P is for Pinterest

In the social media playground, Pinterest is most definitely the new kid on the block. Yet with a 145% increase in visitors to the site since the beginning of this year alone, it has become contagious. Launched back in 2010, the site now has a whopping 13 million users, making it one of the fastest growing in history.

Unsurprisingly for a website that is largely dominated by adorable pets and a vast array of tasty treats, in the States at least, 68% of Pinterest users are women. The UK however presents a different story. Males account for the majority of activity but have a different agenda, using the site for web stats/analysis and blogging services. It is theorised that this gender discrepancy is the reason for the launch of manteresting.com

So why is Pinterest so interesting? Is it the fact you need an invite to join and therefore it’s more of a VIP social network?

As with all social media networks, criticism of the website abounds. There is a vocal group of Pinterest sceptics who comment on the lack on imagination exhibited by its users. Although it is true that there are a healthy array of cakes, puppies and wedding dresses on show, the website’s use extends beyond its capacity as a virtual mood board.

Companies such as TED Global, Sony Electronics and vacation rental service, HomeAway, are all ‘pinning’ and there’s no trace of kittens or bouquets on their pinboards. In fact, such businesses are using Pinterest in an intelligent and innovative way, driving traffic to their websites by exposing Pinterest users to images of sparkly new gadgets or jaw dropping holiday homes.

Unlike Facebook and Twitter, Pinterest allows people to organise chaos and visualise dreams and aspirations of what they would like their lives to look like. The added bonus of people being able to re-pin your images makes you feel special. The first image I placed on my pinboard was a poor earless bunny. Within the first hour I had 2 repins, 1 like and 1 comment – not bad for someone who’s been a member for a week and has 0 followers. Not so happy about the latter.

So what’s in store for the website? In recent weeks the site has been facing issues surrounding copyright and because of the simplicity and intuitive interface, it’s been reported as an easy target for scammers. The website’s future may be unclear but its development will certainly be pinteresting.

By Stephanie Rock