President Obama joined Pinterest this week. Here’s how he measures up with some of the District’s most board savvy users.
By Lesley Siu
Image by Lesley Siu. Center photo by Revamped Media.
Pin. Repin. Repeat.
Pinterest is the new-kid-on-the-block destined to take over the social media playground.
The concept is simple: users create virtual boards and “pin” photos (and sometimes, videos), sorting them under defined categories. These pins can be collected from anywhere on the web, and a browser extension allows for quick, easy access to sharing. You will find everything from colorful infographics and vintage photos to DIY crafts and mouth-watering recipes. Follow your friends and connect your account to Twitter and Facebook. See a pin you like? “Repin” the image to one of your boards. It’s that simple. There’s even a Pinterest app for Washingtonians on the go.
You’ll need more than a name and an e-mail address to sign up. Following in the footsteps of Google+, Pinterest requires you to request an invitation. Don’t fret — it may seem like an exclusive social media party, but everyone’s invited.
Local businesses and power figures are capitalizing on the trend by using Pinterest as a tool for branding and customer engagement. There’s also an option to add prices over images, making e-commerce easy. So, who in the District is using Pinterest the best? Here are some of our “most pinteresting” people.
Most Pinteresting
Barack Obama
PINTEREST PAGE
Why it’s pinteresting: The President’s newest platform: a Pinterest page. Obama for America recently started pinning for President Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign. Find images of the First Family, campaign merchandise, Obama-inspired recipes and even “Pet Lovers for Obama.” Now, this is a social media change worth sharing.
H.Bloom
PINTEREST PAGE
Why it’s pinteresting: Valentine’s Day is in the past, but H.Bloom keeps flowers fresh. With boards covering floral art, fashion and interior design, H.Bloom’s pins prove that flowers are no longer restricted to the dining room table.
South Moon Under
PINTEREST PAGE
Why it’s pinteresting: An entire board dedicated to shoes? With everything from style inspiration and look books to DIY projects and “Foodie Finds,” South Moon Under is no stranger to the pins. Browse their latest fashion and accessories before heading out to the Bethesda location.
Abbey Slitor, DC PR Girl
PINTEREST PAGE
Why it’s pinteresting: There’s more to Washington, DC than the U.S. Capitol. Slitor’s DC board captures landscapes, graphic art and District icons that highlight the best of the city. She also moderates The DC Style Syndicate, a collaborative board with over 60 contributors who tell DC style like it is.
Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID)
PINTEREST PAGE
Why it’s pinteresting: With so much history, Georgetown isn’t living in the past. Georgetown BID’s Pinterest boards cover fashion, history, food and news. The images provide a simple reminder of the variety of shops and activities the neighborhood has to offer.
CapFABB Co-founders
Liz Fassbender (PINTEREST PAGE) and Lacey Maffettone (PINTEREST PAGE)
Why it’s pinteresting: For DC fashionistas, Pinterest is a go-to source for style ideas and the latest trends. Fassbender and Maffettone, co-founders of Capital Fashion And Beauty Bloggers (CapFABB), pin fashionable outfits, detailed pieces and beauty ideas. Let the style envy ensue.
Design Operative
PINTEREST PAGE
Why it’s pinteresting: This design firm has made a home for itself on Pinterest. Boards of innovative products, architecture and furniture keep you looking for more. Whether you’re searching for new home ideas or simply fascinated by design, browse the pins to see District places and spaces through a creative lens.
U.S. Army
PINTEREST PAGE
Why it’s pinteresting: You’ll find more than stars and stripes on the U.S. Army’s official Pinterest page. With 25 boards including Army women, veterans, decor, fashion and families, it’s an account that we salute to. The U.S. Navy and National Guard are on Pinterest, too.
Anchyi Wei
PINTEREST PAGE
Why it’s pinteresting: This style maven has boards organized by season, so it’s easy to be on trend. Runway looks from New York Magazine, the New York Times, Vogue and Women’s Wear Daily work together to create fashion-forward boards. Wei doesn’t stop there — she also dips into the food, home and travel categories. A well-rounded account, indeed.
MODWedding
PINTEREST PAGE
Why it’s pinteresting: You’ll fall in the love with this all things modern wedding page. It’s like getting married to your computer or iPad. Dresses, floral arrangements, destinations – it’s all there. Lots of inspiration and ideas for that perfect day. Even the Bridezillas can appreciate it.
Pinteresting Boards
In addition to following accounts, Pinterest allows you to select specific boards to follow. When pinning an image, users must select which board they want it to appear on. Instead of being bombarded by a users’ pins, you can individually select what content you want to show up on your feed. Minimal effort is required to filter content — no lists, saved searches or photo albums to sift through. Categorizing pinboards beats filing pins away any day. Here’s one about Washington:
Things I’ll Miss in Washington, DC
PINTEREST BOARD
Why it’s pinteresting: DC favorites, all in one place. Elizabeth Hamblet’s board features vibrant images of District icons such as The Kennedy Center, Washington National Cathedral and Ben’s Chili Bowl. It will surely make you miss DC — even if you’re still here.
Presidential Pinterest
Politics and pins don’t go hand-in-hand just yet. In presidential campaigns, Twitter and Facebook lead the social media polls. Will Obama reign on the Pinterest platform?
Pins about 2012 presidential candidates:
- Barack Obama
- Rick Santorum
- Mitt Romney (his wife, Ann Romney, has her own account)
We couldn’t pass on the chance to tell you that we have a Pinterest account too! Follow Washington Life on Pinterest.
