How to Use Pinterest

Heard about Pinterest, but at a loss for how to get started? Follow this easy guide to joining and using the social pin-board site.

How to Join

 

1. Sign Up

Recently Pinterest announced that you no longer have to have an invite to join the site. That means no more waiting for that coveted invite—head to Pinterest.com and join now.

When you do sign up, you’ll have the option to link either your Facebook or Twitter account with your Pinterest account. Why should you consider connecting? It’ll make it easier for you to find your friends, family members, and favorite blogs and brands to follow on Pinterest. If you prefer to start with just your e-mail address, you can always connect your social accounts later.

2. Create Your Profile

When you create your account, think about the other social accounts you have. Try to stick with a consistent username if you already have a Twitter or Instagram account. That will make it easier for anyone who follows you to find you via searching on Pinterest. It also helps to use the same profile photo—that way people know it’s you.

3. Check Your Settings

Once your account is active the first thing you should do is take a look at your e-mail settings. Luckily, Pinterest’s options are straightforward and easy to understand. When you first start pinning, keep all the e-mail notifications on. It’s a great way to find new people to follow by seeing who likes, comments, or repins ideas from your boards. You can turn them off later if they are clogging your inbox.