New! Pinterest Business User Accounts

Pinterest recently announced some changes aimed at business users, including new business-specific accounts that seem to be the Pinterest equivalent of Facebook brand pages.

First on the list of changes is a new set of terms aimed specifically at businesses. The business terms give guidance on how to best use the site, and they also allow Pinterest to separate the provisions meant specifically for business owners as opposed to individual users. There is a completely separate set of terms meant for individuals using the site.

Next up, Pinterest now offers verified accounts specific to business users. Now, when new users sign up for Pinterest they can choose between signing up as an individual as a business. And for those already using Pinterest, accounts can be converted by simply providing some information about the business and agreeing to the business terms.

In terms of the resources Pinterest has provided for business users, case studies showing how the platform can be effective for businesses seem to be at the top of the list. The case studies use examples of campaigns from companies that use Pinterest, such as Etsy, Allrecipes, and Jetsetter, that can give users ideas for their own campaigns or uses for the platform.

In the above photo, you can see examples of how travel site Jetsetter has built an online community of travelers through Pinterest promotions.

The site has also published a list of best practices for businesses, including uploading personal content, building a community, and including thoughtful descriptions.  Pinterest has included a guide for using the site’s marketing materials like the Pin It button and Follow buttons while complying with trademarks and other rules.

With the thousands of businesses already using Pinterest, it makes sense that the site would add some tools and accounts specifically catered toward these users. This move could also signal intentions for the site to monetize its base of business users with future advertising options similar to those offered on other social sites like Facebook and Twitter.