Simply combining Pinterest with Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) and Instagram could create a unified app that could instantly post Instagram photos to Facebook and Pinterest at the same time. Adding Pinterest’s design aesthetics to Facebook could also enhance its News Feed, which has recently emphasized larger pictures and a more “newspaper-like” design. Pinterest could also enhance its fledgling Gifts business substantially.
Acquiring Pinterest could redefine many parts of Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB)’s site. By integrating Pinterest’s pinning functions with Facebook’s “Like” and Fan & Business Pages, the social network could create a seamless environment in which ads are easier to monetize. In addition, Facebook could also introduce an affiliate program to its users, paying them for ‘pinning’ different items.
Lastly, Pinterest also shares the same “inside-out” approach to the web as Facebook. While Facebook uses shared logins and “Like” buttons all over the web to direct traffic back to its site, Pinterest pins items to tie everything together.
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) could use Pinterest for an even wider array of projects than either Amazon or Facebook.
First, it could merge Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Image Search with Pinterest, which is sometimes referred to as a ‘visual Twitter,’ to create a truly robust image search experience. This function could then tie in with Google+, its underdog social site with 265 million active users. Tying the two social networks together could finally give Google+ a much needed boost against Facebook.
Second, Pinterest would be an excellent fit for its cloud-based Drive ecosystem. Pinboards are currently used by some educators to plan lessons, allowing students to collaborate by pinning and organizing their own ideas. If this system can be integrated with Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Docs, which has a well-developed system for sharing and collaborating, then “live pinboards” in which a dozen users can simultaneously interact with a board could be a possibility.
Most importantly, if monetized correctly, Pinterest could substantially boost Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s revenue through display advertising – its bread and butter.
The Foolish Bottom Line
Amazon, Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) are only three possible suitors for Pinterest. Last month, reports suggested that Yahoo could possibly acquire Pinterest to boost its position against Facebook and Google. Other companies like Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and eBay could also benefit from acquiring the growing network.
While this is all speculation, I believe that Pinterest will be a major market-moving force in 2013, in terms of its social growth and its design influence over other websites. With the rising importance of e-commerce and the direct-to-consumer channel, Pinterest has the potential to change how we approach shopping on the Internet.
That makes Pinterest a strong buyout candidate that all investors should be familiar with.
The article Which Tech Giant Should Pin Down Pinterest? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Leo Sun.
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