Photo sharing network Pinterest originally began development in 2009. Co-founded by Paul Sciarra, Evan Sharp and Ben Silberman, the network was designed with the concept of a platform where users can upload, sort and share images.
Pinterest is a site where users can upload and share photos. It provides a place where users can group images into something meaningful, experiment with ideas, brainstorm, or simply a seek and share inspiration. The Pinterest platform allows users to organize collections of images categorically in specific themed boards – in easy to search categories from Art, DIY and Home Décor to Tattoos and Technology.
Features
Pinterest’s aim is to connect users on a global scale with common interests. Therefore, one of it’s primary features is enabling users to ‘re-pin’ images to their own boards or ‘like’ images. With standout features like the ‘Pin It’ bookmarking button, Pinterest allows users to take media content from other websites to create moodboards with images taken from various sources for a fully collaborative user experience.
Why is it good for businesses?
With the digital marketing gaining a general preference to visual communication over text-based communications, advertising has found a focus on visual communication through the Internet. Early adopters of Pinterest who experienced the value and addictive nature of the site include handfuls of creatives and designers. It appears that businesses have also latched onto the platform as an alternative for increasing visibility and exposure in the digital world – not just through tweets and statuses but by telling the brands story through the use of imagery. In that vein, brands have capitalized on this idea and have been generating visually rich content to drive consumers interest since there is a large scope for branded content to go viral.
What do we think?
Pinterest is a relative newcomer that has rightfully exploded in popularity and with enormous growth has landed itself as one of the leading ranks in the social networking scene. Key to its success is its simplicity to naturally curate content through pinning and repining and its super clean and minimal interface, which has earned brownie points in our book! All in all, it seems that Pinterest is a great platform to showcase content and engage with consumers on a visual level whilst having the opportunity to enhance brand image and drive traffic towards your business.
What is your verdict? Does it Pinterest you?
– Lisa Van (@lisadrivesavan), Social Media Content Assistant
