In today's digital age, social media platforms serve as powerful tools for businesses to connect with their target audience and drive sales. Among these platforms, Pinterest stands out with its unique approach to visual discovery and inspiration. Let's delve into the statistics and insights provided by Social Shepherd and Hootsuite to understand why Pinterest should be a cornerstone of your brand's marketing strategy.

With LinkedIn reporting 498 million monthly active users, which is a 16 million increase from the previous quarter, and 1.5 billion pins saved every week, Pinterest boasts an engaged user base actively seeking inspiration and ideas. An impressive stat of 61% of pinners consider Pinterest their go to platform to kickstart new projects, highlighting its pivotal role in the creative process.

Additionally, Pinterest fosters a positive online environment, with 8 out of 10 users viewing it as a welcoming space. This positivity translates into action, by the fact that 61% of weekly pinners have made a purchase directly from a pin, and 46% have discovered new brands or products on the platform.

Geographically, Pinterest's reach is global, with the United States, Brazil, India, Russia, and Colombia emerging as key markets.

Its largest audience is women, comprising 76.2% of global users. In the UK and the US, Pinterest enjoys significant popularity among women, with a combined 58.9 million female users.

At the Pinterest Investor Day 2023, it was revealed that a significant 42% of the platform's monthly active users now belong to Gen Z. This shift highlights the platform's increasing appeal to younger audiences, reflecting a dynamic evolution in its user base. For Gen Z, Pinterest serves as more than just a digital platform—it's a positive space where they can explore their aspirations, envision their future, and ignite their creativity. Millennials, also embrace Pinterest, with 80% of Millennial women and 40% of Millennial men actively using it for inspiration.

Pinterest's effectiveness as a search engine is undeniable, with two out of three users turning to it for content discovery. Surprisingly, 97% of searches on Pinterest are not brand-related, emphasising the importance of incorporating relevant keywords into pin titles and descriptions.

For businesses, Pinterest offers a lucrative avenue for driving sales, especially when targeting the luxury audience. A staggering 90% of users are in a shopping mindset, leading to higher expenditure and larger basket sizes compared to other platforms. Shoppable pins enable seamless transactions, with 85% of users purchasing products they discover on Pinterest. What's particularly noteworthy is that 70% of Pinterest’s luxury audience is under 35 years old, indicating a prime opportunity for brands to connect with a younger, affluent demographic eager to engage and make purchases on the platform.

What sets Pinterest apart is the longevity of its content. Unlike other social media platforms, where posts have a short lifespan, pins can remain relevant for six to twelve months, amplifying their reach and impact.

Advertising on Pinterest is equally compelling, with the platform estimated in generating $3.27 billion in advertising revenue in 2023. Notably, running ads on Pinterest is 2.3 times cheaper per conversion compared to other social media platforms, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses.

In conclusion, the statistics provided by Hootsuite and Social Shepherd underscore the immense potential of Pinterest as a marketing powerhouse. By leveraging its visual discovery platform, businesses can connect with their audience, drive sales, and elevate their brand presence in the digital landscape. Embrace the power of Pinterest today and unlock new opportunities across multiple generations, for growth and success.