Pinterest has shown significant growth in both active users sharing inspiration and online marketers interested in ways of leveraging the social network for increased traffic and back links.

The self titled ‘Virtual Pinboard‘ site allows you to both organise and share images of ‘beautiful things found on the web‘ in collections based on user interests such as favourite recipes, must see destinations and funky furniture – with the intention of helping your own friends and followers discover new things.

The social network has even surpassed Google+ in the amount of traffic it drives to retail sites. Monetate has compiled this infographic to illustrate the capabilities of Pinterest:

Who Else Users Pinterest?

Besides retail stores and specialty boutiques, the site is open for everyone to use. The U.S. Army have even included Pinterest in their online media campaign, with collections including images of patriotic foods and DIY Army decor.

Above: Online Retail example – Kikki-K.com

Above: Used to increase the online presence of the U.S. Army

The site continues to show promise in innovating the way people share content online. If you’re on Pinterest, what have you been using it for? Drop us your link in the comments below!