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With the ongoing push toward social media, Pinterest is gaining a foothold in many different circles. Why? Because, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. There are a lot of things that can be communicated in photographs that just cannot be aptly described or told, but a Pinterest page filled with images gets it done in a matter of seconds. Not only that, Pinterest is created to be shared, so the right images can wind up in literally thousands of hands if they catch the eye of the right person. In business, Pinterest is particularly powerful for companies that move merchandise, create designs, or do anything else that results in a final product worthy of a photograph. If you find yourself in this boat, here are five things that you can do on Pinterest to attract more viewers and make a better page.
Tip #1: Invest in Your Work
Just like with anything else, people who view your Pinterest page will be able to tell pretty quickly if you are actively putting your heart and soul into your work or simply posting because it’s yet another piece of drudgery that you have to do. Commit to spending a certain amount of time on Pinterest each day or week to add images, make connections, and look for other things that will make your page pop. Additionally, you need to make sure that your photographs are of the highest possible quality if you are taking them yourself. Look for interesting angles, add filters, and position objects in such a way that they can be appreciated online. Not too long ago, I visited a page devoted to outdoor furniture and design. Yes, they were selling quite a few things that could be found nearby at the store of their competitor, but the way the merchandise was photographed read more like a high fashion shoot. It drew in my attention and made me more interested in what they had to offer.
Tip #2: Be Simplistic & Minimalistic
The most attractive Pinterest pages are those that keep things simple and understated. Why is this important? Because pins that are too busy or cluttered can cause sensory overload and burnout. If you are photographing an entire furniture set that you have for sale in your store, focus your camera in on a unique design detail rather than the whole enchilada. If you are photographing food, zoom in on a particularly well-plated dish that looks as good as it tastes. While it may be tempting to pin everything and anything you have in your inventory on your Pinterest page, a bit of restraint is actually a lot better tactic. If people want to see everything, they can come into your business or look at a catalog. You want to put up enough for your customers to get a sense of your style and what your business is all about but not so much as to make the whole thing overwhelming. To boost their aesthetic, a lot of Pinterest people like to create themed pages, with all of the pins having something unique in common. Whatever direction you go, make sure that your page is easy on the eyes.
Tip #3: Use Other Outlets For Promotion
If you are already well-established on Twitter or Facebook, why not use these enormous resources to entice people onto your Pinterest page? Twitter and Facebook have a huge following, and this can really work in your favor to boost your Pinterest followers. The fact that Twitter and Facebook are places for words is very helpful to communicate what you are trying to do on Pinterest. You can also tell your social media followers about special Pinterest-only promotions to up your numbers. Another way to garner Pinterest support is by seeking out and following the industry heavy hitters. If you get lucky, they may follow you back, and this may be just the shot of credibility you need to gain a whole lot of new followers. It’s definitely worth a try, and you may find ideas and other things that you can utilize for yourself.
Tip #4: Don’t Just Pin Merchandise
Pinterest users love a good saying, motto, or quip, so if you find one that embodies what your company is all about, add it to your page. This not only gives a warmth to your page, but it also helps to communicate perspective which may inspire loyalty. Case in point: if part of your business philosophy is that you run a Christian company or only sell American-made products, a few scriptures or some patriotic images go a long way toward communicating who you are. Many viewers will be more apt to do business with a company that shares their outlook and values. That being said, you should be aware that it can also work against you if, say, your biggest client is a Republican and your Pinterest page is outfitted with a bunch of pro-Democrat pins. Be careful, but don’t be afraid to show who you are. In addition to words of wisdom, Pinterest is also a great place to post pictures of items or other things related or complementary to your business. If you are running a restaurant, why not post an image related to dinner and a movie? You may inspire your viewers to a lovely night out and benefit financially as well.
Tip #5: Know When to Say When
Pinterest is a really great tool, but it is not for everyone. You need to analyze who you are and what you are selling before deciding to go with this particular social media outlet. While a children’s clothing store or a landscaping company lends itself very easily to Pinterest, a company that manufactures one variety of paper bag may be less successful in this arena. Think about whether or not a visual representation will add anything to your online presence. Another consideration is if this visual representation changes frequently, as in the case of stores that offer a wide variety of rotating merchandise. If you can come up with five pins off the top of your head and don’t see those changing anytime in the near future, then give yourself permission to bow out of Pinterest. In this case, it will add nothing to your business and do nothing for your customers, either.
While Pinterest may not be as big or widely used as the giants Twitter and Facebook, it is nevertheless a company worth checking out, particularly if you do a lot of marketing to women who are particularly attracted to using it. Start small, adding a few pins at a time, and then let your page grow as your experience increases. Remember to be creative and unique, because that is what brings Pinterest users back for more. Take the time to keep your page up to date, interesting, and a true reflection of what you are all about. Build connections and promote your page on other outlets, your website, and your blog to help draw people in. On Pinterest, a picture truly is worth a thousand words, and this may be just the thing you need to take your business to the next level.
