Pinterest is the latest social phenom on the web!  Still in its beta testing phase, there are already over 20 million people using it regularly. Some folks are simply showing the world what they’re interested in, while others are recognizing it as an extraordinarily easy way to market their products and services.

Just when we thought the traditional way of selling online was getting stale, YouTube came along. Many of its 150 million daily global users discovered it as one of the best ways to broadcast their business message. How? Because it combines visual and verbal communication.

 Pinterest’s platform is even easier – especially for those of us who don’t like being in front of a camera!  Pinterest is just about telling your story, one picture at a time!

Women Rule on Pinterest

How cool is that? And it would appear that we have better manners and are more inclined to stay within Pinterest’s rules. If you’ve ever visited Etsy, which is another overwhelmingly female site, you’ve probably been very impressed with the quality and artiness of the photographs (and products) that are posted there for sale. Pinterest is that and more; it's no accident that it's predominantly populated by us ladies!

Let’s face it; men tend to do better in traditional sales media. Good for them.  But now we have an awesome opportunity to sell in a much friendlier, less-pushy way by using Pinterest.

There are 3 basic keys to success on Pinterest:

• Use eye-popping, professional-quality, uncluttered images

• Make those images thought-provoking so that they stimulate the viewer’s emotions and interest

• Use them as a step through to a well-constructed landing page, (the closer to the 'Buy It Now' button the better!)

Just like YouTube, quality and planning is the key – and it’s considerably easier with Pinterest. No script, no worrying about sound recording levels, editing or having to look your best!

Whether you want your pictures to link back to your blog or website, just make sure you get your visitor there quickly. Don’t make her search your entire website for how to buy your product – because she won’t bother.

Spend some time on Pinterest looking at Pins that are relevant to your business and you’ll instantly find some great ideas. You’ll also see how many times a picture has been re-pinned and how recently. It’s far more captivating than FaceBook for visual stimulation.  And it’s amazing, whether you’re looking for vacation ideas, or creative ways to brighten up your home – you’ll find it.

You’ll be hooked on Pinterest – now get out your camera and start pinning! It's a heck of way to generate traffic...and new traffic at that!