So have you or your company jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon yet? It seems like companies and 
individuals are quickly adopting the social media platform and using it to increase their Internet footprint. [Almost] everyone is there, or thinking about getting there. Heck, Martha Stewart is pinning, and even President Obama is pinning (although that shouldn’t be surprising based on his continued social media commitment).
Within months, Pinterest has grown from a site used by few, to a site used by many (approximately 10 million a week)…and with the masses come the companies. So what are companies doing on Pinterest? Companies are using the boards to continue creating a visual personality and a way to drive the “viral conversation.” Coca-cola uses their Pinterest account to help promote their recent campaign and provide snapshots of living – loosely related back to their 1979 slogan, “Have a Coke and a Smile.” Southwest Airlines is there, using their pins to show party ideas, feature planes and employees, and provide window seat views, vintage ads and quotes. The LUV airline makes flying “fun” and Pinterest has a lot of potential to reinforce their brand.
So they are there, but why should we pin? Here are a two ways businesses and individuals can use Pinterest.
Create a Visual Personality:
It relates back to the reason companies are using social media in the first place – to be human and create interactions. Pinterest provides a place where people and companies can visually showcase their values, mission, and interests, and create a depiction of “who they really are” and “what they really care about.” People can browse through others’ pins to find ideas, get inspiration and learn. We are becoming a more visually-driven society and can consume images quicker than reading text.
Pins Can Be Sales:
How about Modcloth – the company forging ahead in the social media space and growing their sales rapidly – using the site to share their products and style? Their Pinterest presence is unique, true to their brand, and allows them to showcase their products beyond what you see on the website. And of course, all products from the site are linked back to modcloth.com or their Polyvore page (fashion collage-making site). The pins from Modcloth and the followers who repin their pins, can absolutely turn into dollars. For individuals – do you have a craft? Do you knit scarves and want people to buy them? Are you an amazing wedding photographer and want people to see your art? Why not pin? Why not let the world see your ideas to learn more about you and want what you can provide?
Pinterest will continue growing and increasing its influence, so companies will absolutely continue to leverage the platform. The visual draw of the site makes it easy to use, share and enjoy. So, if you’re not pinning, maybe you should start!
