Facebook reveals Pinterest app for Timeline

A raft of apps for the Facebook Timeline has been announced, with one of them being Pinterest, the social media website that millions of people use daily.

Co-founded by a former Facebook staffer, Pinterest boasts a highly-engaged membership and is valued at about $200 million (£130 million), despite still being invitation-only. It's an interesting proposition for brands hoping to extend their reach.

We discussed the importance of this new social media offering in a recent NewsReach blog post. The concept is simple: pin your favourite internet finds on your board, repin the posts of other users and comment on and 'like' their pins.

In addition, pins can be shared with Facebook friends and Twitter followers. It is not just a fad either. During the week to December 17th 2011, there were 11 million visits to Pinterest, Hitwise found.

Companies that want to be at the forefront of the latest marketing trends should request an invite to Pinterest, either via the site or through an existing member. Facebook Timeline provides a clear overview about a brand and what it stands for and sharing content via the Pinterest app is a new and engaging way to connect with consumers.

So, for example, a fashion retailer can create and pin outfits on a daily basis, which can encourage consumers to click back to their ecommerce site to purchase their favourite items.

The app can be updated as things happen - such as new stock and promotion. However, Pinterest should not just be used for self-promotion, with the app enabling businesses to pin things that may be of interest to their customers, from breaking stories to photographs.

If you have used Pinterest, what are your thoughts about it?