todaysparent.com
Why I started using Pinterest
I saw people tweeting about it and was curious
I checked it out and fell in love with it immediately
What is Pinterest?
What is Pinterest?
Launched in March 2012 by three men
A virtual mood board: you create themed boards
If you see an image you like on a site/blog, you can “pin” it to one of your boards
A linkback is automatically created
You can also “repin” people’s pins. Repins = RTs
Add “pin it” button to your Bookmarks bar
Source: comScore Inc., May 2011
It’s like a visual RSS feed
Source: comScore Inc., May 2011
Pinterest’s reputation
Girly
Weddings, hair, makeup, fashion
“Tumblr for ladiez”?
Creative uses for Pinterest
Source: comScore Inc., May 2011
Mashable has a great list of 21 Must-Follow Pinterest Users
Emphasis on architecture, gadgets, graphic design, photography, etc.
Why people love Pinterest
EASY way to organize and bookmark content
Visual
Highly customizable experience: you can choose to follow specific boards rather than all of a user’s boards
Follow your interests
Source: comScore Inc., May 2011
This GeekMom article talks about the lack of drama and hubbub on Pinterest.
Why did we get on Pinterest?
We noticed other big lifestyle brands were on it: Real Simple, Martha
Popular hangout for women and especially moms
GROW
LEARN
Some stats about Pinterest users
54% of users are female
28% are between 28-34
Majority of users have disposable income
-from Compete.com, May 2011
How we use Pinterest
We currently have more than 1,200 followers
In January #3 traffic-driver for canadianparents.com, #11 for todaysparent.com
How we use it:
- We go on it at least twice a day
- Pin mixture of our own content and from other brands
- Follow users who make sense for our brand (Babble, mommy bloggers) and repin them
- Cross-promote on Facebook and Twitter
What we like about Pinterest
We have gorgeous photography in our magazine, and Pinterest allows those images to live forever online
We get to share our beautiful images with people who may not subscribe to the print magazine
How brands can use Pinterest
1. Create boards that represent the pillars of your brand
Cover a range of topics.
2. Repin other people’s pins.
Pinterest is not just for self-promotion. Be social!
3. Position yourself as a curator/tastemaker.
You are filtering the best of Pinterest for your audience.
4. Create unique boards.
We have fun boards like LOL, Retro, Smart Ideas.
5. Put Pinterest share buttons on your site.
nowtoronto.com did this with their 2011 Gift Guide.
Some downsides to Pinterest
1. The shelf life of a pin is very short (similar to tweets)
2. Pins are not always credited properly
How journalists can use Pinterest
5 ways journalists can use Pinterest
1. Share photos from breaking news
2. Give previews of what’s coming i.e. interview subjects
3. Showcase photo galleries, features, profiles
4. Show off your staff
5. Invite readers to participate (crowdsource)