Pinterest - Is it useful for B2B business marketing?

[Peter_TopLine]

Pinterest is the hottest social media marketing platform of the moment, growing exponentially in memberships each month. It's also one of the most engaging social media platforms out there.

But how can B2B businesses utilise Pinterest to reach and engage with members of their target audience? Has anyone working in a B2B business used it to successfully generate more leads?

 

[lynxus]

Pinterest is overrated.

You need to think about how you can entice visitors to your business via an image that people want to look at.

So , Figure out what your market may be searching for. Make images like it.. Profit?

 

[Ashley_Price]

Pinterest is overrated.

Agreed. It is popular because it's the latest "new" thing, but things will settle down.

In direct answer, you could only really use it for B2B if you sell products that are interesting enough for people to "pin" their interest. So probably being the wholesale supplier or manufacturer for say clothing or children's toys may make Pinterest really work, but perhaps not if you're selling paperclips. I can't see many people pinning it going "Wow! That's the 318 model, it's only just come in, having superceded that old 307, that used to snap if you tried to clip too many pieces of paper together."

 

[webgeek]

If you are selling a visual product to a largely female American target market, then it can be wonderful.

 

[Anastasiya]

To use Pinterest for business, you need to first understand what it is, how it works and how to make it work for you. Take time to set up your account properly. Prepare your website or blog for Pinning by adding "Pin it" button. Integrate with other social media platforms: give a call-to-action to your Google+, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn Followers to follow you on Pinterest. Set up your initial "Boards". If you sell products, add prices to your pins. Pin different types of images and videos, create Infographics.


_____________________________________________________
MobiDev provides exclusive mobile solutions for Your Business

 

[calebhill85]

7 Pinterest Tips for B2B Companies:-
#1: Use Infographics
#2: Use Ebooks, Guides and White Papers
#3: Engage Your Fans
#4: Display Your Products
#5: Display Your Work Culture
#6: Pin Brand-Related Images
#7: Show That You Serve the Community

 

[pickaweb]

Yes it is good at the moment because you can link images to your website but as spammers start using it I am sure that the value of it will decrease.

I would recommend concentrating in providing good value information on your website as a way to generate traffic.

 

[Anastasiya]

The biggest challenge for many B2B companies that want to use Pinterest as a marketing channel is a lack of visual content. By nature, many B2B companies are selling a product or service in an industry that most likely isn't visual. The first step is to think outside the box to find images that align with your company's image, fit nicely on Pinterest, and are fun to share. The article about mastering Pinterest for B2B marketing http://blog.mindjet.com/2012/06/mastering-pinterest-for-b2b-marketing/

 

[Runninground]

I personally think B2B businesses shouldn't waste their time on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter. It's a very time consuming process which isn't really rewarding for B2B.

If your selling to the general public then Pinterest is perfect- especially if, as other said, it's a visual product like clothes, because that's where the customers are.

As for B2B, sure, some business owners will be on social media but will they be on their for personal or business use? If they are looking for a supplier will they hit Google or Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook etc first?

 

[Cynic]

Good for generating B2C traffic/leads/engagement.....B2B? Give me a break . Unless you are in the digital marketing/tech space . Pinterest will do nothing for you and your business

 

[lynxus]

Cant believe this thread is still going.

Pinterest really is a bad place for marketing unless you are in the artistic / image based markets. For anything else.. Useless.!

Dont get me wrong.
Chuck some images of your products on it. but dont expect much.

 

[sarahjohs]

Pinterest is not for every kind of business. B2B businesses especially doesn't have much use of being on Pinterest unless you are selling a product that is greatly visual. For example, if you sell design services, then it is a good idea to put up some of your work on Pinterest. It would also serve as an online portfolio.