Pinterest – pros/cons, do’s/dont’s

Thanks to all who gave me your views on Pinterest. I have tried to summarise the points below. I shall start with the POSITIVES:

• You can pin things craft ideas, patterns and inspirations you like all in one place thus being able to find them easily at a later date.
• It is very inspiring
• You can pin your own patterns and tutorials which can be good for business.
• You can do short micro blogs on projects that you have tried.
• It is a buzz when you see pictures that you have pinned re-pinned.
• You can gain lots of visitors to you blog from it.
• It can brighten up a boring day.
• You can use it to work collaboratively with someone else – each adding their own ideas and inspirations.
• You can build your brand identity with it.
• You can support and help others with it.

Now for the NEGATIVES:

• The time that it can occupy – ‘it is the biggest time suck of all social media’

Yes there really is only one negative. It is put in a few different ways but that is the long and short of it. The biggest bit of advice is to set yourself a time limit.

THE VERDICT:I do think that I will give it a go. I shall set myself some time limits and go from there.

What about the etiquette?

Whilst writing this it occurred to me that I would have no idea about the etiquette required when using it. I have done a bit of research and this is what I have come up with:

• Link back to the original sources.
• Organise your boards carefully.
• Report spammers
• If using google images still make sure you find out where it came from so you can link to it.
• Don’t pin everything – 40 images an hour is too much!
• Put your pin into context using captions and headings. This will also help your pins be found.
• You do not have to follow everyone who follows you (although another site suggests that it is polite to do so.)
• Think about the quality of the pictures that you are pinning. Go for high quality every time.
• Don’t re-post screen shots from Facebook and twitter.
• Share interesting, quality items.
• Show consideration for your followers – don’t pin offensive images.
• Respect other people’s intellectual property! Be aware of copywrite.
• Skip the sales pitch. If you audience is interested they will click-through (no full recipes)
• Allow others to pin your work (blogs etc).
• Engage and interact with others.
• Comment on other boards.
• Think about when and how you pin pictures
• Be yourself – your boards should tell a story about you and your interests.
• For every pin you make of your work allow 5-6 of pins that are not your original.

Do you have any that I have missed?

Resources:

Pinterest Etiquette

Pinterest Etiquette (different from the first I promise!)

Pinterest Etiquette – rules to follow

Pinterest Etiquette (again)