5 Great Ways How to Use Pinterest for Your Business and More

No doubt you've seen the "Pin It" logo around the internet, especially on social networking websites. The website www.pinterest.com has recently gained momentum, particularly in the design industries. Pinterest has driven more traffic to sites like YouTube, LinkedIn and Google+ than any other since its launch in 2009.

In this article I'll explain what exactly Pinterest is, what you can do with it, and how you can benefit from it.

Pinterest is a photo-sharing website where you have the ability to "pin" images to specific boards which you create. Themed boards make it easy to collect ideas, inspiration, shopping lists and anything you need to organize in one place.

Think of it this way - are you a bookmarker, always bookmarking your favorite websites and ideas, but never remembering what you bookmarked? Think of Pinterest in the same way, but with images to help you remember. You can organize your pinboards in the same way you can create folders for bookmarks, but in a better and more visual way.

The Pinterest community is already full of amazing ideas and images for you to "repin" to your boards. You can even search by keyword or category. There are 32 categories to choose from, including architecture, DIY & crafts, hair & beauty, kids, technology, travel, and more.

In addition to images, you can view videos and even search for gifts by dollar amount. View everything at random or filter for more specific results.

Surfing the web and see something you like? Pin it directly from the website by using the Pin It button, which is either available on many websites or by installing one on your bookmark bar. Visit the Pinterest YouTube channel to view videos on how to install your Pin It button on your browser.

• Organize your boards by adding and rearranging them in an order that makes sense to you
• Use the Mobile Pinterest while you're on the go, a great way to kill some time
• Find friends and @mention them to bring a social aspect to your boards
• Add your thoughts to boards by commenting below an image or video
• Peruse the staff picks for some of the most interesting and engaging boards available

1. Gain Followers and Increase Traffic

Similar to Facebook and Twitter, you can follow and be followed by other Pinterest users. By increasing your following, you can direct traffic to your websites like your Facebook page, twitter, and even your blog. Links can be added to your profile and viewed on your main page. This is a great idea for designers, cooks, or crafters who like to pin inspiration and then link it back to your website or shop. Avoid self promotion through your pins, as this is considered bad pin etiquette.

2. Bring Awareness

Many pinboards help to bring important issues to the forefront, quite literally on the frontpage. Important subjects like famine, cancer survivors, women's issues, and much more. Bring awareness to a subject that is near and dear to you. Nothing will hit home more than visual images to portrait the big picture.

3. Inspire Yourself to Do More

Sometimes we just don't know where to start. We have a simple idea, but don't know how to put it into action. Whether it's a business plan, organizing a party, or creating inspiring activities for kids, Pinterest may help you to put your ideas in one cohesive place in order to organize and plan your next venture. Collect, manage, and organize your pins and follow others who have similar ideas. You'll no doubt bring everything together and inspire yourself complete that project.

The Pinterest community consists of the most trendy, sophisticated and learned people on earth. You'll be amazed at what people are pinning, what ideas they have, and how they're changing our world. From a new recipe to a new book, from crafting the smallest item to constructing the largest building, your eyes and mind will feast on everything imaginable.

4. Research Your Audience

Perhaps you're a product developer or a fashion designer and you're interested in finding what your buyers are looking for. What better way to see what people like by perusing their pinboards? Follow some of the top trendsetters or bloggers to keep up-to-date with the latest in greatest in their eyes.

5. Bring Everyone Together

Maybe your 80 year old nana doesn't have Facebook, but she can open a link in an email. Pinterest is the perfect way to share photos of friends and family without having an account of any kind. Simply send Nana the link to your pinboard and she'll be able to view all your images and videos in one easy place. This is also a great way to hint to Mom and Dad for ideas on your birthday present!

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