Pinterest is a relative newcomer to the social network scene, but has been growing by leaps and bounds. Some big businesses are reporting that Pinterest is already surpassing other social networks in referrals and conversions; the network could be useful for your business, if you follow a few basic rules.
Pinterest is about the visual
Pinterest is a social network and sharing platform based entirely on the visual. Most of the most popular pins on Pinterest are photographs, though illustrations and infographics can do well on the network, too. Beautiful photography is incredibly important on Pinterest, and having access to or using beautiful visuals is one of the major keys of the network.
Be willing to give credit where credit is due
Pinterest posts link back to the original source. If you are using someone else’s photography or imagery in your blog posts or on your website, then be willing to give plenty of credit. As with any social network or online forum, using images and not giving credit could eventually come back to bite you, and is generally a bad idea.
Start slowly and maintain
Just like all other social networks, Pinterest is about maintaining an active and interactive presence. If you start a Pinterest account, gain a few followers and abandon it, then it looks much worse than if you start slowly and build a following over time. Build connections, be friendly and be sure to check in on the network and maintain your presence.
Should you be on Pinterest?
If your blog or website has a strong content strategy that already includes or could easily include beautiful and compelling visuals; you have time in your daily schedule to maintain one more social network; and you generally are willing to give credit, then Pinterest could well be a great social opportunity for your blog or business.