Pinterest vs. Etsy

When thinking about the various websites that I frequent the most often, the two that stick out to me the most are Pinterest and Etsy. Pinterest is a website as well as an app on the iPhone and is used to browse various pictures and quotes. One can make boards for specific categories like school, quotes, or even planning your future wedding. While Etsy is a website used to shop for unique things and has categories like apparel, vintage and home & living. Both of the websites are a fun way to discover new things and also pass the time. One of the biggest difference between the two though is the ease at purchasing things in Etsy and not being able to find where to buy certain stuff on Pinterest.

These two websites remind me of each other because of the of their layouts are square picture boxes that an individual can click on that will then lead to more information either about the product or the picture. The main purpose of Pinterest is to get new ideas for things like crafts, weddings or hairstyles.  You can also look up health and fitness tips, browse clothing or just look at pictures of funny things. In contrast, Etsy is designed to display projects that are available to buy and some items are relatively inexpensive. The audience for both is the same, both websites tend to attract females between the ages of sixteen and forty. While younger women tend to use them more, some older women use them for new ideas as well. I think that both of the websites make great rhetorical choices that cause the audience to either want to explore more or buy products that are presented. One style technique that I noticed both of the websites used is simplicity. There are not very many extra colors on the site which help with less distraction from the products and pictures displayed. I think this is a great technique that they use because I am always inclined to look at just what is presented and now what is around it. I think in the case of these websites, simplicity is best.