Using Social Media To Save Money

Social media is quickly becoming some of the greatest advertising and marketing tools for companies.  Companies no longer need to pay a lot of money for a television or magazine ad to get their name in front of customers.  They are able to market their product for free all over the internet using social media.  I have seen the customer benefit from this type of advertising a lot more than your typical television commercial.

Have you ever "liked" a company on Facebook or followed your favorite drug store on Twitter?  If you haven't already, I highly recommend doing it.  Companies are vying for the most fans on Facebook and the most followers on Twitter every single day.  In the process, you - the customer - reap the benefits in savings at the store.  I print high value coupons every day from companies on Facebook.  Recently I printed a $0.50/1 Starkist Tuna Pouch coupon.  My local grocery store doubles and this will mean free tuna pouches.  For less than a minute of my time I have free tuna for my family. 

By following companies through social media I am among the first to know about sales and promotions.  Not only can you print coupons through social media, but you can sign up for free samples or even full size products.  This week I was able to request a free full size bottle of Suave shampoo on Facebook.  I have received too many free samples to count and my family has enjoyed being the first to try new products.  Usually high value coupons come with the samples making it an even better use of my time. 

Usually companies have a limit as to the number of coupons or samples they will give out.  By following companies that matter to me, I am among the first to know, which means I will most likely get access to the coupon or sample that others won't get.  Companies also have sweepstakes via social media for more opportunities to win products and prizes. 

It seems to me, that while companies enjoy free advertising by having accounts on social media sites, they are giving the savings back to the customer in the form of coupons and products.  I don't know about you, but this really works out well for me.  If you haven't yet followed companies or products that you use I can't recommend it enough as a way to save money with free products and coupons.