Pinterest is a virtual pinboard that allows you to organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web, and we’re beginning to consider this emerging social network as a powerful inclusion in our social media tool belt. This visually-stimulating social space is the answer for users exhausted by text-heavy Facebook and Twitter who are looking to add some creativity to their social networking routine. As a social media user, I quickly fell in love with this site as a way to get my creative juices flowing by sifting through scores of decorating ideas, delicious recipes and dreamy travel destinations. As a social media practitioner here at Vault, I’ve been thrilled to introduce Pinterest to clients as an innovative way to engage with an audience online.
If you’re not familiar with the site, take a look at this glimpse of my profile below to give you an idea of its’ layout:
As you can see above, Pinterest can be used both to follow users who pin content that inspires you, and to save great photos, articles and ideas you find while surfing the web. The site works by aggregating photos that have been pinned by users into several categories like ‘beauty & health’, ‘weddings & events’, ‘travel & places’, etc. Pinterest is useful for brands as it takes the focus off of aimlessly adding fans and followers and puts it back on what is really important – generating meaningful content for your audience and being able to define your brand on the web in a uniquely visual way to an ever-growing audience of early adopters and influencers.
Several big-name brands like Whole Foods, the Travel Channel and Nordstrom have already established a presence on Pinterest. In December, the 22-month-old site surged to join Facebook and Twitter on Experian Hitwise’s top ten list of most visited websites in their Social Networking & Forums category. With 11 million visits to the site logged each week it’s safe to say Pinterest will be the site to watch in 2012, and I’m excited to be along for the ride as it evolves!