Whether you're a fist time user or have been on Pinterest since the very beginning, one thing's for sure- you're looking to increase your number of followers and grow your business's name. The best way to do that? Start pinning. But, before you jump into that sea of pins, read a few of the do's and don'ts I've come up with to get you off on the right start.
1. Do: Create a page that lists your business's information.
All too often I see "faceless" pincers who haven't completed their profile. First step when creating a Pinterest account is to get all of that housekeeping out of the way. Choose a profile picture that describes your business whether it be a logo, picture of the building, owner, etc. make it personable. Users are more likely to follow an individual than a faceless user.
Pinterest gives users the option to include a short description on their profile-use it to your advantage! Include a link to your website, address, phone number, and other locations you may have. If pinners find something they like that you pinned, they'll be able to go directly to your site.
2. Do: Follow other users
Businesses often take the formal approach to social media and do not follow any users. While I know businesses can't follow anyone and everyone that likes their page, it is important for them to interact with users. Find people on Pinterest who post similar items, have similar styles, or have complimentary items and follow them. This will create credibility with your own users because they won't be bogged down with only your products.
Lowe's home improvement store has implemented this tactic with their Pinterest boards, a move that has been incredibly successful. Currently, they have 3,393,664 followers. That number is impressive, especially for a store that is known for selling appliances, lumber, and building supplies. Let's look at their strategy.
Rather than creating boards a filling them with pictures of power tools, paint colors, and flooring samples, Lowe's has taken a creative approach to their Pinterest marketing. Boards with names such as, Lowe's Fix in Six, 50 Projects Under $50, Holiday Ready Home, Ultimate Man Caves, and Craft Ideas inspire users to take on projects they originally hadn't considered.
Notice how Lowe's has also followed other Pinterest users, 573 to be exact, and liked, commented, and repinned other people's pins to encourage followers. Just as with all other social media sites, it is important to be present. Schedule time into your day to pin a few items, make comments, and interact with users. More activity will generate more followers.
3. Do: Connect Pinterest to other social media sites
Most people have a favorite social media network so if Pinterest is appealing to your customers, you want them to know you have a page. Install a "Pin It" button on your website, especially on pictures so people are able to organically share your pictures.
As always, if images are originally yours it is a good idea to include a watermark or information on the picture that directs interested consumers to your website. Seeing the image on Pinterest is the start- but is useless if the link doesn't work or isn't connected. Having that information (website, business name) on the picture is a sure way to give credit to your business.
Include a Pinterest button on other accounts you have. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc. are social media starting points, but tailoring the content to your business is key.
4. Dont: Spam users
Repining, commenting, and liking photos isn't the way to a pinner's heart. In fact, its the exact opposite. Pinterest has a stringent policy on spamming in order to protect its users and prevent businesses and users from taking advantage of the constantly changing pins.
In an effort to gain followers, businesses will make their way to the "Popular" page and make comments on pins, just to get their name out there. If done wholeheartedly and with good intentions, no harm is done. But, if users report you for excessiveness, get ready to have your account suspended.
5. Don't: Pin pictures just to pin
As with any marketing strategy, be specific. For example, if your business sells clothing don't repin pictures upon pictures of tattoos, technology, or cars. Stick to your audience and their interests. This doesn't mean you cannot have boards that showcase other interests- food, drink, and exercise are common interests of most people, so having boards that show personal favorites may be another creative way to direct traffic to your Pinterest page, without always focusing on the products you have to sell. Take a look a Lowe's Pinterest page again, they achieve this combination flawlessly.
6. Don't: Advertise your site but not have anything to show
Although this may go without saying, don't advertise and promote your Pinterest boards if you are not actively interacting on Pinterest. Users don't want to be sent to your profile and see five pins from two years ago. Stale and outdated information doesn't leave customers with a good impression and can turn away business.
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