Some people daydream about their futures, what they are going to have for dinner at night, which next adventure will consume the remainder of their PTO… and often, a certain special someone. While those thoughts have frequented my wandering mind a time or two, I have found a new love to ponder. Pinterest.

Pinterest.com is a social media platform crafted in such a way that you are able to bookmark all of your favorite recipes, home décor, wedding inspirations, photographs, videos, etc. onto customized, themed bulletin boards. Sort of like Facebook photo sharing…on steroids.

The site has consumed my 10 p.m. spot (among other hours) whilst curling up on the couch with a blanket and tea and an episode of whatever is on TV. ‘Whatever’ signifies the irrelevance of literally anything that could be going on around me while I am pinning my little heart out.

“Oh, the world just collapsed? Sorry, I was busy re-pinning a picture of a mustached dog driving a sports car.”

Fortunately, I am not alone in my obsession.

According to an article on Mashable.com, Pinterest has garnered over 13 million users in the last 10 months. Impressive considering the website is still functioning on an invitation-only basis.

Since its conception in 2009, the site has mosied its way into the top ten most visited social networks of the past year. In fact, Pinterest drives more traffic than Google+, LinkedIn and YouTube combined. As broad as the selection of images and videos are, a recent study shows that 70% of those browsing and pinning are female.

The site says a lot about individuals and businesses, which is why many companies have approached accepting Pinterest invitations with extreme caution.

But showcasing your brand’s personality has its perks.

Pinterest currently holds the crown for being the top traffic driver for retailers. Top grocery retailer Whole Foods is able to give its 8,248+ followers insight into its philanthropic efforts via the “Whole Planet Foundation” board, while the Today Show’s boards capture behind-the-scenes shots and videos with anchors that help viewers see what they are like away from the news desk. High fashion retailer Bergdorf Goodman has a board called “I have a weakness”, which defines the personality of its brand without necessarily pitching any particular product.

Brands like West Elm and Martha Stewart have used the social platform as a kind of focus group, debuting new products and giving users the opportunity to comment and re-pin on what they like and which ideas should be tossed.  Other companies have used Pinterest to hold contests for followers about everything from the “Best Board Award” to earning the most re-pins.

Whether you have chosen to RSVP yes to your Pinterest invitation or not, it’s undeniable that its popularity is in the water. From a soon-to-be bride looking for a unique spin on invitations to a CEO trying to revamp the company image, millions of us confess that we are Pinterested.

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