Retailers: Getting Started on Pinterest
Pinterest is a social application that users you “pin” images of their on different boards. Users are able to create collections of their different interests and categorize them according to different themes. Pinterest’s mission is to “connect everyone in the world through the ‘things’ they find interesting” via a global platform if inspiration and idea sharing. That is, pinners can “re-pin” another users’ images.
Why is Pinterest useful for retailers? Rumor has it the site is driving more people to websites and blogs than YouTube, Google+ and LinkedIn combined! There are approximately 2.2 million users daily and 12 million active users monthly! These numbers are continuing to increase every day! In addition, many of the users on Pinterest are looking for and discovering new or specific things to do, buy, look at or read, giving you a perfect opportunity to target a new demographic.
To create a viable and interesting retail Pinterest page, we first have to start with the basics. Let’s begin with the following:
1. Brand Your Pinterest Profile
Your profile image should reflect the way you’ve branded your website and/or brick & mortar. Pinterest boards should reflect the most interesting part of your inventory. (Ex. If you sell women’s clothing, you can have a board for “little black lace dresses,” another for “pin up going out pumps,” etc.) Also, don’t forget that linking your Facebook & Twitter profiles to your Pinterest account can allow users to take interest in you on different social platforms.
2. Upload Photos
Pinterest is a highly visual platform, so photos of your products have to be interesting and attractive. Your presentation needs to be spot on. Consider hiring a photographer and/or a talented graphic designer to help you with your images. In addition, pair every product photo with a short description and a shortened link to your e-commerce site. You don’t want potential customers to see a great image and just stop there. Ideally, you want to pique their interest enough to lead them to your site.
3. Get Social
Tell your customers you’re on Pinterest by adding a Pinterest icon to your company’s site. You can nestle it perfectly between your Facebook & Twitter buttons. Tweet it to your Twitter followers and let your Facebook Fans know that they can now follow you Pinterest as well.
4. Express Yourself
Pinterest is supposed to be enjoyable! Re-pin and/or like other interesting images you see. Comment on others’ photos and respond when others comment on yours. You are unique and interesting. Let it show!
5. Keep Track of Analytics
Tools like Pinreach and Pinstamatic let you add Twitter profile links to your boards. Pinpuff gives you a score based on the virality of your pins, very much like Klout. You can also sign up for Pinerly (currently in beta) which is a comprehensive Pinterest analytics board.
Happy Pinning!
(Source: Mashable)
