How to Use Pinterest

My name is Annie Lema, and I am a Pinterest addict! :) This is a true story, as many of you have already discovered, if you are a Pinterest user. If not, here are some helpful hints that might get you on your way.

According to Pinterest "Pinterest is a Virtual Pinboard. Pinterest lets you organize and share all of the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes. Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests."

"A pin is an image added to Pinterest. A pin can be added from a website using the Pin It button, or you can upload images from your computer. Each pin added using the Pin It button links back to the site it came from."

HOW IN THE HECK DO I GET STARTED, WHAT IS PINTEREST FOR, AND WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?

STEP 1: Get an Invite...

Some of you are probably wondering, "How long does it take to get an Invite?"...well that answer is a little obscure, but the GOOD NEWS is...YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT. The chances are that you probably already know someone who is Pinning, so just ASK. All Pinners have the ability to INVITE others to join them in the goodness of Pinterest.

STEP 2: Figure out what Pinterest is for and HOW YOU want to use it...

This might seem overwhelming to beginners...but Pinterest is the perfect way to just express yourself and create pinboards that help you gather your 'wish my ___ looked like this' ideas. Embrace, Pin, and Enjoy!

Pinterest can also be an invaluable tool. Crafty Do It Yourself-ers can use Pinterest to Pin DIY projects to one of their boards to organize future projects. Brides can replace the mountains of magazines and clippings into tidy boards that compile all of their ideas for the 'perfect dress', reception decor, flowers, bridesmaids dresses, etc. Teams can work together to share ideas on a single board thanks to the multi-contributor feature.

STEP 3: Follow People...

You can follow people by using your Facebook and/or your Twitter accounts. Associate these accounts with your Pinterest and it will let you know who of your friends are already using Pinterest. Or you can just start following people that have similar tastes or just really great style.

STEP 4: How to start Pinning from outside sources...

The simplest way to kick-start your pinning is to download the "Pin It" button from the Goodies page on the Pinterest site. Here is the link: http://pinterest.com/about/goodies/.

Once you have installed the "Pin It" button you can start pinning. Any web page that has an image on it is your playground. Just click the button and choose which image you would like to add to one of your boards. It really is that simple.

Choose the image...

...Pin the image.

STEP 5: Repinning...

Another way to create pins on Pinterest is by repinning others' pins. There are numerous ways to browse Pinterest. The first way is to go to the drop-down menu under the Pinterest logo. This menu gives you several categories to search, such as Holidays | Food & Drink | Art | Home Decor. Once you have begun exploring these categories you will no-doubt see many Pins that tickle your fancy sooo...hit that Repin button and Pin it to one of your Boards.

HELPFUL HINTS & TIPS:

BOARDS: If the Pin you want to pin doesn't fit into one of your existing boards then create a new one. While pinning you will scroll to the bottom of your board list and enter a new board title and click create, this will add the new pin to the new board. Another way to create a new board is to click Add > Add a Board on the top toolbar on Pinterest. Type in a board title, choose a category, and then click Create when you are finished.

CONTENT: Although it isn't 'against the rules' it IS against Pinterest Etiquette to solely Pin your own products. You are definitely encouraged to pin your products and items, but explore and share beyond your own world, this is one of the things that keeps Pinterest appealing to the masses.

LIKING VS. PINNING: Liking a Pin means that it will show up under your list of LIKES, however it will not automatically pin it to one of your Boards. In order to save it on one of your Boards, you must Pin It. I usually do both, LIKE and PIN because let's face it, if I'm pinning it I obviously LIKE it and the person deserves to know that. :)

PINTEREST HELP: Pinterest's Help Page is wonderful, so explore it if you are still left with questions. Or feel free to post your questions in the comment section below and I would be happy to help.

If you would like an invitation to Pinterest, please feel free to comment with your name and email address and I will send you an invitation. {Please keep in mind that I cannot send you an invitation without your email address.}

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