Of all the new social media platforms, Pinterest is emerging as one of the leaders. Its visual-heavy, easy-to-use structure is quickly attracting users. As a result, businesses are also getting on board. You don’t have to be creative or crafty to get pinning – here are five ways to get started today.

Five Methods for Success on Pinterest

1. Create a range of boards that reflect your business and related interests

Once you’ve opened a new account in your business’s name (and added it to your website’s homepage!), the next step is to create a few pinboards. Going back to our ice cream analogy, you might start with a board called “Our Favorite Flavors,” where you pin photos of your current range of flavors. Don’t stop there! Add a board called “Summertime Fun,” where you pin images and stories about what to do in warm weather. Or how about a board called “Moo,” with pictures of funny cows from around the world? The possibilities are endless.

2. Build followers by pinning, liking, and commenting on others’ pins

Just as with Facebook and Twitter, the key to Pinterest is interactive communication. Use the search function to find pins that relate to your boards. Pin them, like them, or add a comment. Pinterest is slightly less of a conversational forum than some of the others, but it still doesn’t hurt to participate. Don’t forget to follow other pinners who pin content similar to yours; it’s part of building a community of followers.

3. Post pinnable images (like infographics)

If you pin a blog post that doesn’t have an image, a pinterest user will probably see a generic logo pulled from somewhere on your website. Are they likely to click on your pin or re-pin it? No. Look for clear, quality, eye-catching images that will encourage people to click. On Pinterest, first impressions are everything. Try to pin pictures that evoke an emotional response or an infographic that is easy to visually digest.

4. Add a description to all of your pins and include hashtags

If you pin indiscriminately without adding descriptions, you’re missing an opportunity. Describing your pin puts it in context and gives your audience a teaser of what to expect if they click on your pin or visit your page. A brief, enticing description with one or two relevant hashtagged keywords allows people to find your pins and understand more about them at first glance.

5. Pin your own blog posts – but not exclusively

Of course it’s okay to pin your own blog posts; you want to get your content out there. But if your boards are clogged with self-promotional pins, it’s the virtual equivalent of screaming ‘Look at me! Look at me!’ You should aim to pin more of others’ content than you do of your own.

There are a variety of ways to leverage Pinterest for professional success, and these five are only to get you started. The more you use and incorporate Pinterest as part of your marketing strategy, the more savvy you will become – and the more your business will benefit.