The thing that I have noticed on Pinterest since I have joined is the fact that there are many opportunities that PR professionals can use this new visual sharing and social networking site for not only managing their client’s activities and brand, but it is certainly a way for a person to manage their reputation in a visual manner. This is an opportunity to share visuals – from info graphics to pictures to edited photographs – of items that best represent you and your interests. I have found this to be very compelling in being able to share with the world – these are the things that I like and this is who I am as a person. Not only do brands have to think creatively about how to present themselves, this principle also applies to PR professionals as well. We have to think beyond outside the box to come up with a way to present ourselves in a consistent, unique and personal way to our friends and fellow members of the social media community.
Many brands have jumped on board to market themselves to the masses and to distinguish themselves from the rest of the crowd – these are definitely the early adapters and will be interesting to see who follows in the next few weeks. These photos are representing a window into a person’s view and perception of who they are as a person to the online community, which I think Facebook and Twitter do tap into to some degree – but Pinterest does this more in a visual manner.
As the saying goes – a picture is worth a thousand words, and this is what has been very successful for Pinterest. What has been interesting for me since I have joined Pinterest is the fact that I have my various boards (categories where I can pin pictures based on the category) and I have various topics here that I have started ranging pictures about me to PR and Social media to other interests of mine like traveling, cooking, and fashion. What has been the number one most popular board for me so far? Fashion of course! After fashion and style comes the pictures I have posted on all of my favorite meals and desserts I have made with my family (Dad’s baklava recipe is super popular!).
What is great about Pinterest is that it is a platform ideal for study and practice of better understanding the use and benefit of crowd sourcing visual data. It is a real-time perspective of looking at what are some of the images and photos that are being most liked and shared about your brand (business and personal) as well as looking at the reaction that some of these photos instill in others based on the categories (or boards) they are placed. This is an interpretation of how people interpret these visuals based on their own experiences and knowledge, and this could potentially be useful information both for PR practices as well as in research. I do see a potential research study with Pinterest in the mix here on this very concept.
In addition – I see many different ways that this can be useful for others to implement into their social media strategies. Businesses are starting to join the site – but what about academic universities and conferences? What a great way to present visuals to users about the school or conference (maybe possibly activities in the city, restaurants to see, attractions, historical perspective of the city, etc)? What a great heads up for individuals who may not have been to the city or town yet – definitely potential here for the tourism market! Again, there are many possibilities here – but what is key for PR professionals to know and understand is to be able to look at these emerging trends, evaluate the benefits and challenges of the site, and look to see if it fits the overall goal for the brand or individual.
Hope you all are having a great day.
Best Wishes,
Karen
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