You're Not Winning, Unless You're Pinning!

We live in a highly visual world. We like to look at eye catching, beautiful things. Whether it’s art, pages in a magazine, or photographs. It’s human nature for us to gravitate to something visually interesting. It doesn’t matter if we’re browsing online, or if we’re physically touching or viewing something, this rule applies. 

A study by ROI Research found that when users engage with their friends on social media sites, it’s the pictures that  catch their attention most. It also found that 44% of users are more likely to interact with brands and companies that post photos over any other form of media. 


Which brings me back to the topic of Pinterest– a virtual pinboard where people can share images of what inspires them, much the same as a bulletin board. Pinterest has quickly become the fastest growing social network. It’s also the third largest social network, with Facebook and Twitter ranking at one and two. We posted about the possibilities of Pinterest a few months ago, since then, its seems to have blown up even greater.

Brand presence has definitely increased on Pinterest. People can search their favourite brands and products, and pin photos and videos to their personalized boards for the online world to see. 

Are the wheels turning yet? Are you wondering if Pinterest is a good tool for your business? Maybe Pinterest is something you should consider using to promote your company, service, or brand.

A few weeks ago, Pinterest recognized the impact that brands and businesses are having on Pinterest. They chose to incorporate business accounts as an option when signing up. Note: If brands were using regular accounts before, users can convert it to a business account without losing previous pins and content. 

If your business or service hasn't created a Pinterest page yet, you should definitely consider it.  If you have created a page, it’s time to start fleshing it out. Make it authentic. Make it true to your brand, with attention grabbing pins.

Ways that Pinterest can benefit your business:

•Create a board to help humanize your brand. People like to see past the product or service that your business provides. They like to know that real people are behind the nuts and bolts of your business. Pinterest is a great tool to show your company culture. By posting photos of things going on at the office, people enjoying their lunch breaks, people hard at work, or office events, it allows fans to feel connected to your brand on a larger scale. 

•You aren't limited to photographs. Your company can share videos (YouTube works best), slideshows and audio. Be sure to add a description to your pins also.

•You can investigate what your followers are most interested by looking at their boards and pins.

•You can link your pins to your company web page, or to each of your new blog posts. You can also link pins to your social media networks– do this sparingly. You don’t want to risk annoying your followers. 

•Engage with other users and participate in conversations by commenting on other users pins, liking things, and by following people. Similar to other social networks, the more you engage, the better results you’ll have. People will return the favour and will like and comment on your pins too.

•Take your time when creating board titles and consider what’s interesting to your target audience. You should have multiple boards that vary in content. Some boards that you may choose to include are photos from company events, new products you’re carrying, books you love, photos from around the office, products you love, places you like to eat, client success stories, etc.

•Check out your competition. See what content they’re pinning, and what works best for them. Make adjustments to your page if needed.

•Be creative. Anything that interests your target audience and customers is appropriate content. This may be interesting info graphics, news, articles. Your company Pinterest page doesn't have to be all about your products and services all the time

Check this link out for more ideas on how to use Pinterest for business:                                     

- Written by Tamara Adams - Creative Communications Intern, Red River College.

**If you want to talk more about Pinterest or Social Media for your business in general contact Cruise Media Group today! **