7 Do’s and Don’ts for Marketing Your Business On Pinterest

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If you haven’t yet discovered the recent hit in social media, Pinterest, then you are might be living under a rock <grin>…seriously, it's a huge phenomena!

Pinterest was introduced to the online world in 2010, and since that time has been taking social media by storm. It is estimated that current numbers of users is approximately 10 million, and more than 11 million visitors head to the site each week. Pinterest also holds the distinction of being the first website that generates 10 million visitors a month and is reputed to be driving more traffic than Facebook and Twitter combined for some businesses.

However, before you get started with your pinning and repinning, there are do’s and don’ts you need to keep in mind to maximize your results.

Marketing with Pinterest–7 Do’s and Don’ts You Need to Know Now

1. Do Have a Complete Profile

There is nothing more unprofessional looking than an incomplete profile. Make sure your profile describes your business with keywords that users will search. Have your picture or logo in place.

A complete profile also includes building, at a minimum, 10 boards, with at least 9 pins on each board. This gives you an active appearance and you want people to explore your boards. Whatever you do, don’t have empty boards–delete them if you aren’t using them. In other words, you want to look like you are 'home'.  

2. Do Build Relationships  

Similar to other social media sites, Pinterest is all about building relationships. To accomplish this, you need to follow those that follow you, follow new connections, mention people in your pins, repin others, and like pins throughout the site.

An overlooked piece of Pinterest is the comment feature. This is a great tool to form relationships and take them beyond pins. Comment when appropriate and set yourself apart from the rest of the users.

3. Do Tap into Viewers Emotions

Recently, it was founded that on Facebook, the most engaged posts include pictures. This is where Pinterest shines above all the other social media platforms. Pictures allow you to tap into the emotions of your followers.

Using the right pictures can tell a story about you and your business. Viewers get to really see your personality and what you like, allowing you to be real! Show who you are.

4. Do Create Opportunities for Followers to Promote You

By using fun options like a "Pin It To Win It" contest or asking followers to pin pictures of themselves with your product, this can directly create an opportunity to promote your business. You can also ask for reivews of your product(s) by your followers as well as asking them to pin them to their boards.

5. Don’t Forget the Search Engines

Pinterest is great for search engine optimization. Be sure that your profile is set up to be searched by the search engines. You can do this through your settings.

Also, keep in mind that Pinterest has a #hashtag function similar to Twitter. This allows seekers to find you through your keywords. Make sure you are defining your keywords, so your audience can find you.

6. Don’t SPAM Your Business

Pinterest is about building relationships. If you are constantly promoting your business and products, you are going to irritate your followers. This platform is not the place to directly market your business or push for sales.

Pinterest is more about indirect marketing. Through your pins and pictures, your customers will connect with you and dig deeper into who you are. Not only can followers get to your website from your pins, they can pin your content from your site. Be sure you have a Pinterest button on the information you want pinned throughout your website.

7. Don’t Be 'Pinning' Happy

I don’t mean you shouldn’t be happy pinning, but what I do mean is you don’t want to pin everything you come across. Be selective with your pins and use them wisely. Too much pinning can be a turnoff for followers.

Think of the site as your online catalog. What would you want displayed inside of your catalog? Make sure that is what you are pinning.

To make the most out of your marketing with Pinterest, be creative and fun! Just like any other social media platform; build relationships, be consistent and truly care about the people you are making a connection with.

Do you have a favorite do or don't Pinterest tip? I would love to hear from you so leave your tips below or drop by my fan page at http://www.facebook.com/socialmediabrandinggal.