Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Lisa Forester on Pinterest. Since I am just learning this new social media platform, I figured someone else could explain it better than me. Read more about Lisa in the bio footer.
- Red Pinterest logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Pinterest’s idea of acting as an online pinboard for images isn’t that complicated; yet the usual setup of the social sharing site has left those interested in joining somewhat confused. Here are a few answers to make entering the Pinterest world easier for everyone.
What is Pinterest?
Before you can become a pinboard pro, you have to understand what a pinboard is. Pinterest is basically an online bulletin board. All of those wish-list pictures and inspirational sayings on your corkboard at home can now be done online and shared with others. Users can look through categories of photos and comment on what they like or create their own themed boards for personal posting.
How do I sign up?
Unlike most social sharing sites, to become a member you have to be invited (this may not be true now). Those interested can fill out a request on the Pinterest website by just sending their email address, or friends already on the Pinterest site can send invites via Facebook. Once a member, follow the steps to create your account by finding categories you would like to follow, writing a short description about yourself, and then creating pinboards. Be patient though; it takes the site some time to finish building your feed.
What should I pin?
Pinterest (Photo credit: stevegarfield)
Any time someone makes a post in Pinterest, it’s called a pin. These pins contain the photo of whatever the post is and can link to the photo’s original site for users to find more information.
Until you build up your pinning momentum, the easiest way to pin is just uploading an image from you computer, but there is also a “Pin It” button created by Pinterest that can be installed in your bookmarks bar.
Like other social sharing sites, Pinterest comes with a list of etiquette. Pinterest does not accept any nudity, hateful or harmful content. Posts range from colorful recipes to fun fashion ideas. Pin things you care about or find interesting. Pinterest is about sharing the things you love and the more personal you make it, the better your experience will be.
Is Pinterest “man-friendly?”
Pinterest’s categories tend to lean towards feminine interests (how many men do you see cutting out magazine pictures and putting them on a corkboard in real life anyway?), but that doesn’t mean men can’t enjoy Pinterest too. There are plenty of categories designed just for them – like men’s apparel, sports, technology, or even food that can keep men interested in the pinboard site.
All of this is great, but what’s the point?
Pinterest takes people’s love of things and pictures and then acts as a convenient platform to share. It takes the photo scrolling and commenting aspects of Facebook and lets them stand alone without the mess of status updates and messages.
Those always looking for ideas or inspiration will quickly become Pinterest addicts. With ideas on new recipes to try or DIY projects, homemade crafts for giving gifts, and the type of engagement ring to get your girlfriend, Pinterest can act as the first step in making life improvements.
I just started using Pinterest, not a pro yet, and I am loving everything about. It is the perfect way to share moments through pictures.
Jean recently posted..http://www.kimkardashiantaped.com
I definitely agree with you, Jean. It’s an amazing plug-in and it’s a user friendly too.
About pinterest you’ve written a fantastic article which i want to learn and to exercise for my bright future. Thanks for sharing.
Colby Mario recently posted..How To Get Women In Bed
Pinterest is one of a kind social media, it’s easy to use and it uses photos / images to help attracts more visitors and gain more traffic to our sites.
Kaylin Brown recently posted..NLP Strategies
Hey,
I have certainly begin to use this site! I think if I was a photographer or hired a photographer I would definitely have my work on pinterest. Thanks for the great round up.
Max
MAX recently posted..How to remove FunMoods Toolbar?
I am new to this plug-in but it seems like it’s a very great plug-in in my opinion. I love its features very much.
Another website in the long list of social networking sites. Could not get my head around it though. Its not the simpulist and quickist site in a SEO perspective.