Using Pinterest To Your Advantage

I like Pinterest. I like it so much that:

1. My husband told me I was online too much and had accumulated too much stuff for Pinterest projects I "promise I will get to, one of these days" and
2. Received a notice from the website that I am one of the top pinners. (I bet they say that to every user. ;) )

Until recently, I didn't think I was using Pinterest to my advantage as a writer. After Facebook posting articles and sharing links via Twitter, in addition to engaging with readers, it's tough to find time for one more social media account that showcases my writing talents.

But then, I began posting some of my writing on one of my Pinterest boards. A few of them have been pinned and repinned and repinned and repi---, well, you get the point.

Why do some posts tend to make a bigger splash than others? I wish I knew the truth here, but I'm going to take a guess:

1. The pinned article helps someone. Perhaps the information helps a reader/pinner solve a problem. Pin and repin.
2. The pinned article contains precise information. It's direct and to the point.
3. The pinned article tells a clear story. No fluff, just facts (and preferably, facts that can be used).
4. The pinned article posts during a targeted time. Predict when highest number of potential pinners/readers will be online. Compare it to Facebook pages, where you get data about the number of friends reached. Pinterest works in a similar fashion, so select key times to draw in pinners and readers.

If you want to use Pinterest to connect with your audience and create potential readers, these pin guidelines may help you increase your readership.

And isn't that the ultimate goal?

Do you have a Pinterest strategy? Share how you make it work for you. 

by LuAnn Schindler