Business owners the world over are flocking to Pinterest to build their online profile, tell their brand story, and attract new customers. The diverse ways that you can use Pinterest naturally lead to many exciting types of online marketing materials. In this post I’m going to give you 7 profound and prudent Pinterest planning pointers on how to translate your brand into visual story PIN magic:

Pinterest pointer 1: Create a profile of your clients

This is where you take the time to do 21st century style ‘target market’ work. Look through data you have gathered from other online platforms and find keywords related to your business. Now, take this information and start to organize it under rough headings that start to sketch out imaginary stereotypical clients.

A local bakery may have these headings/names for imaginery clients: ‘Sally My-Son’s-Birthday’; ‘Jerry Lunch-Rush’; and ‘Amy Girls-Night-Snack’. Under each heading/name write the keywords that these imaginary people would use to find you, what they are looking for, and what content you can provide for them.

Pinterest Pointer 2: Build loyal communities

The above point is your first step in building loyal communities. Your second step is to create descriptions that are keyword rich. Be sure you are looking to your client profiles, create content with one specific person in mind. Trying to please everyone all too often ends up pleasing no-one.

Your next step after writing this keyword rich material? Use them deliberately and purposefully by:

• responding to your followers by having direct conversation with them (using the key words you’ve identified)
• giving them the great looking content they need and want from you (which you have pre-thought out)

Where does the power come in? Your keywords will attract clients through search; the images will get them clicking through to your site; and your conversations and care will keep them coming back.

Pinterest Pointer 3: Show them your work culture

Social media is just that – social. Having personal touches show up on your account gives people that peek behind the curtain that they always have some interest in. Examples of what you can pin include:

• work parties (the clean ones!)
• the office fun/activity board
• new deliveries as the boxes are opened
• your happy staff having a good time or helping out another customer

Don’t underestimate the power of sharing the little secrets that are hidden behind the profiles of your social media accounts, and past the ‘Employees Only’ door at your workplace.

Pinterest Pointer 4: Create ‘how to’ pins

One of the most common reasons your fans follow you is to learn. Educate your followers by creating pins that give them a quick piece of easy to reference information. This builds trust while also getting them to use your products.

Common ‘how to’ articles (for blogging or infographics) include:

• recipes (how to make or create something)
• backyard building projects (DIY how to do or make something)
• music lessons (easy tips and tricks)
• athletic/fitness tips

And the list can go on and on. Find out what your customers really use your products for and help them use them to their fullest potential.

Pinterest Pointer 5: Advertise your events

Simply tacking up the date of your event and leaving it at that is a huge mistake. Social media, and the internet in general, allow you so many opportunities to advertise your events. Be sure to pin up directions, nearby parking, links to sponsors and speakers, and a schedule of events.

Pinterest Pointer 6: Hype up your new products

Pinterest is the perfect way to tease, entice and build anticipation of new products. You should begin well in advance of the launch by sharing:

• the features and benefits of the product
• how you use the product
• talking about who will want to use it, mention specific Pinterest followers if appropriate
• any deals you are having on opening day
• testimonials from test market users

Don’t wait until after the release to get people interested in your products. Build interest early for a great first day launch.

Pinterest Pointer 7: Take a step into real world news topics

Keyword rich Pins on news topics related to your business are a great way to find new followers. Be sure it is relevant to your industry as your current followers will feel like they are being spammed. Keep new and old followers engaged by offering up an opinion, or a short piece of trivia/knowledge related to the news story.

Start out with one of these Pinterest pointers above and build from there…

Starting out with just one of these Pinterest pointers, and building up until you use them all, will help you grow your online presence naturally. Don’t overwhelm yourself and do everything at once. This should be an experience that you’ll really want to learn from for future Pinterest marketing planning.

Are you struggling to work out where to “start” with Pinterest and feel like you create some blank boards and don’t really know what you are meant to be doing? Ask me a question below and I’d be happy to help where I can!