Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – March 26, 2012 – Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have dominated the world of social media. However, it may be time to make way for a new, growing social media outlet that aligns well with some small businesses – Pinterest. Pinterest is the new, flashy way to share logos, products and the contributing content of other businesses. The Better Business Bureau is offering business owners some tips to see if Pinterest is right for their business.
Pinterest is an online bulletin board that allows users to “pin” and organize images to specific categories of interest. When using it for business purposes, business owners can pin images of their business logos, business coupons and discounts and other consumer-friendly images. Followers of that business can then like, comment or re-pin the image to their own boards and continue on to the business site where the image originated. According to the retail deal site, ideeli.com, Pinterest has brought a 446 percent increase in web traffic to their business’ site.
“With enough followers and images, your ‘pins’ are likely to go viral,” said Caitlin Vancas, Public Relations Director for the Better Business Bureau of Western PA. “Getting eyes on your product is the key to a successful business. What better way than to use an outlet devoted to enticing viewers through images?”
When setting up a Pinterest account, business owners should consider the following:
Pinterest is a great way to spread the news and drive sales. Is your business having a can’t-be-beat sale on back-to-school items, shirts and shoes, flashy watches? Is your restaurant serving a new, delicious item on the menu tonight? Without getting too promotional, Pinterest can make these images catchy and fun.
Pinterest is perfect for those who like to share. Nobody likes a self-absorbed, over-sharer, but on Pinterest your business can not only share the images that pertain to your business, but the images of other users as a way of saying “Hey, I find this funny and it relates to our mission, too. Check this out!”
Is Pinterest right for your business? Since Pinterest doesn’t technically have any “business” features on their site yet, and their boards are more visually based, it may be hard to lure in potential customers, but it may be worth a shot. Social media is a growing attraction to all demographics and if your business wants to keep up with the times, BBB recommends trying new social media outlets to enhance your brand visibility.
For more business news and information you can trust, visit www.bbb.org.
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About the BBB System
BBB is an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 116 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than 4 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about the BBB System.
