Have you ignored Pinterest in your social media marketing because you think it’s just about recipes, crafts and other women’s interests? Then you might be surprised to discover that Pinterest produces 4-times more revenue per click than Twitter or Facebook, according to Social Media Today, which says, “Pinterest buyers spend more money, more often, on more items than any of the other top 5 social media websites.” Even if you don’t sell tangible products, Pinterest is a great place to spread your brand message. Here are five ways to use Pinterest to expand your brand:
Tell Your Story: People like to know who they’re dealing with and what the business is about. While you don’t need to pin your family portrait or what you ate for dinner, you can pin representations of your company’s history (i.e. first dollar earned), mission, philanthropy, volunteer work, portfolio and other items that allow people to know what your business is about and what it stands for.
Video: Pinterest isn’t just about pictures. You can post video presentations or demonstrations. Further, you can ask your clients and customers to create video testimonials that you can post to a Pinterest “Testimonial” or “Happy Customers” board.
Spread Information: Content is king, even on Pinterest. Share your expertise, tips and information that others will find helpful. Not only will this lead to repins (sharing your content with others), but will increase your being perceived as a credible, knowledgeable resource. Adding images to your blog or website articles and then pinning them to Pinterest is one way to spread information. Or, create an infographic, which is a graphic that uses visual images to represent information or data.
Sell Stuff: Although you might not want to put your entire catalog on Pinterest, you can pin links to your products or services that allow people to shop from you. Especially now, with the holidays around the corner, Pinterest is the place where many consumers are getting gift ideas. To avoid looking self-centered, you might want to pin other products and services (you can use affiliate links), as well.
Media Kit: Some small businesses post a single media kit document, but you can create a “Media Kit” board that includes videos of appearances, awards or recognition you’ve earned, articles you’ve written that appear on the web, rate sheet, testimonials and more.
Like all other social media, Pinterest also requires you to interact with others. In the same way you follow, comment, like, share or retweet on Facebook and Twitter, you should follow, comment, like and repin other pinners on Pinterest.
Author:
Leslie Truex is a career design expert who has been helping people find or create work that fits their lifestyle goals since 1998 through her website Work-At-Home Success. She is the author of “The Work-At-Home Success Bible” and “Jobs Online: How To Find a Get Hired to a Work-At-Home Job”. She speaks regularly on career-related topics including telecommuting and home business.
