Pinterest is certainly grabbing the headlines and attention of professionals, brands, and the media everywhere. It has been considered to be the site for 2012 for businesses and professionals, and will be following the steps of buzz and excitement like Twitter, Foursquare, and QR Codes have seen in previous years.
So, when looking at this site and how this is being used, we have to look at how PR can use this site in their research and campaign practices. But we first have to look for inspiration and examples of PR professionals and brands who have been strategic and effective in establishing their presence on Pinterest successfully.
Here are some PR professionals you would want to make sure to follow who are on Pinterest and actively sharing some of their favorite visuals related to social media and PR, but also are willing to share some of their personal interests with the rest of the Pinterest community:
- Deirdre Breakenridge: Deirdre is another leading PR and social media professional who has been very active in sharing her insights and perspectives about the growing changes happening in the field, as well as participating in Twitter conversations #PRStudChat with fellow professionals and young PR professionals. Deirdre shares info graphics related to social media on Pinterest, and as well some examples of her daughter’s artwork (very talented!) My younger sister Karla is the artist in our family – I am lucky to draw a stick figure.
- Brian Solis: One of the leaders of social media and emerging technologies in the 21st century. Brian certainly is generous in sharing his insights through various social media platforms (including Pinterest), his blog, and of course his best selling books. Brian’s boards on Pinterest focus on his own work and info graphics that are very useful and relevant to new emerging media topics. In addition, Brian shares with us pictures of people who inspire him – which I think is a great way to look at how this has influenced him as a leading PR and social media professional as we know it.
- Nicole VanScoten Denton: PR and Social Media professional at ThinkPyxl in Knoxville, TN – I had the chance to meet Nicole when I was in Knoxville through the Social Media Club. Nicole not only does PR and Social media, but she has a great website dedicated to event planning for weddings. Her Pinterest profile is a great place for inspiration on all types of decorations, favors, and design aspects when planning and creating your ideal wedding. Nicole is very generous to share these visuals with the community.
- Mashable: While this is not necessarily a person – but a group of professionals – it is still a key brand to follow on Pinterest. From info graphics to tips and tricks to even links to great videos that have been shared and posted on their site. It is a one-stop visual database that essential to be on every PR professional’s bookmark and follow list on Pinterest.
- PR Newswire:PR Newswire is on Pinterest and has several boards dedicated to sharing visuals related to trends, areas, and topics in PR. They have visuals related to social media and PR as well as some videos on how the press release is not dead.
As you can see – there are some professionals and brands that are definitely the early adapters and innovators with Pinterest. There are many opportunities for PR professionals to use and implement Pinterest for their own clients as well as help in managing their presence and reputation in the industry. Here are some ways to establish yourself as a PR brand or professional with Pinterest:
- Be part of the sharing economy: Be generous with your knowledge and share these insights through images, info graphics, and videos with followers on Pinterest. This will help establish you as a trustworthy and credible source of information related to this topic.
- Determine your niche on Pinterest: Are you going to be known as the Social Media / PR professional – or are you going to have an additional niche associated with this possibly in fashion, sports, health, or another discipline all together? These are questions you have to ask yourself when you are creating your boards and pinning your images.
- Think before you pin: Determine which images are going to be associated with your boards, and think about whether they are appropriate and best represents who you are as a person and professional.
- Think of Pinterest as an extension of your reputation in a visual sense: You still want to have your own website and blog (should still be categorized as your ultimate hub of information online), and you want to continue being part of the various social media platforms out there as well (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc). Think about Pinterest as a way for others to see what inspires you as a person, what are your interests (food, travel, photography, fashion, design, etc), and your future goals and dreams (ex. places to travel, wedding plans, home design, etc).
In summary, as the site becomes more popular and discussed in society, we will see more professionals and brands jumping on board with Pinterest. There are certainly great opportunities and possibilities with the site in regards to both PR research and practice. It will be exciting to see how this all evolves and comes together. 🙂 Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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