Pinterest | Why Local Businesses Be Using It

I know, I know. You don’t have the time for another social network. Nevertheless I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t chat up Pinterest, because this image-centric social network is now an incredible spot for businesses to…

• Meet new customers
• Boost website traffic
• Increase brand awareness
• Drive sales activity

What makes this visual social network so appealing to users and businesses? Let’s have a look.

Less annoying minutiae, more positivity!

Instead of being a platform for tedious updates about what people ate for breakfast or ALL CAPS rants from your bizarre uncle, Pinterest is all about bringing people together who have common interests, whether it’s fashion, art, food, crafts, architecture, photography, cocktail recipes, interior design..you name it. Copyblogger contributor Beth Hayden sums up Pinterest very well with this quote: “Pinterest is visually appealing, positive, and unlike Facebook, there isn’t any whining.” Can I get an amen?!

Why are marketers so energized about Pinterest?

Pinterest is insanely popular. Last year the site vaulted from complete unknown to social media giant with 10 million users. Even social media gurus were taken off guard by the pace of Pinterest’s growth. In the span of just half a year, Pinterest was a major driver of website traffic. Get this: Pinterest drives more visitors than YouTube, Google and LinkedIn—combined. What’s more, the site has an enthusiastic fanbase. According to comScore data Pinterest users average 89 minutes each month on the site and Google users average just 3 minutes .

What does this mean for local businesses?

Now let’s tackle the single most significant questions: Why should businesses care about Pinterest? It’s pretty simple. For one thing, it’s an excellent, noninvasive strategy to meet prospects who share a desire for what you have to offer. This built-in permission can help you easily build rapport and make new relationships with buyers in your target market. Secondly, companies already are having great results using the site to showcase their products and services, stay top of mind and drive targeted traffic. Just create an account. You’ll see all sorts of businesses engaging with their customers:

• Florists
• Farmers markets
• Furniture makers
• Fly fishing guides
• Fitness clubs
• Fashion consultants

The list is just about endless.

No excuses; start pinning!

Most businesses tend to quickly think of explanations why they shouldn’t use social media—nevertheless the truth is, many sell themselves short and don’t get involved simply because they don’t think they have a natural place in a certain network. Now, if you run a bookkeeping business, maybe Pinterest isn’t the best fit, but then again, it’s quite possible that you could be a trailblazer and make use of Pinterest to market your business and have amazing success. Hey, if a plumbing franchise in Waco, Texas can make Pinterest benefit their business, you can too! It’s way too easy to sell yourself short and come up with reasons to remain on the sidelines!