Pinterest is a social network that allows individuals and businesses to create online image collections—called “Pinboards”—and easily share them with other users. Is this hot and (relatively) new social media site a good tool for your business? Let’s have a look!

1. You Could Use More Website Traffic [Yes/No]

Get this: Pinterest drives more traffic than YouTube, Google+ and LinkedIn—combined. And according to a user poll conducted by marketing firm SteelHouse, Pinterest users are twice as likely to buy stuff than Facebook users.

2. You Have a Unique and Fun Company Culture [Yes/No]

Pinterest is a great way to show the world what a cool and fun company you have. As it happens, people prefer to buy from (and work at) companies they admire! Lots of businesses post “behind the scenes” images of their employees and customers in action: using their products, drinking beers at happy hour, etc.

3. Your Customers Are Already Pinning [Yes/No]

Is your target market already pinning? Pinterest has over 10 million users, so it’s highly likely that your customers are using the site. What’s more, Pinterest users are an influential bunch: they’re young (the 25-34 age group is the biggest) and wealthy (28 percent have a household income over $100k).

4. You’d Like More Market/Brand Awareness [Yes/No]

Did I mention that Pinterest is a MAJOR driver of traffic? What’s more, users are addicted: comScore data reveals they average 89 minutes per month on the site. (Google+ users average 3 minutes/month.) My point? Pinterest is a bustling place, and if you’re looking to raise awareness, you should consider going where the action is!

5. Your Product Line and/or Industry Is Photogenic [Yes/No]

Do you sell things? Physical things? Then you might want to post photos of your products on Pinterest! According to one survey, 70 percent of users say they log in to Pinterest to “find inspiration on what to buy.”

6. Your Team Has Untapped Creative Potential [Yes/No]

Pinterest is a place where you can let your creative juices flow freely, even if you’re in an industry not typically associated with creativity or visual flair. Hey, if a plumbing franchise in Waco, Texas, can have fun with Pinterest and make people laugh, you can too!

7. Your Company Creates Valuable Content for Customers [Yes/No]

Why not pin video tutorials and how-tos on your pinboards? If you operate a bar or restaurant, post recipes! Pinterest is an excellent way to leverage the high-value content you’re creating for your customers.

Scoring

1–2 yeses: You should seriously consider Pinterest for your business.
3–4 yeses: Pinterest is a really good fit for your business. Pin away!
5–7 yeses: Your business and Pinterest = peas and carrots.