This document provides an overview of Pinterest, including statistics about its users and how businesses can use it. Pinterest allows users to share images and "pin" them to virtual pinboards. It has over 21 million unique visitors monthly and is driving more traffic to websites than other social networks. The document outlines best practices for businesses to engage on Pinterest, such as pinning visually appealing content and getting employees involved. It also provides examples of companies like Whole Foods and Birchbox that are using Pinterest effectively.

1. Pinterest 101
A guide to Pinterest
May 2012
Compiled by @Etta_Howell for
@saidWotORM

2. Before we begin…
The statistics and information shared in this document are true and correct
as found on the 25th and 26th of April 2012.
Pinterest is growing so rapidly that statistics may change drastically in a
month, but up-to-date at time of publish.
All the information and statistics are freely available on the www.
This guide was not compiled for a specific brand or client, but with the goal
of assisting our audience in managing their online reputation and
presence.
If you have any queries or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us.

3. Pinterest: An Overview
What is Pinterest?
• Pinterest is a photo-sharing network that allows users to share all image found
on the web as well images they upload themselves, by pinning these to virtual
pinboards.
• Users can browse pinboards, “re-pin” images to their own boards and
“like” photos they find interesting.
• The network is also linked to
Twitter and Facebook, allowing
users to share and interact across
platforms.
• The network already passed 21
million unique visitors per
month.

4. Pinterest: An Overview
Some Pinterest Statistics:
• Daily users have increased by more than 145% since the
beginning of 2012
• The platform has already proven to be a valuable marketing tool
with SEO advantages. Pinterest is also driving more traffic to websites
and blogs than YouTube, Google+ and LinkedIn combined.
• Users spend an average of 1 hour, 17 minutes on the network,
compares to 36 minutes spent on Twitter and 17 on LinkedIn.
• Pinterest is retaining and engaging users 2-3 times
more efficiently than Twitter.

5. Pinterest: An Overview
Pinterest is used by businesses to:
• Expand networks
• Sell products
• Drive word-of-mouth referrals
• Create virtual catalogues
• Drive traffic to their websites
• Share their look and feel
• Do research
“But remember that this is social media. If you simply display images of your products
without contributing other content or sharing other users' pins, you'll likely find that
people don't pay much attention. After all, no one likes a self-absorbed blowhard.” –
Jason Falls

6. Pinterest: An Overview
Pinterest is used by individuals to:
• Follow trends and topics they are interested in
• Share interests with friends and followers.
• Plan an event
• Find inspiration for personal or work projects
• Find ideas for new things to do

7. The Audience
Who are using Pinterest:
• Mostly 18- 44 year olds
• Upper-income
• More women than men
“Of course, as women make a huge range of purchase decisions for themselves and others (think
travel, health care, home goods, food) having first-mover advantage can be an attractive proposition
to many brands.” - Darika Ahrens -

8. The Lingo
How it works:
• The only way to join Pinterest at the moment is by invite, meaning that
you either need to be invited by someone already using the network or
request an invite.
• Every time an image is pinned, followers will see it, and like Facebook
content, pins can go viral.
• Other pinner can then share your images by “re-pinning” it.

9. The Pros and Cons
Pros:
• Pinterest drives traffic to websites
• It can be used as an SEO tool: This is effective when adding links to your
descriptions on pinboards, photos, videos and comments.
• It enables users to share content across platforms, including Facebook
and Twitter.
• Pinterest will increase brand awareness and reach.
• The network is user-friendly.
• Consumers are motivated to interact with the brand as they are engaging
with the themes and traits of you company, rather than the brand as a whole.
• The platform provides an opportunity to take content online that have been
left offline, like the business’ style and inspirations.

10. The Pros and Cons
Cons:
• The network is limited to visual content - Businesses that aren’t particularly
visual may not tie back to the brand.
• The network does not offer business-orientated features, like pages
designed specifically for brands.
• The search function prioritises pins and boards above people results.
The best way to determine if Pinterest could attract buyers is simply to
give it a shot. Set up an account and start pinning things that are relevant
to your business but not too promotional.

11. Think Twice
Keep in mind that Pinterest is a visual platform. If your product or brand is not
visually appealing or you do not have a physical product, it may be difficult to
manage your presence on Pinterest.
In addition, adding an additional social network to your online presence will require
time and manpower to manage. Never jump on the bandwagon if you do not
have the necessary resources to stay there.

12. Pinterest Etiquette
• Avoid Self-Promotion: The network’s terms and conditions limits
promotion on the platform. Thus, only relevant and interesting content
should be shared with the intention of showcasing your brand’s identity and
not with the intention of hard selling.
• Describe your images: Descriptions can be used to create relevance and
context for the audience. Links to the company website can be added here.
• Credit your sources: If you pin something, ensure that it links back to the
original source.

13. Employees on Pinterest
• By following a collaborative approach, employees can be encouraged to get
to know each other and communicate the company’s personally to the public.
• For example: Décor ideas for the office, lunch ideas, staff fashion, staff talents
and events can be pinned in addition to product images.

14. Building Followers
• Promote your Pinterest account on your website and other social media sites as
well as offline.
• Add a “pin it” button to your site as well as a call to action for the audience to
follow your brand on Pinterest.
• Ensure that your pinboards are interesting and grab attention.
• Use your current SEO and keyword strategies to create titles and descriptions.
• Engage with other pinners by following related topics and boards, linking others’
content, repining and replying to comments on your pins.

15. Best Practice: Do’s
Do:
• Pin images related to your industry, brand, products, staff, offices, environment
and interests.
• Follow interesting boards and individuals .
• Re-pin and comment on pins by others.
• Add descriptions to your pins.
• Include your website URL in you pin descriptions.
• Pin videos from Vimeo and YouTube.
• Track pinterest.com as a referral source in your website analytics.
• Create images specifically with Pinterest in mind.
• Use the platform to run competitions and promotions, like offering a prize
to someone who comments on your pin and creating images for special offers.
.

16. Best Practice: Do’s
Do:
• Add a “Pin It” button as well as a Pinterest “Follow Us” button to your website.
• Also install a “Pin It” button on your browser to pin images directly from you
bookmarks toolbar.
• Categorize your boards to ensure that people will see your pins.
• Ensure that your boards are themed and tells a story about your brand.
• Make sure your images are “Pinteresting” by pinning content that is
aesthetically pleasing. Vertical images also receive more real estate on the
current browsing layout.

17. Best Practice: Do’s
Do:
• Get your employees involved by motivating them to pin and repin your
images as well as comment on photos. Also be sure to create boards where
they can actively participate, like a board with photos and bios of all your staff
members.
• Share data such as infographics and charts, but ensure that your pins are still
interesting. Remember to customise charts to display your logo and contact
details.
• Use Pinterest for competitor research by finding out what your competitors
are pinning and what their users are pinning from their site.

18. Best Practice: Don'ts
• Don’t clone your website or other platforms. Pinners want unique content.
• Don’t use too much text by posting too much information in your descriptions.
• Don’t pin to only one board, but make sure you pin to as many boards as
possible.
• Don’t use hashtags. They are for Twitter.
• Don’t only pin your own content.
• Don’t spam. Do not follow individuals or boards in the hopes of them following
back

19. Best Practice: Who is doing it right?
Whole Foods Market
• Whole Foods Market has 26 741 followers and 40 boards.
• They pin pictures of food, food art, kitchens and Kitchen gadgets, gardening
tips for your vegetable garden, recycled or reused products (to inspire
customers to be environmentally responsible) and health tips.
• Overall, the brand is sharing content that reinforce their brand promise
personality and promise.

20. Best Practice: Who is doing it right?
Birchbox
• Birchbox is a beauty brand with 10 736 followers and 3 016 pins.
• They share pins related to fashion trends, celebrity gossip, perfumes,
backstage at fashion shows and hair tips.

21. Best Practice: Who is doing it right?
Woolworths SA
• Woolworths SA has 157 followers and 101 pins.
• They share pins related to home-ware, shoes, food, beauty and fashion. In
addition, they also have a board dedicated to “Good Business Journey”,
motivating environmental responsibilities.

22. Measure
How do we measure success?
• If your audience often comment, like or re-pin and your brand has a high
following, your content is successful.
• If your website analytics show traffic from Pinterest, it means that people are
clicking on your images to find more information. Thus, this is a good measure
of successful pinning!

23. More Information
If you require further information with regards to Pinterest or need
assistance in setting up your account and planning content, please do not
hesitate to contact us.
For more case studies, visit http://www.slideshare.net/saidWot
We are also eager to monitor and manage your online presence. Please
contact us to set up a demo account for you.
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Email: infosa@saidwot.com Email: infous@saidwot.com
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