Pinterest...? What's it all about..?

You may or may not be aware of this fantastic and, relatively new site that is taking the social media world by storm.  The name..... Pinterest.   If you have never heard of or visited Pinterest before, it's definitely worth a visit, but be warned, you may not be able to stop at one.

So what is it?

Simply put, Pinterest is a virtual notice board.  It's a place where users can place, organise and share all the interesting images and content that they have come across online.  They create their own 'Pin Boards' and 'pin' images to them.  Each board is usually centred around a different theme.  Pinterest members can follow other members and their boards, they can also 'repin' any images they find onto their own boards  (something to bear in mind if you don't want your images shared).

Why all the fuss?

Pinterest is simple and easy to use.  Because of this users are able to share content at the press of a button, making it easy to collect, store and organise some of their favourite images and content from the web (and from the site itself).  Pinterest can be used for so many reasons - have a look at my boards (and feel free to follow).

I have boards to collect recipes that I've come across, gather easy to make craft ideas for the kids for those rainy days, ideas for picture and keepsake frames, home decorating ideas and more (as you will see).  Pinterest is also used a lot to gather wedding ideas and personal style ideas (amongst others!).

Pinterest for businesses?

It doesn't stop there though.  Businesses are also jumping on the pin-wagon - Esty is a great example, with a huge follower base and number of pin boards - all separated into different themes.

Etsy has got it right by including a mixture of content.  For example the Weddings Pin Board includes images with links to items on sale through Etsy as well as links to blog posts that followers may find useful (e.g. tips on how to plan a bridal shower).  With this rich and engaging content, it's no surprise that Etsy has managed to gain over 63,000 followers.

So that's Pinterest in a nutshell.  I'm going back again to have a browse......... see you in a few days.