Tags: Businesses, Pinterest, social media, social media marketing, social networking, social sharing, targeted networking, The Modern Connection, visual sharing[ × ]

The world of social media can be a bit fickle. Today’s hot item might not be around in a month or two. Which is why we get so excited when a new social site pops up that we really think has staying power. Pinterest is one of those sites.

Launched just a little less than two years ago, Pinterest didn’t start to really gather steam until about August of 2011 and is now considered one of the hottest sites of 2012.

So, what is Pinterest? Essentially, it serves as a virtual inspiration board. Once a user creates a profile, they are prompted to install a Pin It widget to their browser toolbar. As they move around the web, they can choose to “pin” photos of things they like to boards they have created on their Pinterest profile. Boards can be themed to whatever the user chooses – home décor, fashion, recipes and crafts rank as some of the most popular.

Pinterest is social in that users connect with other users who can see their pins and boards, creating interwoven communities of visual sharing.

What really sets Pinterest apart is the quick adoption of a wide range of users (i.e. not just techies) and its ability to direct traffic to a company’s website – the images that are pinned link back to the original content.

“Unique visitors to the site grew 400% from September to December 2011, and just last week one study showed that Pinterest drives more visitors to third-party websites than Google+, YouTube and LinkedIn combined.” – CNN

Photo Source: Mashable

For the most part, Pinterest has been dominated by the personal profile, but businesses are jumping on board and for good reason. We definitely see a growing number of retailers and restaurants joining the site as it gains popularity. It allows a company to share their own inventory, menu items, etc., and it also lets them create a visual personality around their brand. Our client, Gwynn’s of Mt. Pleasant, is a great example of how that can be accomplished.

Of course, we’re on Pinterest as well. Follow both Ashley and myself at AshleyTCaldwell or JessieBTurner.

As a social media specialist for The Modern Connection, Jessica provides innovative and strategic solutions that help businesses connect with their customers.