It Pays to Use Social Media

In today's economy consumers are looking for quick, easy, and affordable shopping options. The notion of quality and value is gratifying. We enjoy feeling like we scored on a deal and we especially like finding deals in places we least expect. Social media and bargain savvy shoppers are finding discounts and quick and easy ways to shop and save online. Online "bargain and convenient" shopping is quick, simple, convenient, and affordable just like shopping at a retail store but it can be done anywhere and anytime the consumer wants. Shoppers are discovering new ways to seek deals. Brands on Twitter and Facebook make their audiences in this case "shoppers" feel appreciated by offering exclusive offers to members only.

Would you like to fly from JFK to Nantucket or how about SFO to LGB for just $9? If your answer is yes I recommend you start following JetBlue on Twitter. JetBlue gives first dibs on discounted fares to their Twitter followers. If you think about it they're offering a pretty sweet deal for a quick weekend getaway and it only costs you nine bucks each way. A grand total of $18 in airfare, that's cheaper than most cab rides in NYC.



"Like the e-mails that many airlines began to send out in the 1990s, tweets are presenting a new, faster way to promote sales. And in fitting with this latest mode of instant communication, travelers have to decide quickly whether to fly" Charlsse Jones, USA Today. Tweeters embrace instant communication and now they are embracing instant purchase decisions driven by value and exclusiveness. The tweets help fill empty seats in a plane and increase awareness for first time flyers.

Have you ever forgotten a friend's birthday? Don't you love how Facebook reminds you of birthdays? Now you can send your almost forgotten friend flowers on their birthday without leaving the site. All you have to do is go to 1-800-Flowers.com's Facebook page and you can shop for flowers, order them, and have them delivered the same day plus you'll find special offers available exclusively to Facebook fans.



Brands are noticing that people want to feel like they're "part of the club." Shoppers will continue to discover deals online. They want to be recognized for supporting the brand whether it's an exclusive discount, offer, contest, giveaway, or announcement.

Monica Camacho, Junior Strategic Planner