Pinterest is a social networking website that allows you to curate collections of visual bookmarks. Basically, all that means is that you can save pictures from the web and link them back to the websites they came from. It can be a valuable tool for any tech or salon owner, but there are lots of ways to use it. Let’s break it down.

Three Ways to Pin

Let’s say you’re cruising along, surfing the web, when you come across an image you like and want to save. How can you pin it to your profile?

The easiest way to save an image from a website is to install the Pinterest browser button. Once the button is installed (go to https://about.pinterest.com/browser-button), it will show up near the top of your Internet browser. When you click the button, it will search the webpage you are on for pinnable images. Choose the image you want to turn into a pin, and the browser button will help you with the rest.

Now, let’s say you have a photo of a great set of nails you did, but the photo is only on your computer or phone, not on a website. Pinterest also allows you to upload photos directly to your page from their website or app. While logged into your account, click the plus sign at the top of the page, and select “upload image.”  Just don’t forget to add the link to your website or caption with your handle.

The third way to pin is through repinning. This allows you to take images that other people have pinned and save them to your own page. It’s perfect for when you see a great nail art style that you want to save and try doing later. Don’t worry about saving other people’s pins to your profile — Pinterest is all about inspiration.

BOARD-ganization

Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to think about how your boards will be organized. All of your pins are grouped into boards — or collections — of pins. There are obvious ways to group your pins, and less obvious ways. Think about how your boards will reflect your or your salon’s personal aesthetic and style.

Looking for a more straightforward, organized approach? Try grouping your pins by color, season, or style. That holo board isn’t going to make itself!

Wanting to mix it up a little? Try something more outside of the box, like grouping by nail shape, nail length, or by international trends. If your salon has multiple artists, you could give each of them their own board to showcase their best work.

Don’t forget: Boards can be a mix of all kinds of pins. Your “Floral” inspiration board can include nail art, but it might also benefit from including tattoos, runway fashion, and home decor. Think of it as your own trend report.

Cast a Wide Net

It’s best not to be too narrow when it comes to your pin-vision. Boards can be a great way to organize and collect things that help paint a picture for clients of the type of nail technician, artist, or salon you are. Don’t be afraid to pin nail art inspiration, fashion, jewelry, shoes, furniture, and even DIY projects that you think relate back to your aesthetic.

One word of caution: Keep your business page and your personal pins separate. You don’t want clients seeking out your profile and having to wade through 134 slow-cooker recipes before they get to your work.

Pro Tip: Pins can also be saved to “Secret Boards,” which allow you to save pins in a way that hides them from visitors.  

Best Practices

> Never attribute someone else’s work to your website or claim it as your own.
> Always look for the original artist’s website or Pinterest profile when creating a new pin.
> Always edit your pin captions for clarity. Hashtags apply here too.

NAILS’ social media columnist Sarah Waite is a licensed nail tech and the creator of the popular nail art website www.chalkboardnails.com. Follow her on Instagram @chalkboardnails.

You can find more social media advice from Sarah here.