Introduction
If you’re interested in discovering and bookmarking ideas for your personal interests and projects or looking to market your business or blog to an engaged audience, chances are that you have been introduced to Pinterest.
Pinterest is a social media platform that enables users to find, save, and share inspiring and informative visual content, such as images, videos, and infographics, on “boards.” Pinterest has a vast collection of over 360 million active monthly users and more than 200 billion “pins.” It is a thriving platform that has become an essential tool for users searching for inspiration, planning their lives, and creating new experiences.
Is Pinterest Free?
The central question of this article is whether or not Pinterest is free to use. The answer is yes, it is free to use for all users. Users can sign up, create accounts, and start creating their boards and pinning without paying any fee. Pinterest is a freemium service, which means the basic version is free, but there is also a premium version that users can choose to pay for.
To sign up for Pinterest, you can either create an account with your email address or use your Google or Facebook account to connect. Once you have created your account, you will be able to start creating your boards and pinning images, videos, and text content that inspire you or could interest your potential audience.
Although Pinterest is free to use, the platform earns revenue through advertising, offering businesses an opportunity to promote their products or services to Pinterest’s users through Promoted Pins. This means that while Pinterest is free for personal use, businesses can pay to promote content, reaching a more extensive audience. Pinterest earns a commission from brands and businesses who put spend behind their promoted content.
Basic vs. Premium Version of Pinterest
As mentioned earlier, Pinterest has a basic version available for all users, but it also has a premium version that offers more advanced features and tools. The basic version of Pinterest is free, and it offers unlimited access to the main features, including:
- Unlimited storage for pins and boards;
- Options to follow other accounts and discover new content;
- Access to analytics for personal and business accounts;
- Easy-to-use website and mobile app;
- Risk-free startup;
On the other hand, the premium version of Pinterest, known as Pinterest Business, requires a subscription and offers specific features tailored to the needs of businesses and marketers. The subscription is customizable and based on the advertiser’s goals and marketing budget.
With a Pinterest Business account, users can get access to features such as:
- Advanced analytics for your personal account;
- Faster customer support and personalized advice;
- Opportunity to promote pins and increase visibility;
- Opportunities to create a dynamic and engaging Profile;
- Rich Pins (extra information added to a pin that gives more context about what it’s about or how to get it);
User Experience: Interview with a Pinterest User
To get a more substantial insight into the user experience of Pinterest, we interviewed a Pinterest user, Sandi. Sandi is an artist who has been using Pinterest for over five years to source motivation and inspiration for her artwork.
According to Sandi, Pinterest is easy to navigate as it is visually appealing and well-organized. She enjoys the freedom of creating customized boards and categories to fit her specific needs
When asked about expenses, Sandi stated that she has not incurred any costs for using Pinterest for personal use. “I only pay for the art supplies that I need for my artwork,” she says.
Tips and Tricks for Using Pinterest as a Free Marketing Tool
Pinterest is more than just a platform to find inspiration and ideas, but it can also be a useful tool for businesses, bloggers, and influencers looking to promote their products or services. Here are some tips and tricks for using Pinterest as a free marketing tool:
- Create a detailed and optimized profile with branded content and captivating imagery.
- Use keywords and hashtags for search engine optimization and better visibility;
- Create visually appealing pins that are optimized for Pinterest’s format;
- Create boards around different themes or topics that are relevant to your audience and industry;
- Engage with your followers and other pinners by commenting, liking, and sharing content;
- Collaborate with other businesses or influencers in your industry by creating group boards together;
- Monitor your analytics to track your performance and adjust your strategy accordingly;
Cost Comparison
In comparison with other social media platforms, Pinterest is comparatively inexpensive. While Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram require paid advertising to reach a broader audience, Pinterest offers a more cost-effective alternative for businesses and marketers.
Pinterest’s ad prices range from $0.10 to $1.50 per click, depending on the market niche, industry, and audience targeting. Businesses can set their advertising budgets for campaigns, monitor their performance, and adjust their strategy accordingly.
Impact of Pinterest on User Engagement
The free use of Pinterest has undoubtedly impacted user engagement and revenue growth for the platform. According to the company’s Q4 report in 2020, Pinterest boasted 459 million monthly active users, with a 37% increase in year-over-year revenue growth.
This growth shows that Pinterest’s consistent introduction of new features and the optimization of existing features have made the platform more user-friendly, resulting in increased user engagement and higher revenue earnings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pinterest is a free platform that offers a wide range of features and tools for personal and business use. While the basic version is free, businesses can pay for the Premium Business account, which offers advanced features, and opportunities for more dynamic marketing strategies. Pinterest was designed to inspire, motivate and help its users reach their potential.
Ultimately, Pinterest remains a reliable source for inspiration and ideas across a wide range of different niches. Whether you’re looking for personal ideas or developing marketing strategies for your business, Pinterest offers an excellent platform to explore.
Before going, let’s recap the main points: Pinterest is free to use for personal and business accounts. Pinterest Business, the Premium version of Pinterest, offers advanced features such as promoted pins and detailed analytics. Pinterest offers a cost-effective alternative for advertising compared to other social media platforms. And lastly, Pinterest has been successful in increasing user engagement and revenue growth by improving its features and usability.
