Pinterest has grown substantially since it started almost three years ago, with nearly 40 million users. According to SAP and NetBase, Pinterest is the fastest growing social site ever. Over the past year thousands of businesses have started using the site, finding that it can be a powerful way to engage with customers, while having the potential to bring in new customers. The picture-sharing social networking site recently launched Pinterest for Business to better cater to the brands using it.

Businesses already using Pinterest can convert their account following a few simple steps. The major difference between having a personal account instead of a verified business account at the moment is the terms of service agreement. In the future, additional functions for business users like analytics may be added according to Cat Lee, a product manager for Pinterest.

A guide of best practices for businesses on Pinterest has been created and includes suggestions for creating inspiring boards with images people will want to share. Highlighting specials, celebrating seasons and holidays, and writing thoughtful descriptions are among a few of the ideas offered to help gain traction.

“Whether it’s Anthropologie sharing awesome clothes, Whole Foods sharing tasty recipes, the Smithsonian sharing fascinating collections, or Amazon making products easy to pin, many of us have been inspired on Pinterest by businesses,” Lee wrote on Pinterest’s blog.

Brands sharing recipes, fashion ideas, travel information and crafts tend to do particularly well with pin sharing and driving traffic to their website. Allrecipes, Etsy, Jetsetter, Organized Interiors and Petplan are a few organizations Pinterest has highlighted with case studies showing how brands are using the popular networking site.

“We look forward to seeing businesses continue inspiring their audience with amazing content,” Lee wrote.

With social media sites like Pinterest showing no signs of slowing down, having a strong social media marketing campaign is becoming more important than ever.  PRMarketing.com offers a variety of highly individualized strategies to help brands stand out online using social media.

About the author

Kellie Englehardt

Early on Kellie realized she wanted to pursue a career helping businesses with their communication needs. She interned as a reporter during high school at a local paper and served as editor-in-chief of her college paper, leading the team to several national awards. But that was just her younger years. Kellie has led public relations efforts for major brands in hospitality, consumer goods and non-profit sectors, helping them secure placements in top media outlets including USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and 20/20. Outside of work you will find Kellie jet setting around the world, doing art projects and enjoying all that Utah has to offer. Kellie graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in mass communications with an emphasis in public relations and hospitality and tourism.