Recently, my Virtual Assistant, Trisha, brought to my attention Pinterest. For the last few weeks, I’ve been “pinning” like crazy.(Connect with me here) Because I’m still in the learning process, I’ve asked Trisha to take over my blog post and introduce us to Pinterest.
Faster than Google+! More powerful than LinkedIn! Able to bypass YouTube in a single bound! Out in cyberspace, look! It’s Boards! It’s Pins ! It’s Pinterest!
If you haven’t heard of Pinterest, it’s the hottest addition to social media! Even though it’s still in the beta stage and the only way to use it is to be invited, it is hot, Hot, HOT!
If the statistics below don’t make you get off here and sign up then we need to have a serious talk.
Who’s on Pinterest?
Here are some of the recent stats on Pinterest:
- The fastest site in history to break through the 10 million unique visitor mark
- Average user time is 83 minutes!
- 11.9 million unique visitors
- 80% women
- Household income of 25k-75k
If this describes your target market, don’t finish reading this article until you have sent me an email (TrishaPhilbrook@gmail.com) titled “Please Invite Me to Pinterest”. Once you have done that, come back and let me share more.
Pinterest’s mission: “connect everyone in the world through the ‘things’ they find interesting.”
What is Pinterest?
Pinterest is an online pinboard that allows users the ability to create boards and pin images to each board. The amazing part is that everything you pin can be linked back to a website. So, whether you are pinning a recipe to your “Yummy Desserts” board or a book to your “Books Worth Reading” board it is probably linked to a website where you can read the whole recipe or purchase the book.
Can You Use it for Business?
This creates so much opportunity for businesses. Are you brainstorming yet? Get a notebook and pen and put it on your nightstand because if you are like me, I brainstorm in my dreams!
You can absolutely advertise your business on Pinterest. Make sure you remember it is your responsibility to link the product you pinned back to your website. I’ve seen several images that I’ve clicked and it linked to nothing and they missed out on a sale because I don’t have time to dig around and find where I can buy it. Don’t miss out on a sale, link your pins!
Is it Like Facebook and Twitter?
As far as similarities and differences with Facebook and Twitter, I don’t see a lot.
Yes, you “follow” people like you do in Twitter and you have a lot of connection with Facebook friends and can post your pins on your Facebook page, but I really don’t see a huge similiarty with either of these social media channels.
Pinterest is different and once you start digging around and having fun with it you will understand.
My only concern is that people are going to become bored with it because there is not that relationship building like Facebook offers. But, for now it is the hottest social media channel and you need to tap into it for your business.
How Can I Get Started?
To get started you must setup your account through an invitation as described above. It is simple but, if you need help, email me and I’ll send you a video tutorial that I’ve sent my clients.
Once setup is complete, I recommend looking around at some of your friends’ boards and pins to start.
Keep in mind you can always change the names of your boards so, don’t get overwhelmed that you have to get it perfect the first time.
How Does “Pinning” Work?
If you see a pin that you like, you can “Repin”, “Like”, or “Comment.”
Repinning will allow you to pin the image to one of your boards. Still don’t be alarmed if you don’t have your boards setup, Pinterest allows you to create a new board anytime during a repin.
“Liking” a pin will add it to your likes, but will not pin to a board.
When you “comment” it allows you to link to Facebook friends by using the “@” symbol just like you do in Facebook.
What Are Your Favorite Boards?
A few of my more popular boards are “Encouragement for WAHM” and “Social Media Tips & Training”. My new favorite board is my “Dream Farmhouse”.
What Else Do We Need to Know?
Have fun with it at first and then start brainstorming for your business.
Where Can We Learn More?
I’ve been studying Pinterest for a few months and have so much more information to share about promoting your business. This month I’ve been private coaching clients on how to promote their business using Pinterest. Out of this private coaching I’ve created a Home Course. If you like learning at your own pace, check my Home Study Course here.
Happy Pinning!
Trisha
Trisha is a successful work at home mom that has a passion for helping women in business succeed! With three young daughters at home, she has learned how to balance work and family time although it is a weekly challenge.
You’ll want to check out her newest blog “Devotions for WAHM” where she offers daily encouragement. To find out more about her business and read her blog you can visit www.TrishaPhilbrook.com.