Pinterest is quickly rising as one of the most influential social media sites. What makes it unique is that its content consists of various images with links to websites and blogs. Pinterest is an excellent tool that recruiters are using to attract clients and candidates to their site. There is not as much focus on person-to-person contact, but that makes it an excellent platform to share tips and advice.
If you’re new to Pinterest, I’ve created a breakdown of the basics to acquaint you. If you’re looking for new ways to market your business or professional profile, check out “For Recruiters” below.
For the Novice
Pinterest is a social media website designed to share and organize images and ideas. It’s essentially a giant pin board to collect things you are interested in (think virtual magazine clippings). There are many different categories on Pinterest, the most popular of which are wedding ideas, home decor, craft projects, travel, recipes, and do-it-yourself articles. When you search Pinterest’s stock, the results appear in multiple images that have been added or repinned by other users. When you click on an image, it takes you to the original website it came from.
Pin(s) – An individual image that appears on a Pinterest board or your home feed, and contains a link to the original web source. To “pin” something means you add an original image from a webpage to a board on your Pinterest account. This is accomplished with the Pinterest button that appears on your web browser when you sign up.
Board – Customized collections of your pins. Pinners can create multiple boards to categorize their pins. ASJ has boards titled “staffing news and events,” “stuff we think is cool,” and “ASJ inspiration board” (check it out here).
Repin – When you pin an image that appears on Pinterest as opposed to the original website.
Like – You can also choose to like and image instead of pinning it. You can see your likes by clicking the “likes” button at the top of your profile page.
Follow – Like Twitter, you can follow other pinners and vice versa; the pins of people you follow will appear on your home feed.
For Recruiters
How can your business benefit from Pinterest? To find the answer, let’s look at how staffing firms are using Pinterest in their marketing strategy.
1. The whole concept of Pinterest is centered on visual content. Adding relevant photos to your blog posts and website will immediately amp up your “pinnable” content.
2. Set up a Pinterest account for your staffing firm and download the “Pin It” button for your web browser.
3. Create board titles that will catch your audience’s attention. Remember, people use Pinterest to find interests, hobbies, and new ideas, not necessarily to research jobs. So, vary your boards from fun to professional. Try these titles:
a.stuff we like
b.infographics
c.resumes and interviews
d.career advice for…(college grads, busy moms, small businesses, new employees)
e.hiring tips
f.lunch break
g.dress to impress
Extra Tip: Pinterest is mainly used by women for fashion advice and do-it-yourself projects. Including boards about work attire or office space ideas will appeal to Pinterest’s main audience and bring them to your boards.
4. Include a “pin it” button with the social media links on your blog and website.
5. Follow clients and related businesses. Repin their content to your boards.
6. Create a pin from an image on your blog.
7. Be the go-to source for information. Post original images and infographics from your website that are clear and appealing.
8. Don’t forget your keywords! Use keywords, hashtags, and intriguing hooks in the description.
9. Study pins and brands that are trending and incorporate their techniques.
Whatever your experience, Pinterest is an excellent way to hook your audience’s “interest” and broaden your online presence. When you set up a strategic marketing plan with ASJ, we help you plan your pins, tweets, and posts to get the results you want. Feel free to contact us or call 610-930-5300 with any questions.
