I’m sure that if you’ve been at this social media thing for even a couple weeks you may have realized you need a presence on Twitter and Facebook. Maybe you’ve even thought about being on LinkedIn to find like-minded entrepreneurs. Or, you’ve thought of joining Instagram as a way of gaining a younger following. However, have you thought of Pinterest?
“Once regarded as just online photo collections of food, cats, hipsters, and photographer wannabes, Instagram and Pinterest are now the fastest growing social networks.”
Here are five reasons I recommend you consider a presence on Pinterest:
1. Traffic. Traffic. Traffic.
As of 2015 Pinterest became the third largest traffic source in the world, which means its only real competitors are Google and Facebook. It also generates more referral traffic than YouTube and LinkedIn combined. I know… mind blowing.
2. Pinterest tells a visual story in a world that prefers images over words.
Personally, I have a love affair with literature of practically any sort, but even I adore Pinterest. It allows you to search for virtually anything and receive a wide array of nothing but infographics, flyers, illustrations, or just still shots on the topic at hand. It’s intriguing and doesn’t require much thought, which makes it popular among consumers who are in a rush or want answers that require less digging.
Today, visual content is driving the direction of the Internet as our culture increasingly favors the ease and immediacy of visual messages.
3. Over 70% of it’s users are women.
I don’t know if you’ve heard the catchy Beyonce’ tune where she poses the question “who runs the world”? Spoiler alert; it’s girls. I’ll use myself as an example. I’m a stay at home mom, which even 30 years ago would have meant I didn’t have much say in things, but in 2016 America I decide everything from which auto insurance we use and what doctors we see to what groceries we buy and what brands of soap we use. So trust me; you want women on your side. And not just the big powerful business type either, but the average peeps like me because we’re the ones buying what you’re selling.
4. An estimated 47% of U.S. online shoppers have made a purchase based on a recommendation from Pinterest.
Hard to believe, isn’t it? But Pinterest generates over 400% more revenue per click as Twitter and 27% more than Facebook. With online shopping and product research at an all time high, I don’t think there’s a business around that can afford not to have a Pinterest presence. With all eyes on Pinterest, now is the time for healthcare marketers to start leveraging this powerful platform, especially since 80 percent of Internet users gather their health information via online resources.
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5. All the cool kids are doing it.
This may sound lame to some, but honestly; you just look more “with the times” if you have a Pinterest account. It shows your followers, consumers, and even peers, that your practices aren’t outdated and you realize the importance of reaching them on a platform that speaks their language.
There you have it! My top 5 reasons your business needs a Pinterest presence. There are at least 20 more I could easily come up with. If you’d like to get started, but have no clue what you’re doing find out more about Pinterest Business here. Once you get started be sure to follow The Social Nurse!
I’d also recommend checking out the following accounts for some fun examples of what healthcare and nursing on Pinterest is all about:
- The American Cancer Society,
- Centers for Disease Control,
- The Nerdy Nurse.
Happy pinning!
What a great article! I would not have thought that Pinterest could be a social media avenue for blogging. Thanks for the tip.
Glad you found value in the post, Tina! I learn more all the time about the benefits of Pinterest!
This is an awesome post! I’ve been on the fence about Pinterest, but I think you’ve just convinced me.
Great Nicole! I think you will be amazed. 🙂 If you need help, there are some great resource people within the Healthcare Marketing Network Community!