7 Ways to Use Pinterest Messaging for Business

Back in August, Pinterest announced their next big move in an effort to be even more social–their very own messaging system. If you haven’t used it yet, basically what it means is that you can send private pins and messages to your Pinterest followers. Frankly, I think it’s genius and I use it all of the time among my friends, sending crafts, quotes, and funny memes back and forth. However, there are several ways to use Pinterest messaging for business as well.

First, let’s learn how to send a private message or pin on Pinterest:

It’s pretty simple. On a desktop, you simply click your pin to open it up then click “Send.” You’re able to choose from recent messages or search for a follower in order to send them the pin. A small window will open up with the pin and you’ll have the option to write a message.

You can also click the dropdown menu next to your name, then click “Messages” and search for a name there. By doing this, you’re able to send a message unaccompanied by a pin if you so desire.

If you’re using the app, you can send a pin by holding the pin for a few seconds, then sliding your finger to select the envelope option. Similarly, you can go to the Notifications option and select “Messages” to send a message that way.

So now that you know the basics of sending a pin/message on Pinterest, let’s get down to the reason you’re here. How can you use this awesome social media messaging service to help your business?

1. Plan with clients/customers

If you have a creative business, then you are missing out if you are not using Pinterest messaging to create plans with your clients.

Are you a graphic/web designer? Once you begin working with a new client, send her over a couple of pins to see if that’s the kind of look she’s going for. Ask her to send you over any pins if she ever happens to be browsing her feed and finds something that she absolutely adores.

Are you a wedding planner? Pinterest is a goldmine for wedding planning, but you already know that. Tell your bride to send you some of her must-haves via Pinterest. You can even have a group message with the bride and her MOH/other bridesmaids for full-on discussions.

Obviously those are the two biggest jobs that can benefit from this messaging system, but even if you’re not a wedding planner or a graphic designer, you can probably still get creative and figure out some way for Pinterest messaging to make your life easier.

2. Group projects at work

Are you working on a big project with multiple team members? Pinterest messaging supports group messages of up to 10 people. Use Pinterest for your brainstorming process, sending around a few pins and ideas, and see what you can come up with. I find that when I’m looking for anything on the Internet, whether it’s content, tutorials, funny memes, or what have you, Pinterest is always one of my go-tos. And it rarely disappoints. So the next time you and your coworkers are starting on a creative project, enlist Pinterest as your project foundation.

3. Bounce ideas off of your network

Pinterest is a great place to go for inspiration. If you’re feeling particularly void of ideas, browse through your favorite topic and you’ll probably immediately have a million.

This is also a great way to come up with collaborations with people among your network and community. Did you come up with an idea, but realize that it would probably be bigger and better if so and so helped you out? Shoot over the pin(s) that inspired you, explain your idea, and ask your connections what they think and if they would want to work with you on it.

You’re awesome. I can’t imagine they’d say anything except for “Hell freaking yes.”

4. Connect with and reward your engaged followers

Analyze your notifications often. Pay attention to the people who consistently repin your content. Pinterest messaging gives you a way to reach out to them in a personal and genuine manner. If someone loves your brand and/or your products, then they will love to hear from you individually. Thank them for pinning.

And better yet? Tell them that they’re numba one (-a instead of -er completely necessary here) and offer them a 20% discount off of their next order, a free ebook, or a half-off consult. People will remember when you make big gestures like this and they will tell all of their friends about it.

Three words: Free PR, people.

5. Replace the comments function

Comments on Pinterest are virtually pointless. If you’re using the smartphone app, then your comment notifications blend in with every other notification, causing them to oftentimes go unnoticed. Even if you’re using the iPad or desktop version, you only get a small snippet of the comment. This makes it slightly more eye-grabbing, but not much.

Instead of commenting on a pin, message the pinner with your comment. They’ll be separately notified of your message and will still have a notification badge until they check their messages. Guaranteed way to get your comments seen. This is also a really great way to develop relationships with your community on Pinterest.

For example, you can drag a pin into your message to someone in order to let them how much you enjoyed their pin, discuss your thoughts on it, or thank them for pinning if it’s from your own website.

6. Managing multiple Pinterest accounts

This is definitely something that has come in handy when I manage more than one Pinterest account. As a social media manager, I utilize Pinterest for more than just myself. If I’m perusing my personal Pinterest and happen to find a pin that would fit perfectly in a board on a company Pinterest, I’m able to simply send it to that account so that I can log in later and repin.

Maybe this doesn’t seem quite so exciting to you, but you spend one week repeatedly signing in and out of various accounts, and you will have a whole new appreciation for anything that makes this even the slightest bit easier. You sign in and you’ve already got a whole slew of pins ready to go. Done and done.

(Fun fact here: I had to look up the difference between slew and slough to make sure that I used the correct word. Damn you, homonyms.)

7. Find similar pinners & collaborative boards

Have you ever joined a collaborative Pinterest board? Pinners are able to create a board and then invite other pinners to join in on the fun and pin to the same board.

Why is this necessary?

Well think about it, my friend. If you pin to this collaborative board, not only are you getting your pins out to your own followers, but you’re also getting them out to all of the followers of each member of the collaborative board. Depending on the size of the board, that can add up to a pretty hefty number.

In other words: collaborative boards are fan-freaking-tastic.

Now, the hard part. How do you get invited to join a collaborative board? That’s where Pinterest messaging comes in.

If you notice that another pinner has a collaborative board that is in line with the types of things you pin, make it your mission to hone in on that pinner. Scope out their Pinterest, repin a lot of their pins, and finally, Pinterest message them.

Now don’t be an ass and just say, “Hey, invite me to your board.” That’s lame.

You want to be genuine. After all, social media is not only about your personal gain. It’s about helping others as well. Strike up a conversation about a recent pin of theirs. Maybe bring one of yours into the conversation. Eventually, you could say something like, “Hey, I noticed that you have a collaborative board that consists of the same types of content that I pin. I think that I could really contribute some value to it. Would you mind if I jump in on the fun?”

Seriously, who can say no to that question? People with no heart, that’s who.

This can also work vice versa, if you’re interested in creating your own collaborative board and are looking for pinners to come join you. Find similar pinners and shoot them a message saying “Hey, I have this awesome board that shares the same types of pins as you–do you want to be a part of it?” This makes a lot more sense than sending out random invites to people without getting in touch with them beforehand.

So, class, what have we learned? Pinterest messaging is not only fun for exchanging memes, but it can also help with your business.

PS- Follow me on Pinterest and message me with your favorite meme. I love a good meme.