Pinterest is a pinboard-style photo sharing social media website and has been described as a “virtual pinboard” – a place for you to “collect the things you love”. Other useful descriptions you’ll hear are “online vision boards” and “image bookmarking website”.
In a nutshell, Pinterest is a website full of images or YouTube videos that you find appealing - a place where you can express yourself and connect with others who have similar interests. It’s an effective way to drive people to your home business website and increase your Google ranking.
So, why is Pinterest important for your online home business?
Branding.
Other than obviously securing your social profile on Pinterest, which secures another spot on Google for your brand, it’s also a way to build your authority on a popular network. What you choose to “Pin” and share reflects on your business.
Link Building.
Every “Pin” and “Repin” creates a link back to the image source (which in most instances will be on your website). Every decent link counts towards your SEO efforts. What you choose to “Pin” and share reflects on your business.
Social Referral.
Many purchasing decisions are now driven by social referrals and recommendations. Every time someone pins your brand or products, they’re endorsing you across their network – driving business to you!
Traffic.
With each Pin linking back to your websites, people are going to be discovering your products and clicking through to your business. There’s significant traffic opportunities for the right businesses on Pinterest.
Getting your online business started on Pinterest
Within your profile are “boards” which – when compared to blogs – are like “categories”. They’re essentially topics that you categorise all the images that you like into. Examples could include: hairstyles, wedding gowns, shoes, decorated rooms etc.
It’s easy to get caught up in “pinning” everything, and repinning randomly. But think about what reflects best on your online business and what is most likely to appeal to your audience and drive referrals and traffic.
The key attributes to a successful Pinterest profile:
Invest the time.
It’s social marketing… so it goes without saying it won’t be ROI positive overnight. You really need to invest the time (especially in the beginning setting it up) and be consistent, pinning and reviewing regularly.
Build your network.
Pinterest has a very captive audience. You’ll be amazed at how many people will find your “pins” even without building your network. But, if you want the right people seeing your pins, actively follow the influencers in your space.
Be strategic.
It’s easy to get caught up in “pinning” everything, and repining randomly.But think about what reflects best on your online business and what is most likely to appeal to your audience and drive referrals and traffic.
Leverage your social sphere.
Pinterest integrates really well with many other networks such as Facebook and Twitter. So you should use your social sphere to drive eyeballs to your Pinterest work and make sure your efforts are generating maximum results.
Add value.
Don’t fall into the traps of just “pinning” obvious self-promotion. In the social space, people are seeking conversation and convergence – not broadcasting. So “pin” things of general interest around your own stuff to build a truly captive network.
Pinterest has over 10 million users, it is the fastest growing social media site in history. Statistically, a far greater percentage of women use Pinterest than men (80% women and 20% men). It has become the third most popular social media website after Facebook and Twitter and Pinterest generated more referral traffic for businesses in 2012 than Google+, YouTube, and LinkedIn combined.
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