Like it... pin it!

In my spare time I'm into interior design and read so many design blogs I can't keep up with them all. Until now, if I saw an image I liked I saved it to my computer - no way of telling where I found it or via whom. This was all fine and dandy as the images were for my own personal reference - no blogging or use other than my own enjoyment.

Image via Pinterest



But now I've discovered Pinterest... or rather been sucked into Pinterest! It's a new social network that's used by lots of creative types out there to 'pin' items of interest to them for future reference, also referred to as 'social curating'.



This idea fascinates me - and even more so does the question: How does this work for businesses?

Because businesses always want to get on board right!



So I've done a bit of googling and reading. It seems most businesses are using it as a quasi blog/platform for sharing. But in the spirit of all things social, savvy consumers will self moderate - seeing right through anything that's not considered authentic.

So how can Pinterest be used for creative businesses?

• Client pinboards - clients can save images that inspire them for use in design jobs, wedding planning, art commissions etc
• General awareness - businesses can create a visual 'blog' of inspirational images - using the medium to publish some of their own content + what inspires them
• Use pinboards internally to share inspirational content with the rest of the team
• Make contacts with other businesses + potential clients who like your style
• Retweet/share via Facebook your pins to a wider base
• Discover new ideas and inspiration

I'm interested! I'm still exploring, but I can see a new obsession round the corner!