Pinterest is a virtual pinboard and photo sharing service that is gaining much attention in the social media world.  Learn how to use Pinterest for business and personal use as it can be a valuable tool in driving traffic to your website.  Users are turning to Pinterest for business inspiration for various projects, including design, art, fashion, cuisine, recipes, event planning, and virtually anything that can be construed through a photograph.

To get started with Pinterest, first install the “Pin It” button onto your bookmarks bar.  Learn how to install the “Pin It” button onto your web browser or iPhone here.  Businesses should also consider adding a “Pin It” button onto their website to encourage readers to pin your products onto Pinterest.  As you are browsing the web and see an image you want to add to your pinboard, click the “Pin It” button in your bookmarks bar to add the image to Pinterest.  As other users browse Pinterest and see your image, they can click through to the image’s source.  This is how Pinterest for business can be valuable in increasing traffic to your website.

Pinning random and unattractive photos to Pinterest can have adverse effects.  There are several tips and best practices for Pinterest for business and personal use.  Once you have mastered how to use Pinterest for business and personal use, you can start reaping the benefits of this fast growing social pinboard.

Pinterest for Business and Personal Use – Tips and Best Practices

1. Build a relationship with other Pinterest users who have the highest likes and repins.  You can do this by repining, liking, following, and commenting on their photos so they get to know your brand and business.
2. Write catchy and inspiring descriptions for your pins that are more likely to be repined.
3. Organize your pinboards into specific themes to attract repeat users.  It can also be helpful to have a weekly or daily pin theme where you reveal a new style or inspiration within the same theme, encouraging users to return weekly or daily.
4. Use hashtags (#) in your descriptions in front of keywords that best describe your pin.  For example, if you are posting a recipe you would want to include hashtags #cooking #recipes #food.
5. Follow users who are pinning or repinning your products or images.  Also make sure to follow the top Pinterest users, encouraging them to follow you back.
6. Try to be authentic and not too self promotional.  If your business is a product, pin more than just images of your product and try to think outside the box.

For more information on how to use Pinterest for business and personal use, check out this comprehensive guide by HubSpot.