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Pinterest and your small business

ZCorp PRDigital • December 19, 2022

Don’t neglect this powerful social media platform

If you are not already using Pinterest to market your small business, you may want to consider hopping on this visual platform sooner rather than later. Pinterest is not just a social network, it’s a visual search engine to engage users, transforming them into customers and fans of your brand. This year, Pinterest ranked at No. 14 in most popular social media networking sites with 444 million users. That’s 888 million eyeballs you can direct to your business for FREE. And we know when talking about small business that budgets are tight and free marketing is EVERYTHING.

If you aren’t familiar with the platform, Pinterest is like a giant inspiration board. Users browse around and “Pin” photos they’d like to be able to come back to in the future. These photos are linked to websites, products and other content that steer Pinterest users directly to your business. Popular Pinterest topics include home and garden, fashion and beauty trends, DIY projects, and more.

So how do you incorporate Pinterest into your marketing strategy?

The first step to any marketing strategy is to set SMART goals for both short-term and long-term plans.

Specific: Your goals should be identified and specific. Are you trying to drive more traffic to your website? Promote a product? Introduce a sale or event?
Measurable: You should be able to track the progress of your campaign. What are you measuring? Website traffic? Link clicks? Membership sign-ups? You must be able to track your progress to monitor the effectiveness of your marketing strategy.
Attainable: Setting small, realistic goals is important to overall success. After all, small steps lead to big results.
Relevant: Keep those attainable goals relevant to your overall marketing goals.
Time-bound: Set target dates to track your progress. See what is working for you and what could use some more effort.

Once you have your SMART goals in place, you can look at Pinterest specifics.

What is the general Pinterest user demographic and how does it relate to your brand?
Who are your competitors and how are they using the platform to their advantage?
How can you align your product or business with what is already out there?

Now that the preliminary planning phase is over, it is time to learn WHAT and HOW to Pin.

Pinterest is a visual platform, so it is imperative that you use high quality, high-resolution images. Using vertical images is the typical recommendation, as the majority of users access their Pinterest accounts via a mobile device. Go for a 2:3 aspect ratio to ensure your image appears without involuntary cropping.

Try to use a variety of content. Incorporate video, carousels or multiple photos of your products.
Create how-to Pins and inspiration boards promoting your products in interesting ways. As many as 85 percent of Pinterest users visit the platform for inspiration, so give the people what they want!

Text overlay and clean, descriptive copy will help improve your SEO and encourage users to Pin or click your links.

Consider adding your logo to your images (if you can do so in a tasteful and attractive way). This will keep your brand fresh in mind without coming across as tacky or overbearing.
Use headlines that reinforce your brand and Pinned images.
Include trending and appropriate hashtags.

Along with creating engaging, brand-specific boards, you should also create a variety that align your product with current and upcoming events.

Make holiday or event-themed boards involving your products. What is the next big thing on the horizon? The Super Bowl? The Oscars? Halloween? Stay on top of what is happening around you.
Watch the trends and weave them into your designs. Try to make sure your boards “fit” with what your competitors are Pinning.

Consistency is key. Try to pin every day. A steadily growing board will attract more users, and users translate to sales.

Consider finding a social media scheduling program to help you stay on top of your Pins.
Avoid posting duplicate content. Stay FRESH as well as consistent.

And quite possibly the most important step of all: Test your links! Give your link a quick click before moving onto the next board or Pin. Directing potential customers to an error page is an easily avoidable issue.

Now that you have a Pinterest presence, it is time to PROMOTE!

Link your Pinterest profile to your company website as well as social media platforms. Consider adding the link to your email signature, newsletters, etc. The more you put yourself out there, the greater success you will achieve. So what are you waiting for? Go out there and start Pinning!

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Community-oriented businesses should have a profile on Nextdoor

By ZCorp PRDigital • February 21, 2025

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for any business that depends on the surrounding area for its customers. While major platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer broad reach, community-oriented businesses can benefit immensely from a presence on Nextdoor —a hyperlocal social media platform designed specifically for neighborhoods. Here’s why your business should be on Nextdoor: 1. Direct access to local customers Nextdoor connects neighbors and local businesses, allowing you to reach a highly targeted audience in your immediate area. Unlike other platforms that serve a global audience, Nextdoor ensures that your business is seen by potential customers in your community who are most likely to engage with and support you. 2. Builds trust and credibility Trust is essential in a community setting, and Nextdoor fosters a sense of authenticity by verifying users’ addresses. When locals recommend your business through word-of-mouth posts and reviews, it establishes credibility and strengthens your reputation. 3. Encourages community engagement Community-oriented businesses thrive on relationships. By engaging with neighbors on Nextdoor, responding to inquiries, and participating in discussions, you can foster stronger connections and develop long-term customer loyalty . 4. Offers free and paid promotion options Nextdoor provides organic ways to connect with your audience through community posts, as well as paid advertising options to further extend your reach. This flexibility allows businesses of all sizes to find an approach that suits their budget and goals. 5. Enhances Word-of-Mouth Marketing One of Nextdoor’s most powerful features is its recommendation system. When satisfied customers endorse your business, their recommendations are seen by neighbors, providing a trusted form of organic marketing that can drive more foot traffic and sales. 6. Ideal for Local Service Providers If you run a neighborhood-based business—such as a restaurant, home repair service, pet care or real estate agency—Nextdoor is an invaluable tool for connecting with nearby residents who need your services. By establishing a presence on Nextdoor, community-oriented businesses can enhance their local visibility , build trust, and foster deeper relationships with customers right in their own neighborhoods. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with the people who matter most—your local community!

Want a loyal community around your brand? Build one!

By ZCorp PRDigital • January 27, 2025

In today’s competitive landscape, building a loyal community around your brand is essential for long-term success. A strong community fosters brand advocacy, enhances customer retention, and creates a foundation for organic growth. But how do you turn casual customers into devoted followers who champion your brand? Let’s explore key strategies to cultivate a loyal and engaged brand community. 1. Understand your audience The first step to building a loyal community is understanding who your audience is. Conduct surveys, analyze customer data, and engage in social listening to learn their preferences, pain points and aspirations. By gaining a deeper understanding of your audience, you can create tailored experiences that resonate on a personal level. Pro tip: Use tools like Google Analytics , social media insights, and customer feedback forms to gather actionable data. 2. Develop a clear brand identity Your brand identity is the cornerstone of your community. A clear and consistent voice, mission, and set of values help customers understand who you are and what you stand for. Authenticity is key; people are more likely to align with a brand that feels genuine and relatable. Example: If sustainability is a core value for your brand, showcase eco-friendly practices in your operations and marketing materials. 3. Create valuable content Content is a powerful tool for building and nurturing a community. By sharing insightful, entertaining, or educational content, you can provide value beyond your products or services. Blogs, social media posts, videos, and podcasts are excellent mediums to connect with your audience. Actionable tip: Focus on solving problems for your audience. For instance, a skincare brand might share tips on maintaining healthy skin during seasonal changes. 4. Engage consistently on social media Social media platforms are ideal for fostering two-way communication. Be sure you respond to comments. Get involved in online conversations. Interact with your audience members and they’ll feel more in sync with your brand. Hashtag power: Encourage customers to use branded hashtags to share their experiences, making them feel like an integral part of your brand’s story. 5. Reward loyalty Show your appreciation for loyal customers by rewarding their support. Loyalty programs, exclusive discounts and personalized offers can make customers feel valued. Additionally, recognizing community members publicly can strengthen their emotional connection to your brand. 6. Host events and experiences Bringing your community together through events—whether virtual or in-person—can deepen relationships. Webinars, Q&A sessions, product launches, or even casual meetups create opportunities for authentic interactions and foster a sense of belonging. Hybrid idea: Offer a mix of in-person and virtual options to make your events accessible to a wider audience. 7. Empower brand advocates Encourage satisfied customers to promote your brand. Word-of-mouth referrals and testimonials are powerful ways to grow your community organically. Provide tools and incentives for advocates to share their positive experiences with others. Implementation: Launch an ambassador program where loyal customers receive perks for promoting your brand. 8. Listen and adapt Building a loyal community is an ongoing process. Pay attention to feedback, monitor trends, and be willing to evolve. Customers value brands that listen to their needs and adapt to meet their expectations. Feedback loop: Regularly ask your community for input through polls, surveys, or direct messages. Conclusion Building a loyal community around your brand takes time, effort, and a genuine commitment to serving your audience. By understanding your customers, staying true to your brand identity, and fostering meaningful connections, you can create a community that not only supports your brand but also propels it to new heights. Start implementing these strategies today, and watch your community grow into a powerful force for your business. For businesses seeking to strengthen their marketing, Z Corp offers expertise in creating tailored strategies and driving results. Call us today at (321) 213-1818 or email info@zcorppr.com .