Mastering the Recipe… it’s More Than a Social Network How Pinterest can Drive Traffic to Your Website

Everyone is talking about Pinterest these days. This Social Network is made up of members (by invitation only- smart marketing) who pin photos to express wants, needs, desires… and of course recipes.

It’s funny how many times I hear that someone got a recipe off of pinterest to try something new… honestly, I have never used Pinterest for this. So  the nicknamed recipe social network is much more than a new dinner entree..it could just be the recipe you need for your social media conversation.

Here are the facts: Pinterest.com increased 155% from December 2011 to January 2012 and today sits at #5 of the top ten Social Networks.

How it works: Users visually share, curate and discover new interests by posting images or videos to their own or other’s pinboards. Known as pinning.

Why it works: People are visual. A picture is worth a thousand words. Visual emphasis allows you to connect with other like-minded people-  sharing visual images on lifestyle, interests and preferences.

So, how can you make it work for you business? Well, it is more than just joining the network, creating boards, and “pinning”. You have to have a strategy, and really understand what your goals are.

You could pin a new quote or pin a recipe, but you must know what audience are you trying to reach… and you should be pinning what they want to see, hear, feel, taste and touch. ***(Put a star here…and you might want to re-read)***

What I am about to share with you is a killer SEO secret with Pinterest… but before I do, I want to discuss “re-pinning.” This is when you see something you like and you re-pin it to one of your boards. Simple enough and what the majority of Pinterest users do.

You see, you need to have your own voice. Constant re-pinning blends you in with the crowd. And if you are like me, you have something to say, and something that makes you completely different. However, like with any social network etiquette… self-promotion is frowned upon. “Pinterest is designed to curate and share things you love. If there is a photo or project you’re proud of, pin away! However, try, not to us Pinterest purely as a tool for self-promotion.”

The beauty of this Social Network for you, is that you can express yourself, your ideas, your desires – all without self-promotion. Again, it is vital to remember what the 5 senses of your audience (aka target market) want . Your recipe for Pinterest success depends on it.

Are you ready for the SEO secret? Each photo or video you upload has the option for a backlink… this is a link to your website. If the photo is yours or you have created an album on your site … it’s time to start pinning. For every pin you have, you should always include a back-link, a description, and one keyword.

This sounds simple – but again it comes down to what audience you are relating to. What they are searching, what they are eating, what they are buying…and the list goes on.

By the way, this is just the beginning of Pinterest and the recipe for success, but enough to get you started and master some social sharing.

Happy Pinning…

Social Media Expert - Mandy Allfrey of The Buzz from Asheville, NC

Mandy is a digital marketing professional, speaker, and blogger, having over 12 years of marketing experience in multiple industries. The founder and CEO of Social Media Architecture Company, The Buzz, of Salt Lake City, UT. Clients located across the United States, Canada, & the Caribbean. Mandy engages with corporations, clients, and groups teaching the value of social media and best structuring the best strategies for your business. She is also the founder of Cafe Grace, a positive, uplifting environment on Facebook (www.facebook.com/cafegrace) that makes a positive impact and creates influence in the lives of others.