They’re here! Pinterest Business Accounts are now available for businesses (OK, they have been here since last November, but we are just now posting about it, so that makes it new news!).
Already a fav social media site for many businesses, Pinterest has taken things a step further by offering business pages. If you are already a user, you can easily switch your account from personal to business. Simply visit business.pinterest.com and click “Convert Your Existing Account”. Don’t have an account? Visit business.pinterest.com and get started today.
How to Start
Once you have visited business.pinterest.com, you will be asked to either convert or join the site. Then you will be asked to modify or set your Pinterest account details. First you will select a business type.
Next you will enter additional profile information such as your business name, bio and your website. You will also have to agree to the new business TOS agreement and privacy policy.
After all of the boring stuff is done, you can verify your website. This allows users to see your full website URL when they visit your profile or find you in search.
Then start pinning (this is where the real fun begins!). Pin items from your store, along with useful information for your customers and things that support your brand identity.
Pinterest also encourages businesses to drive traffic to their page by adding “Pin It” buttons and “Follow” buttons. While these were available with the regular Pinterest pages, the Business Pages make the widgets easily accessible.
Why Switch?
The new business pages allow businesses to tell their own story, build a community and drive traffic to their site. Businesses can verify their website with a few simple pieces of code—making your website visible on your profile and search results. Also, it makes it easier to set up an account (no more having to use ABC as your first name and Furniture as your last name). Lastly, having a business Pinterest page opens you up to the new features that will one day be released (lots going around the rumor mill… including the ability to sell directly through Pinterest!).
Get Your Customers Involved
Contests on Pinterest have been a huge success. Create fun contests to get your customers involved. Here’s some great contest ideas (including an idea from High Point Market!).
Another way to involved your customers is to set up a group board and invite your followers. Make a board for them to pin their winter décor inspiration or favorite room designs. This not only allows you to see what your customer loves, but it is a fun way to connect and make them feel a part of your store and online community.
RetailerNOW recently launched its own community-driven board called “Fashion for the Home” where we, and our followers, share the furniture we love. Interested in joining the fun? Email Melissa@retailerNOWmag.com for an invite.
