An Introduction

Pinterest is a new and emerging social media platform, that has also established itself as a respectable and intelligent medium for sharing ideas and images that people are passionate about.

The concept of Pinterest can be found in the name of the site. Your profile is like a ‘pinboard’, where you can collect, arrange and display items for your friends and followers to see.

Also, Pinterest is about sharing your unique interests, not just your latest products and services.

The success of Pinterest, and yes, the rapidly growing site that frequently competes with both Google+ and Facebook, relies on the concept that we all have unique interests and personalities, and the Internet is the perfect medium for bringing like-minded people together from around the world.

When you involve your business in social media, it is worth remembering why and how it works in the first place. The Internet surpasses geographical boundaries, time-zones and social restrictions. The Internet, and social media for business, connects people with similar ideas and values, that otherwise may never have the opportunity.

Develop a plan to promote your business on Pinterest If you are considering following the crowds, and launching your business on the Pinterest platform, the first thing you need to decide, is why?

Don’t just go there because everyone else is, or you’ve heard a few too many success stories. The success of this platform for business, is generated when business owners are smart, genuinely inspired, and actually know how to use it.

You can start with the foundations of your own business. What does it do? What do you sell? How can these concepts inspire other people, because real inspiration and delight, is the foundation of Pinterest as a social media platform.

There is no point simply pinning up items that fail to engage, because if you don’t engage, how can you sell?

Most often than not, Pinterest users aren’t there to buy, they are there to be motivated and intrigued. They are there to obtain a fresh new look on the world, and if your products or services don’t do that, they will instantly move on.

What are you interested in? (Other than making money!)

Quite often, the real intrigue of a business doesn’t come directly from their products or services, but the morals and beliefs that surround these. If you can identify the interests and principals of your business, other than making money, you will be a step ahead of the rest in determining how Pinterest can provide you with success.

As an example, if you are selling biodegradable cleaning products, the images and product packaging of these my not be inspiring enough to add to a Pinterest pin board.

However, your general business philosophy should extend beyond the concept of ‘cleaning’, and include many inspiring ideas, such as wild life, environmental protection, beautiful waterways, tiny and self-sufficient communities, and individuals who strive to make a difference in the world.

Your Pinterest profile can include images, news stories, videos, quirky objects, and products from other companies that are visually intriguing, yet share the same philosophy as you and your business.

Inspire people with your interests

Inspire people with your interests, and they will want to know who you are and what you do. You may not be directly promoting your own products or services on Pinterest, but generating a following of people who share, and are impressed by your own interests and values, can be beneficial for your business.

If you are constantly pinning up items that intrigue and make them wonder, they will want to know who you are, what you do, and what makes you so special.

This intrigue will lead them to your business, and the products or services you are choosing to promote. They will feel as though they already know you, and a trusting and valued relationship will have already been formed, marking the pathway to a long-term, and profitable business relationship.

Yes, you can still promote yourself!

Pinterest for business, still offers great ways to directly showcase yourself and your business. If you are selling items that are naturally appealing to Pinterest users, such as handmade clothes, vintage jewellery, artworks or one-of-a-kind pieces, it would be recommended that your business stand out proudly and boldly.

Deciding the prominence of your products and services as a focal point, will depend on what you do, and what you sell. Also check out other businesses on there. Learn from their strategies and success, and read up on the Pinterest rules and protocol.

There are some guidelines you will need to follow, to keep Pinterest friendly and fun for all, but once you get started and implement some social media etiquette and common sense, you might find that Pinterest is your new area of online addiction.

About the Author

Matt Adams is a Social Media Speaker, Social Media Trainer, Expert and Consultant.

Matt is the Co-Founder of SocialSelling.com.au, Australia’s #1 Social Media Marketing Training company.

Matt offers regular Social Media Marketing Courses, Workshops, Seminars and Webinars across Australia.

Do you need a dynamic Social Media Speaker [http://socialselling.com.au/social-media-speaker/] for your next event or conference in Brisbane or another location? Visit SocialSelling.com.au to find out about Matt’s availability and to discuss your needs.

Matt’s Brisbane Social Media Consulting Company, Paradigm ProjeX helps business owners maximise their Social Media ROI through Lead Generation using effective Sales and Marketing Strategies.