What about websites that want less traffic!?

Does this phenomena exist? Apparently, yes. Before you jump to any conclusions, let me back up. I’ve previously blogged about how Pinterest is taking off and why your business should join. I think it’s an important social media tool and one that allows an ample amount of customer interaction, with limited effort involved on either end. This relationship is easy to maintain and beneficial to both parties. Wins all around, right?

Well, there seem to be some companies jumping on the ‘anti-Pinterest’ movement because of lack of enforcement of Pinterest’s Terms of Use. Specifically, the lack of enforcement of crediting sources. Mashable recently published an article about this and points out that despite being aware of the problem, Pinterest doesn’t seem to be doing much to correct the problem, aside from reminding users nicely  in their Terms of Use that before posting content you  “…either are the sole and exclusive owner of all Member Content that you make available through the Site, Application and Services or you have all rights, licenses, consents and releases that are necessary…”

Ok, so what does this mean? Well, for anyone who’s on the site, you know that while a lot of things are credited, there are certainly those who aren’t. A simple Google search could (and has) shown me an original location, but this is clearly in violation of the Terms of Use and not fair to the owners of the material. Pinterest has, of course, gone a step in the right direction by allowing the “Pin It” button to be used on sites, allowing the user permission to post content so this ‘new kid on the block’ site is working out its kinks and continues to be a viable marketing tool.

And now we’re back… to those who want less traffic…

Pinterest has also responded to those protesting loudly about the lack of enforcement of uncredited sources and gone a step further…

If you hop on over to Pinterest’s support section you will find a code for blocking users from pinning images from your site. If someone tries to pin from you site, and you’ve enabled this code, the user will see: “This site doesn’t allow pinning to Pinterest. Please contact the owner with any questions. Thanks for visiting!”

I personally think this is going a step too far. Pinterest is moving in the right direction by actively removing uncredited pins and allowing companies to add a “permission” button to their site, so is blocking Pinterest really helping your business? There are hiccups in all areas of life – and there will always be people who take advantage of the system. Blocking users from pinning your content doesn’t help prevent anything, it discourages users from using your site and drives less traffic to your website.

Driving qualified traffic to your website is ultimately the goal. My advice to any company worrying about uncredited images would be to add a “Pin It” button to your site… and watch the traffic grow!