(Source)
Rather than having to flip through endless pamphlets and photo albums, we now have the internet to quickly spot appealing tidbits. And what better site to do so than the third largest social networking site: Pinterest! (Source)
It’s clear: Pinterest packs a punch! So how can you take advantage of this great site? Use these best practices to craft your own pinning strategy.
1 – Use pin descriptions to engage Pinterest users
While social media users across other platforms might be relatively consistent, Pinterest may provide a different crowd for you to engage with your brand.
(Source)
Keep your offerings and audience in mind when you create your pins and their individual descriptions. Keep descriptions short and impactful, and remember to use hashtags to highlight what you are offering!
#travel
#cruise
#vacation
#beach
are good places to start.
Finish off your pin description with a link to your website so users can connect with you further.
2 – Create unique boards for your business
Don’t limit yourself to a generic single collection of travel photos!
Think of the different niche markets you serve and create different boards to showcase each one individually. This simplifies things for users, and increases engagement when content of interest is easy to find.
Destinations: create boards for different events taking place at your destination! Include an array of events to draw in users with differing interests.
For example, Sunshine Village caters to a range of users with Taste of Sunshine and POW Days.
Cruises: create boards that focus on the different cruises you have to offer, and give past clients the chance to get involved by re-pinning the snaps from their vacation.
For example, Norwegian Cruise Line focuses on varied activities such as adventure activities and dining to appeal to a wider client base.
Celebrity Cruises also has great boards for their clients!
Hoteliers: take this opportunity to showcase your hotel and room features to users, while also giving some personality to your brand with a history board, or quote board specific to your area.
The New York Hilton Midtown shows not only the hotel, but also surrounding points of interest for their guests.
3 – Make your pins appealing and re-pinnable
You probably know some tips on taking your own great photos, but there are more actions you can take to ensure you get attention.
The data doesn’t lie: tall images get re-pinned more (Source), and they also take up more viewing space on users’ screens as they scroll down their newsfeed!
What else is good? Colour! Get your clients hooked on bright, colourful pictures in your boards.
Take a look at these industry examples successfully putting these tips into action.
Caribbean Cruises Travel Agent uses vibrant colours to grab attention:
I Do Island Weddings showcases events and the atmosphere of beautiful island weddings:
Are you using Pinterest for your business yet? What tips do you find help you most?
Related articles:
How to use Photos to Transform your Brand on Facebook
Written in cooperation with Ruby Murphy
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About the Author, Catherine J. Heeg
Catherine Heeg is a travel, hospitality and tourism industry thought leader. As President of Customized Management Solutions and an international speaker and trainer she delivers customized interactive social media, marketing and communication workshops and webinars. Customized social marketing strategy design and coaching keep her driving results for the tourism, travel and hospitality industry.