Pinning is winning!

So you're already all set up on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIN, Google+ and maybe even a slew of other social media networks, right? Well, you might want to add one more in the mix. The newest social media sensation is not one to be taken lightly.

Pinterest: an online "pin board" that let's users create boards of their favorite "things" and encourages others to "re-pin" and share common interest pins to their own boards. 

It's not just for do-it-yourselfers and soon-to-be brides.  Companies and brands have taken note of its success and have jumped on board too.

It is already named the 3rd most popular social network in the U.S. in terms of traffic.  As of this time last year (February 2012), Pinterest, a little older than a toddler, had accumulated an astounding 10.4 million users. 

Compared to Twitter, Pinterest is not only retaining but also engaging their users as much as 2-3 times more efficiently.

Again as of this time last year (now around January 2012), folks in the USA spent an average of 97.8 minutes on Pinterest.   That's longer than three episodes of your favorite half-hour television program.

Pinners who shop tend to spend 10% more on average for products that they've seen via Pinterest. They're also more likely to buy after visiting Pinterest than the other social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Not only is it FREE to use for both brands and consumers alike, but is great for SEO to your website.  Pinning back to your website will provide your site with inbound links which can help to increase your search engine rank and of course drive traffic to your website.

Ready to get started? Great! Start pinning!  Remember, the supposed best time to pin during the day is between 2 and 4 PM eastern standard time.

Make sure you follow me on Pinterest! Click here!

  

Sources:  Pinerly Study, AppData, Wayfair, eMarketer, RJMetrics.