I participate in a local group called Java Meetup. In this group we discuss social media and business. We meet at a local eatery, the Aster Cafe. I must admit that I love this little spot in NE Minneapolis. They have delicious coffee and it’s a nice venue. Java Meetup met on the first of March to discuss — none other than — Pinterest!
After everyone was done socializing and networking, we got down to discussing Pinterest and how brands can use it.
So..what are the numbers, baby?
- In January, Pinterest hit 11.7 million unique users, a 40 percent jump in just a month.
- 18 to 34 is the age demographic of women propelling the site.
- This 2 year old site grew 400% between September and December 2011.
- Real Simple has found that Pinterest is driving more traffic than Facebook.
So now what? How do we use this thing? Well Sasha Westin (@fabuliss) said she saw her pinterest followers grow 30% from January to February this year already. These were her tips for brands.
1. Speak to client and potential clients. As a image consultant, Sasha has boards that feature dress code boards for professionals looking to get ideas for outfits for work or casual outings.
My notes: Create boards to specific ‘types’ of clients or customers. Target each board to those individuals and pin images that will be of benefit to them. And don’t just pin your own content. Get involved. RePin baby!
2. Use it as mini-blogging. This site is perfect for bite size pieces of information. Busy people appreciate bite sized information.
My notes: While you can post content with your pin, keep it short. Most users are spending time just scanning. And they are more apt to click on a pretty picture than a boring picture with a lot of content. Make sure you have great images with concise information.
3. Personalize your brand. Let them get to know you. Maybe not ALL of you, but the client will want to know you and understand what you are about.
My notes: In the end, your customers want to know you care about them. They want to know what you will do for them. If you take the time to create individual relationships with them, it will pay off. Personalize your brand to show what you like, and how you are. They will appreciate this.
I am personally seeing a good amount of traffic! Check it out: 
Questions that were asked but not answered included:
How far of a reach does Pinterest have?
How can we target local pinterest users?
Many questions on copyright infingement…How does it work, what can/can’t you do?
Pinterest contests– how should it be set up?