This document discusses how brands can use visual social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram to build their brand. It explains that images engage internet users and help increase brand awareness with little overhead. Popular brands like Nike, Starbucks and General Electric are highlighted as using these platforms successfully. The document provides tips for businesses to make the most of their profiles, posts and hashtags on each platform to connect with customers and drive traffic to their websites.

1. The Power of Pictures
Using Pinterest and Instagram to BuildYour Brand

2. About Me
@amahlmajack
Content Strategist
Blogger
SEO
Cat Lady
As part of Raka’s Inbound Marketing team, I help with the strategy and
implementation of content marketing initiatives for various retainer clients.
!
My everyday duties include: blogging, copywriting, on-site search engine
optimization and social media marketing.

3. Why Should Brands Use
Pinterest & Instagram
The Internet loves images
Greater brand awareness
Run campaigns w/ little overhead
Natural engagement w/ target market
Funnel users to your website/landing page

4. Instagram
Photo & video sharing network
150 million+ monthly active users
Acquired by Facebook for $750 million
Ads now available for some users

5. Big Brands on Instagram
@nike @tiffanyandco @celtics
@starbucks @redbull @forever21

7. Not-So-Sexy Brands on
Instagram
Find art in the everyday
Consider composition, shape, & color
Play with perspective
Give a behind-the-scenes peek
@maerskline @generalelectric

8. The #Hashtag Difference

9. Instagram for Business
Make the Most of your Profile: recognizable username &
photo, website or social URL, branded hashtags
Be Consistent: designate common themes, consider unifying filters,
post frequently
Take Advantage of Hashtags: relevant to your industry; try
branded hashtags for interactive campaigns & user generated content
Connect with Other Users: comment on relevant photos,
@mention users, reply to comments
!

10. Pinterest
Social “pin-board” for curating images
70 million+ active users
3rd largest social network (after Facebook &
Twitter

11. Raka’s #InboundMarketing
Board

12. Whole Foods: shares recipes that
interest their target audience

13. Sephora's Pinterest followers spend
15x more than their Facebook fans -
venturebeat.com

14. Pinterest for Business
Use Profile Wisely: recognizable username & photo, include
website and/or social URL
Verify Your Website: verify your site with Pinterest to appear in
Google search results by downloading verification file then uploading
it to your website
Stay Within Your Niche: identify your target audience, use
keywords & hashtags wisely, choose high-quality and relevant images
!
!

15. Rich Pins
Decide what kind of Rich Pins you want (product,
recipe etc.)
Add meta data to your website (or ask your
developer).
http://developers.pinterest.com/rich_pins
Validate and apply for Rich Pins
Automatically updated prices, availability, reviews & more.
How to Get Rich Pins

16. Final Thoughts
Take the time to complete your profile
Stay consistent across & within social networks
Use hashtags and keywords thoughtfully
Tell a story
Ask yourself, “Would I share this?”
Resist the urge to sell
Be genuine and have fun!

17. Resources
Instagram
http://blog.instagram.com/tagged/tips
http://www.rakacreative.com/blog/post/How-to-use-instagram-for-
marketing
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/instagram-for-business-tips
Pinterest
business.pinterest.com/rich-pins/
http://www.rakacreative.com/blog/post/pinterest-ecommerce-from-
pins-to-riches
http://www.rakacreative.com/blog/post/pinterest-analytics-for-your-
business

18. @rakacreative