Pinterest for Small Business? YES!
Hey, I get it: you’re too damn busy to deal with yet one more social network. 
But I’d be remiss if I didn’t let you know about how small businesses are crushing it with Pinterest, a visually attractive social network where users share (or “pin”) photos of things that interest them. This upstart social platform has developed into a terrific place to…
- Connect with customers
- Drive website traffic
- Promote word of mouth
- Increase sales activity
What makes this visual social network so irresistible to users and businesses? Let’s take a look:
Visually pleasing! Less whining!
Instead of focusing on the minutiae 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 other like-minded folks. Here’s a quote from Copyblogger contributor Beth Hayden I thought was both funny and illustrative: “Pinterest is visually appealing, positive, and unlike Facebook, there isn’t any whining.” Hallelujah, right?
Why are marketers so fired up about Pinterest?
Pinterest is insanely popular. Just last year the site vaulted from total unknown to social media giant with 10 million users. Even social media gurus were taken off guard by the speed of Pinterest’s growth. In the period of just half a year, Pinterest was a major driver of website visitors. Get this: Pinterest drives more visitors than YouTube, Google and LinkedIn—combined. What’s more, the site has a devoted fanbase. According to comScore data Pinterest users average 89 minutes each month on the site and Google users average just 3 minutes a month.
What does this mean for local businesses?
Now let’s tackle the single most fundamental questions: Why would businesses care about Pinterest? It’s really quite simple. For one thing, it’s a great, noninvasive approach to meet potential customers who share a desire for that which you have to offer. This built-in permission can help you quickly build rapport and create new relationships with buyers in your target market. Secondly, companies are already having amazing success making use of the site to showcase their goods and services, stay top of mind and drive targeted traffic. Just create an account. You’ll see all kinds of businesses engaging with their customers:
- Florists
- Farmers markets
- Furniture makers
- Fly fishing guides
- Fitness clubs
- Fashion consultants
The list is just about endless.
Ready, set, pin!
I can hear the gears turning in your brain … you’re thinking of explanations why you ought to ignore Pinterest, aren’t you? Businesses often come up with reasons why they shouldn’t use social media. They don’t get involved simply because they don’t think they have a natural place in a particular network. Look, folks, if a plumbing franchise in Waco, Texas makes Pinterest work for their business, you can too! Don’t sell yourself short.
