First and foremost, follow me or some of my writing and freelance boards at Pinterest to see how I put these ideas into action.
So what exactly is Pinterest? Think of Pinterest as a series of corkboards hanging in your room or office. Each corkboard captures a collection of visual images that you happen upon in your internet travels. Each corkboard has a theme that you choose and curate. Then, once you leave your own room or office, you can see others' corkboards and their themes. You can also copy something from their corkboard, and pin it to yours. Essentially, Pinterest is a way for you to capture visual images, sort them into themes, and then share that particular corkboard with others. It's also a way to explore others' ideas, themes, interests and collections.
At this writing, Pinterest is operating on invite only, but you can request an invite at the front page of Pinterest. However, you'll have to get in line. So, consider asking someone you know to invite you instead.
Want to know more about Pinterest? Both About.com's Women in Business and Web Trends have written about it.
Pinterest is poised to be the "next big thing" in social media. Heck, it already is. So, how can writers and freelancers use it? First, keep in mind that your Pinterest network, like any social network, will be annoyed with blatant self-promotion. Instead, attempt to curate interesting boards that hold some value for your readers, fellow writers and potential clients.
Here are some ideas:
Plan Your Book on Pinterest
If you're writing a book, use Pinterest for planning. Create a board for characters, settings and plots. Pin interesting images for characters. Pin up beautiful places might that could be used for your settings. For plot, repin images of events. Are you characters getting married? Pinterest is all about weddings. Find some inspiration for your scenes, and gather it all on one board.
Pinterest for Book Promotion
Pin your book covers into a themed board. In addition, if your covers or other graphics are on your author site, make them pin-able to your readers. Pinterest offers a "Pin it" badge that you can stick right on your site. Then, others share for you. How easy! This is an automatic link back to your site. I like this collection of book covers.
Quotes on Pinterest
I'm sure I'm not the only writer who collects quotes. There's something about a well put-together phrase or a kick-you-in-the-gut ideas that gets to me. But, remember, the text needs to be in graphic form to share it.
Pinterest for Branding
Freelance writers and copy businesses can collect images of their branding pieces- how about a gorgeous board full of your logos, business cards and postcards? Or, if you're still working on branding, collect items that inspire you in one spot, and share it with your designer.
Pinterest Your Writing Space
One of the things that Pinterest seems to be used for most often is home décor. Create a place to collect all your fave home office products and office supplies (side note: have you ever gone into a TJ Maxx or Marshalls? They ALWAYS have the most beautiful collections of journals on sale. Just incredible color and design. Without fail.)
Pin Some Inforgraphics
I find infographics inspiring; they lead me to magazine article ideas that I can pitch. Follow this infographics page.
Pinning for Travel Writers
Create a board with a series of photos of the places you've been!Pinterest Collaboration
Pinterest can smooth collaboration with other writers. If you've got some partner writers out there in the ether worlds, give them access to your boards for collaboration. Let beta readers and editors in on the action, too.
Pinterest for Trends
At the top of the Pinterest home page, you can click on "Popular." This feature reminds me of trending topics on Twitter. Check out the latest trends, and use them to pitch some fresh ideas to your partner publications' editors (or blog about them) before your competitors even catch wind!
Using Pinterest for Traffic
You can generate traffic back to your book's site or writing portfolio in many ways. Make sure that all your (own) images link back to your site, and watch the curious check you out. Don't neglect videos- they can be pinned too! If you've got a trailer video or an introduction video, pin it. With editors' permissions, consider using graphics or callouts from your pieces that link back to your site or the magazine site.
Good luck!
