In case you’ve been under a rock the past year and haven’t heard, Pinterest is a social media site where you can pin (post) pictures of things which interest you and easily see visuals of what interests others by ‘following’ them.  Everything from recipes to fashion, from travel to lawn and garden information can be shared on Pinterest. 

It’s also a great way to advertise your business or product. In fact, if you have a brand and a target audience, Pinterest is a great way to introduce the two to one another. The challenge is figuring out how you can make Pinterest work for your business.

Pinterest offers a profile page, similar to what you find on Facebook. This is an ideal place to talk about yourself, your business or your product. The profile page allows you to post a picture, so be sure to use an eye-catching photo that will capture the interest of the Pinterest browser.  The profile page can also include a link to your home website as well as your Facebook page or Twitter account.  Pictures that you post on Pinterest can be shared between these social sites with the click of a mouse.

Pinterest utilizes different boards to categorize pins. This is the heart and soul of marketing.  Where you pin and how you categorize your pins is a lot like creating or accessing a target market. Use your boards wisely to develop your audience.

Use your pins to give your brand an interesting and credible voice. The way to expand your exposure on Pinterest is to gain followers and the best way to do that is with memorable pins.  They can be elegant, fun or even whimsical – they just can’t be bland or boring.

Choosing pins which create an aura around your brand is another way of saying develop a brand presence or a brand personality. You or your business/product has a particular niche. Use your boards and pins to define that niche and so build your market audience.

Just one example of how this can be done is the use of Pinterest by resorts. Resorts have successfully used Pinterest to market themselves as fabulous destination points. By pinning pictures of rooms, facilities, surrounding sights and activities, resorts have gained access to new potential guests they may never have otherwise reached.

Anything about your business which can be communicated visually, has a place on Pinterest.  Pictures posted on Pinterest can tell a story, create an image, and broaden your brand exposure.  Because Pinterest links with other social media sites, clicking on an image can take viewers directly to text which gives them more concrete information on your business or product.

Pinterest is an easy way to follow what competitors are up to as well. Seeing how they use the medium can help you to refine your own strategies. Pinterest, like all other social media, is not an end-all solution, but it is hot and growing in popularity. Now is the time to be there and be seen. You have a product. Let as many people see it as possible.