Adding text to Pinterest
Pinterest currently only has one option for adding text, and that is in the form of a caption that users add to pictures being pinned, or alternatively, users can create images in Photoshop or a photo editor of the text they would like to share. Inspirational quotes are common Pinterest, and the idea of sharing text similar to a status update (minus the “I just gained 10 lbs. at this all you can eat brunch” updates) adds a communicative element to Pinterest that in its native form is lacking.
Some users will embrace this tool, while others will balk sharing text, but Pin A Quote is a simple bookmarklet just like the Pinterest bookmarklet that allows users to highlight any text on any website and create an image out of the text. Once highlighted, users simply click the “Pin A Quote” button installed in their browser and add in the source of the quote, and a pin is created from the text and pinned to Pinterest.
Below are five quotes that have been pinned through Pin A Quote to give you an idea of how it is currently being used:
- Paul Graham on startups
- David Aaron Moore on cats
- Jean Stanwick on crowdfunding
- William Blake on philosophy
- Seth Godin on open access
Here is a list of 19 inspirational quotes on the art of negotiation if you’d like to test the bookmarklet out for yourself.
Unexpected uses
Although most people will use this tool to post dramatic quotes from lofty philosophers, there is a legitimate business use for this tool. Quote your team members from your blog to give an inside look of your company. Pin quotes from your weekly team meeting with industry statistics. Use this tool to share quotes from commenters on your blog, or reviewers of your product/services from ratings sites (like Yelp). Pin the top notes from presenters at conferences you attend. Pin a weekly update of the top seller (home type, beauty product, website service, shoe style, etc.).
Mortgage brokers should pin the rate every morning that can be locked in, stock brokers should quote the top stocks they see improving, auto dealers should pin the number of sales or the number of remaining models every Wednesday, Realtors should quote the number of homes available in a specific gated community and that they are available to open any door any day.
Think outside of the box by thinking inside of your box. Each industry and each niche has a reason to share text, not just images, so for those so inclined, this is a simple tool that gets the task done.
Lani is the COO and News Director at The American Genius, has co-authored a book, co-founded BASHH, Austin Digital Jobs, Remote Digital Jobs, and is a seasoned business writer and editorialist with a penchant for the irreverent.

Penny Bergstrom
March 14, 2012 at 2:25 pm
I love this idea. Where do we find the ability to do this?
wotzisname
October 29, 2012 at 9:27 am
You can easily add quotes in WordPress using https://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/proquoter/