People are flocking to Pinterest, where members can save images found on the web under certain categories. Yet there are still many who get a quizzical look when Pinterest is brought up in conversations. Pinterest populates an ever-changing visual bank of images that you can choose from. It is another example of how our world is going digital. Before Pinterest there was good old-fashioned magazine clippings to collect your ideas. Pinterest has gained the attention of businesses and brands all over the world, which has brought another layer to the mix.
There are many “Pinners” out there that LOVE Pinterest. For many, it truly is a time vortex. The main demographic is women- and not just one type of woman. There are bloggers, diy-ers, quilters, photographers, bakers, fashionistas, graphic designers, moms, just to name a few. As Pinterest has grown, so has the demographic scope. What may have started as a way to save a few recipes and home decorating ideas has turned into a way to create really an image for yourself. This has developed into men and women of all generations and all walks of life pinning their inspiration on anything from top vacation spots, to engagement rings they love, to healthy recipes to cook. By looking at a member’s boards, you get a feel for who that person is, what they find humorous, what they value, and what they want out of life.
Just because it is so popular, doesn’t mean that every business needs a pinterest account! Just as Pinterest is not necessarily right for each person, it may not be right for your brand. First, take a look at your brand and analyze how valuable the visual is to your product or service. Does an accounting firm need Pinterest? Probably not. Does an interior designer? Probably so. Second, take a look at your own clients to see if they would even be looking on Pinterest. Be smart about where you invest your efforts and resources. Finally, research and consider the possibilities of using Pinterest. For some brands, the focus is awareness. For retail based brands, the focus may be actual sales. Still others use Pinterest as a means of building a brand image by providing valuable content.
As with any marketing strategy, it needs to make sense for your brand and for you. Pinterest has the potential to open a multitude of opportunities for individuals and businesses. It’s important to get out there and investigate if Pinterest is right for you. If you decide that Pinterest is right for you, don’t wait. Hundreds of companies and brands are getting exposure already through the wonderful vortex that we call Pinterest!