Pinterest may look unassuming at first glance, but behind all the recipes and how-to pins lies a powerful and unusual marketing tool. Using Pinterest for business is a great option for small business owners — but it’s not for everyone. If you have products to sell, this beginner’s guide is for you! Today, we’ll answer a few key questions to get you started on this one-of-a-kind platform.
Pinterest for Business: A Beginner’s Guide
- What is Pinterest and why is it so special?
- Is Pinterest right for my business and how do I get started?
- What are the best practices when using Pinterest for business?
What is Pinterest and why is it so special?
While there is a social component, Pinterest works more like a search engine than a social network. This makes it pretty unique when compared to other online platforms. Like a highly organized, digital vision board, Pinterest has the power to inspire and influence in remarkable ways. People use it as a tool to search for ideas, and to save and share content. Each pin can then be categorized into individual boards. In other words, Pinterest makes it easy for your target audience to discover your content, and they can easily find it again when they need it later. As an added bonus, Pinterest content doesn’t disappear on its own, so pins can be searched for, and found for years to come.
Is Pinterest right for my business and how do I get started?
As we mentioned earlier, Pinterest is not ideal for every business. But if you are a small business with products to sell, it’s a must. In fact, Planoly calls Pinterest “one of the most powerful, yet seemingly overlooked, social platforms on the web,” with over 450 million active users per month! If Pinterest is right for your business, we recommend getting a free business account (click here to sign up). This will allow you the option for ads, as well as analytics to track your performance and tailor your marketing efforts. You will also be able to turn your profile into a storefront using the shop tab. This new feature displays and organizes your products by category, allowing you to sell directly on Pinterest. If you already have a personal page, you can easily make the switch to business, or create a new account.
What are the best practices when using Pinterest for business?
Pinterest is all about creating and sharing branded content with eye-catching visuals. From the start, make sure your posts have a consistent style that reflects your business. Focus on quality images that will grab the attention of casual browsers and invite them to learn more. If your photos are original, don’t forget to add your logo. Look for trending topics and industry keywords, and pull from your content pillars. Paying to promote your pins drives visibility, which allows you to be seen more often and by a wider audience. These Pinterest ads are just like regular posts, but with a potent boost.
Once your business account is up and running, start posting content, building boards, and following others to grow your brand and be seen. If you have a Planoly subscription, you can use their Pin Planner for Pinterest to schedule content in advance via web or mobile. And if you need help or want to focus on other aspects of running a small business, the team at Aliya Hammond Consulting is here to help with all your social media marketing and management needs. Contact us today for more information!
You’ve probably realized by now that Social Media is no longer an option. In fact, it is a vital and highly successful tool for building a business. Aliya Hammond Consulting is an online Digital Marketing, Training, and Consulting Company headquartered in the greater Philadelphia area. We specialize in Social Media Management and Marketing, Social Media Training and Coaching, Blog Writing, and Graphic/Web Design Services for small and large businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations. If you are looking to improve or increase your online presence, you can rest assured you are in good hands with us. Contact Aliya Hammond Consulting today to find out how we can help your business grow!
