Pinterest Is Awesome for Business. Here’s Why
I know, I know. You don’t have time for an alternate social network. Nonetheless I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t chat up Pinterest, as this image-centric social network has become an incredible place for businesses to:
- Meet new customers
- Boost website traffic
- Increase brand recognition
- Drive sales activity
So let’s go over the reason why this visual social network so cool—and so effective as a marketing strategy.
Less annoying minutiae, more positivity!
Instead of focusing on the details of day-to-day living like Twitter and Facebook seem to, Pinterest influences users to share their interests—fashion, art, food, crafts, architecture, cocktail recipes, design, you name it—with like-minded folks. Here’s a quote from Copyblogger contributor Beth Hayden that I thought was both funny and illustrative: “Pinterest is visually appealing, positive, and unlike Facebook, there isn’t any whining.” Hallelujah, right?
Why marketers are so jazzed about Pinterest
For starters, the site is incredibly well-liked. Just last year, in a five month span, Pinterest rocketed to a jaw-dropping 10 million users. No one was expecting it. Even social media watchers were caught off guard. Almost overnight Pinterest became a MAJOR driver of website traffic. Get this: Pinterest drives more visitors than YouTube, Google and LinkedIn—combined. Here’s one more thing: users love Pinterest. They can’t get enough. It’s addictive. According to comScore data Pinterest users average 89 minutes monthly on the site and Google users average just 3 minutes each month.
What does this mean for local businesses?
Now let’s tackle the single most fundamental questions: Why should businesses care about Pinterest? It’s really quite simple. To begin with, it’s a great, noninvasive way to meet prospects who share a desire for what you have to offer. This built-in permission can help you easily build rapport and create new relationships with buyers within your target market. Secondly, companies already are having great results using the site to showcase their products and services, stay top of mind and drive targeted traffic. Just set up an account. You’ll see all sorts of businesses engaging with their customers:
- Architecture firms
- Hot dog stands
- Thrift stores
- Jewelers
- Yoga studios
- Cabinet makers
- Bowling alleys
The list is endless.
No excuses; start pinning!
Most businesses tend to quickly come up with explanations why they shouldn’t use social media—nevertheless the truth is, many sell themselves short and don’t become involved simply because they don’t think they have a natural place in a certain network. Now, if you run a bookkeeping business, maybe Pinterest isn’t the ideal fit, but then again, it’s entirely possible that you might be a trailblazer and make use of Pinterest to promote your business and have amazing success. Hey, if a plumbing franchise in Waco, Texas can make Pinterest benefit their business, you can too! It’s way too easy to sell yourself short and come up with reasons to stay on the sidelines!
