Did you know that Pinterest is the fastest site to ever break the 10 million unique visitor mark? And it boasts 48.7 million users as of February 2013? If your business has not yet tapped into the Pinterest market, you may be missing out. Here are 5 tips to get your business started on Pinterest.
1. Find your audience
As with any marketing strategy, it is important to know what your audience is looking for. Pinterest is most effective for visual brands, especially female-driven brands like Etsy, ModCloth, and Sephora. Roughly 80% of Pinterest users are female, but overall, 70% of pinners are on the site to find inspiration on what to buy. That is why more male-drive companies like Honda and Major League Baseball have found success here as well–like over 7,000 followers well.
2. Create a business page
The website allows you to create a business page just like any other social network. Use Pinterest as a virtual storefront by posting about your products as well as unique or out-of-the-box ways to use them. Whole Foods has recipe boards like Strawberry Season, Virtual Cookie Swap, and Eat Your Veggies. Yet, the brand also addresses the food process from beginning to end with boards like Super HOT Kitchens, Grow Food! and several boards dedicated to eating healthy.
Benjamin Moore is another great example because they pin photos of color trends, color inspiration, and even rooms by color. Pinterest advertising is more indirect, so Benjamin Moore offers their followers plenty of design ideas, while also showcasing the company’s extensive color options.
3. Drive more referral traffic
Did you know: Pinterest referrals spend 70% more money than visitors referred from non social channels? According to an infographic created by wishpond, about 70% of of consumers who visited Pinterest found a product they want to purchase; compare that with Facebook’s 40%. Users are looking to Pinterest for their next purchase, so it is important to visually share your company’s products and entice potential customers to visit your website. Each product photo you pin should link back to your website, product information, or the purchasing details–give your followers the best chance to interact by providing the best possible link.
4. Pin smart
Use keywords and hashtags when describing your pin to increase your SEO, but don’t forget to make your descriptions appealing for your audience. Also, keep your pins and boards organized well to make it easier for your followers to engage.
5. Be timely
Every social network has a “best time to post,” but you need to determine the best time for your brand and your customers. You’ll gain the most interaction by being online when your followers are and by pinning what they want to see. When in doubt, Saturday morning is a good time to pin.