Finding Online Deals Using Social Media

In our parents’ and grandparents’ generations, the best place to find good deals was through newspaper coupons, store window advertisements or from the next-door neighbor. Although these somewhat archaic methods can still lead to savings, they are but a couple among many, and more convenient options, available today. The fast progression of technology and social media has made saving money easier for consumers. Whether you’re looking for clothing, home decor or a budget-conscious vacation, you can save money by finding them online. If you haven’t yet tapped into the online deals available through social media, these tips can help you find good deals on just about everything.

• Check Pinterest. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and on Pinterest various images are sure to shout out your name. Pinterest is like a virtual bulletin board where consumers and businesses alike post pictures with brief comments. Most consumers pin images of interest, but many businesses promote their newest services and products, as well as their latest specials. Peruse the images pinned on various Pinterest members’ pinboards via the Internet or from your smartphone. When you click on an image from one of your favorite business’s boards it will typically lead you to the site where you can read more about the product or make your purchase and take advantage of savings.
• Sign Up for Email Newsletters. Email marketing has been around for a long time. Many businesses have become more social media-savvy with a greater focus on serving the customer, which leads to email newsletters that engage consumers, inform them and let them know about special savings. If your favorite business has an email sign-up form, it’s worth your while to join the list. Many companies have special offers and promotions that are made available only to those customers who are on the email newsletter list. A large part of a small-business owner’s success is due to the loyal customers. When you sign up for that group, you demonstrate your loyalty to the business as well.
• Follow Company Blogs. Businesses that want to stay ahead of the competition know they must maintain a connection with the consumers who have brought them success. To achieve this, many businesses maintain company blogs on their websites to provide customers with relevant information and premium notification of special sales. You can make following these blogs easier for yourself by signing up for their RSS Feeds or by connecting with the company through their Facebook Fan Page, where they’re likely to post links to their blogs and advertise sales.
• “Like” Their Facebook Page. In fact, you can easily find online deals by “liking” the Facebook Fan Pages from your favorite businesses. As you read through your friends’ and family members’ current Facebook statuses you’ll also see the latest news from your favorite stores, restaurants and businesses. With a click of the mouse, you’ll be led to company’s blog or website where further information can be obtained and good deals can be found. Facebook makes it easy to weed out deals that don’t interest you because you can simply continue to scan down the page until something better catches your eye.
• Get Your Favorite Business’s Tweets. A few years ago the Armani store in New York City started tweeting loyal customers a special promotional code that was available only to those who had signed up to receive Tweets and texted promotions. On the first day of the sale, Armani experienced record sales and opened their doors bright and early to a line of loyal customers that wound around the block. If you don’t have a lot of time to read blogs, scan Facebook or open email newsletters, a 140 character Tweet can lead you to excellent online savings, as well as great deals at local stores.

Shopping online is convenient and allows you to take advantage of valuable savings that you might otherwise miss. Those who are busy working and taking care of a family don’t necessarily have time to clip coupons or check store window advertisements. But a few minutes on your favorite social media sites can add up to hundreds of dollars saved over the course of the year. Use these tips to maximize your savings so you have more money in your pocket to enjoy with your family.