchmark Email.