Need help with a remodeling project? Tapped out of dinner ideas? Looking for an awesome wedding gift? There’s one website you can turn to and get help with all of these questions: Pinterest.

The social media site is known as a one-stop discovery site, with information on all sorts of interests. The site might not get as much attention as its social siblings, Facebook and Twitter, but it’s on its way. In fact, Pinterest is making headlines this week for introducing app pins. Plus, there are rumors that the scrapbook-like social site will add a ‘buy’ button in the near future.

Both of the new features indicate that Pinterest is moving towards an ecommerce site. Here’s what you need to know about the recent announcements:

What is the new app pin?

Pinterest is cozying up with Apple to offer an app pin. Now users can download apps to their iPhone or iPad without ever leaving Pinterest. To explain how it works, developers offer this example on the Pinterest blog: “Let’s say you’re pinning workout inspiration to your marathon training board. If you see a fitness app that helps you reach your goals, you can download it right from Pinterest.”

Matt Crystal, Pinterest’s head of international business, told International Business Times that its partnership with Apple is a great fit for the social site. Since so many people use Pinterest as a search engine for their interests and hobbies, offering app downloads is just another way to improve usability.

How will app pins work?

When you find an app pin, you’ll see an app icon and an ‘install’ button. All you have to do is tap the button and the app automatically downloads to your device. Here’s a snapshot from the Pinterest website that gives you an idea of what it looks like:

How can you pin an app to your board?

Do you have an app that you want to pin on your board? It’s pretty simple to do. According to Pinterest, you select ‘Add a Pin’ from your board view and then select the device. You’ll upload a high-resolution picture of your app and set the destination URL to your app’s page in the App Store.

What’s the latest on the Pinterest ‘buy’ button?

Just like other social sites, Pinterest is making a move into the advertising world. Just last month Pinterest started rolling out Promoted Pins as its first step, and now there are rumors of adding a ‘buy’ button. This new feature would allow users to buy some of their favorite products while on Pinterest.

Pinterest hasn’t officially confirmed the news, but according to Recode, there’s talk of the button launching in as little as three to six months. Facebook is experimenting with a similar feature.

What’s your take on the new Pinterest features? Does your business have an app that you plan to promote on Pinterest? Will your business take advantage of a ‘buy’ button? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below. Want some tips to using Pinterest for your business? We’ve got a free guide to help you.

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