How and Why You Should Be Using Pinterest

Did you know Pinterest is a search engine, just like Google, Yahoo or Bing? The fun part is, Pinterest allows you to visually share interests with one another through either a Pin creation or repining. Pinterest is a way to network and communicate with friends like Facebook and Instagram, but unlike other social platforms, this digital scrapbook allows you to share pins to a broad audience, not just your followers or friends.

Why use Pinterest?

As a boutique owner, we are always trying to find ways to increase brand awareness to get our name out there, and Pinterest can help with that! Not only does it get your products in front of those searching, but it helps build website leads by users clicking the pins.

Unlike most social media platforms, the number of followers you have on Pinterest does not matter regarding being seen. The users do the marketing for you by adding and sharing pins; all you need to do is make sure that each pin has a link. Shared pins also have a longer lifespan than posts on other social platforms due to having associated keywords that can be tracked, unlike other social platforms where posts can get buried as you continue to make new posts.

How to use Pinterest?

First and foremost, you need to create a business account. If you are using Shopify as your e-commerce platform, you can easily connect your business Pinterest account to your Shopify store using the free Pinterest app in the Appstore. Once you’ve connected, Shopify will automatically send product listings to Pinterest to create pins for you.

Next, you need to brand your Pinterest with your logo and cover photo. Make sure your brand description uses key words that people would use when searching. Use words that describe exactly who you are or trending descriptors for fashion and accessory pieces.

The same rules apply when creating boards — apply key search words in the title. This is key to being found on Pinterest.

Optimizing Pinterest

A good rule of thumb is 1/3 of your own products, 1/3 style-related pins and 1/3 entertaining or inspiring pins that your followers will enjoy. And make sure your pin descriptions are relevant to the photo and that you keep your pins and boards organized. Rearrange boards to match the season, much like a retail store front move things around to keep it fresh.

Be sure to follow others and stay active. Making 10-15 pins of your own daily using converting key words will keep your pins floating around and easy to find. Create new boards and pins at least 45 days before the season or holiday since people like to plan ahead.

Pinterest is a great search engine that sometimes goes unseen by boutique owners. It’s not just for food recipes and home décor! So jump in and get your brand and products seen; you will wonder why you waited so long to start!