So there’s all this data coming out right now in the world of Internet Marketing on Pinterest, the new social media powerhouse which is taking the “webernet” by storm. Many webmasters are already seeing Pinterest as their #1 referrer of social media traffic. Crazy!
Because of this many (did I say many? I meant ALL) Social Media, SEO, and Content Marketing experts are discussing strategies and concepts for leveraging the new social media outlet. And there’s been some great articles with some fantastic strategies. Here are a few:
- The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Pinterest For Marketing
- 7 Creative Ways Your Brand Can Use Pinterest
- Pinterest: Link Building & SEO Strategies
The strategies are great! But should men be on Pinterest?
A one-minute tour of Pinterest and you quickly get the idea, this thing is all about “pinning” things, commenting, and oh yeah it’s definitely for Women! It’s as women centric as the Lifetime television network. It’s all about fashion, cooking, being a Mom etc. etc. Boring stuff that men should stay away from. Right?
Well sure. But when you throw Social Media, SEO, and Content Marketing into the conversation Pinterest starts to look pretty interesting, even for a man. What male internet marketer doesn’t want potentially hundreds of new links, visits, and even leads/customers?
Like Beer-Goggles, organic internet marketing makes Pinterest look mighty attractive!
The potential for business is huge! But men should still stay away from Pinterest…
For 2 major reasons:
1. It questions your manhood. Seriously it does. Instead of “pinning” your new favorite baby crib you should be instead gearing up for the SuperBowl or getting your new #KobeSystems on for some pick-up ball. And if you think there’s content on Pinterest for men only… good luck finding any. It’s all for women. Not for men.
2. Women love Pinterest and worked hard to make it what it is! If/when men get in there they will start diluting it with men-like things which will make Pinterest less-interesting of a place for the women who created it. Women make Pinterest one of the most interesting and valuable Social Media sites of all-time. Men will only ruin that. Don’t believe me? Just ask Digg.com.
I realize my argument is EXTREMELY subjective in that it cannot be verified using concrete facts and figures. But you know what i’m saying here right? Pinterest is for Women. We have Twitter, Reddit, and YouTube. Leave the women alone and keep your manhood!
I’m not saying Pinterest isn’t a marketing goldmine! Of course it is. But for women to leverage. And women only.
Jeff
February 2, 2012
I’m a MAN!!! PIN THAT!!!!
Chase
February 2, 2012
I can tell by your mustache!
Sara
February 6, 2012
Er, I appreciate that you recognize you’re being extremely subjective. Because you really, really are.
You say men ought to stay away from Pinterest. But your reasoning is incredibly contradictory – because it questions your manhood! And then you say that women are what make the site so interesting and valuable. Last I checked those are qualities that men also appreciate, but again, gotta protect that manhood. Whatever that means, exactly?
It’s a problematic attitude, and promotes the idea that that a man would be somehow demeaning himself by joining, participating in, and enjoying what seems to be a site enjoyed primarily by women. Where’s the harm in that? If he likes it, he likes it. You’re part of the problem if you’re gonna call him out by claiming his “manhood” is threatened.
Yeah, you’ve got Twitter, Reddit, and Youtube. So do women. But you don’t see people questioning whether a woman should use those sites, even if they’re primarily populated by men. Because that wouldn’t be questioning anyone’s “womahood”, apparently. It’s just a regular website. But when women are the majority, then it’s a problem.
See what I mean? (Also, if you were being sarcastic, and I just missed it, sorry for the long, unnecessary response.)
Chase
February 7, 2012
@Sara i’ll admit there was some sarcasm in there. I guess what I was trying to say was… why would men consume content made up primarily of 1) hair styles, 2) women’s fashion, and 3( motherhood? The only 1 major topic that is covered by Pinterest users that makes sense to me is cooking. Other than that I just don’t see why men would be interested in using it.
Alex
February 7, 2012
Agreed with Sara.
Plus – just get on there and add content! You can put whatever you want on there. Pin entire boards of footballs and hamburgers and wide screen TVs if you want.
The whole idea of one type of “manhood” slightly irks me. I know so many men who don’t play or watch sports. This reminds me of a quote I saw recently: “Men are encouraged to see femininity as ridiculous, and to avoid ever having anything to do with it – and our entire culture codes ‘feminine’ things as weak, silly, frivolous, while still demanding that women perform femininity.”
Don’t fear the Pinterest.
Russell Jensen
February 17, 2012
I’m on Pintrest!… And I feel like less of a man. What if I don’t use it a lot?
Chase
February 17, 2012
@Russell Jensen – get out while you still can!!!
Cari
February 20, 2012
I totally just pinned that.
Niall
February 22, 2012
I’m only on Pinterest for SEO purposes! Decent free SEO backlinks are always welcome.
David Crowley
February 27, 2012
I signed up for the food photos! I’m a pretty serious cook & food blogger (@cookingchat) so that drew me there. I also find good nature photos and some other interesting images. I follow specific boards to try to limit some of the things that aren’t of interest, e.g. home decor.