7 Tips to Save Using Social Media

Savvy shoppers are beginning to tap into social-media savings in a big way. Consumers are using such tools as Facebook and Twitter to connect with free shipping offers, online coupons, free stuff, sweepstakes, sales and other money-saving deals.  

Here are seven easy ways you can begin dipping your toe into the world of social shopping.

1. Friend Your Favorites
Use the Facebook "Like" key to find your favorite merchants online. You also can follow them on Twitter. You'll find special offers, coupons and sale announcements, some of which aren’t available anywhere else. Remember to tell your friends by re-posting or re-tweeting the best information.

2. Email Accounts
Set up a designated email account for retailers you like, then get alerts for special sales, coupon offers, birthday presents and more. If you're not into emails, log onto an online coupon site and search for stores and products you like.

3. Retailer Tweets
Tweets work much the same as Facebook "likes" except they send you to an external link or the company's own website for details.

4. Hashtags
Twitter hashtags allow you to search for tweets on topics like #sale or #free shipping or by your favorite merchant, like #Macys or #Cabelas.

5. Swap/Freebie Websites
Web sites like BookMooch and Freecycle link you to people who share your interests and want to exchange items or give them away.

7. The Price is Right
There are websites that notify you when a product you'd like to buy has hit your desired price. Sign up for such things as airfare alerts via Kayak.com or brand-name clothing and accessory alerts via ShopStyle.com 

Photo by webtreats