How to Spend Less with Social Media
Social media is not just a great way to build relationships online. Used effectively, it can help you save real money in the long run.
I say "effectively", because, more often than not, we use social networking sites aimlessly without a clear end in mind.
Remember, our goal is to use social media as a tool - not a distraction.
The last thing I want you to do is to follow companies on Twitter or "like" them on Facebook, just to get spammed with info you don't care much about.
Sure, you might get a coupon or a discount every once in a while but most of the time it will be for another shiny object rather than something you really need.
With this in mind, let's see how you can use social media to spend less on products and services you actually need.
Spending Less with Social Media
First, compile a list of companies that you frequently buy from, such as grocery stores, airlines, or general department stores.
Second, search for these companies on Twitter with one of the following hashtags: #coupon, #discount, #deal, #bargain.
If you're not familiar with Twitter hashtags: a hashtag is a phrase with the "#" in front of it. Hashtags are used as a way to categorize messages on Twitter.
For example, if you frequently shop at Wholefoods, then put "Wholefoods #discount" or "Wholefoods #coupon" in Twitter's search box and you'll get the most recent messages containing your desired keywords.
The great thing about it is that the results are produced in REAL TIME, unlike the conventional search engines which provide indexed results.
The other great thing is that these results are also usually produced by real people, not just websites.
But wait. the advantages do not end here. You can also hashtag your location (e.g.: "Ready to have some fun at @mansion_miami Nightclub in #Miami") - Businesses near your location may respond to you with unexpected deals.
And if you could not find the deal you're hoping for, simply tweet a message to the companies you're looking for (e.g "@wholefoods - searching for coupons for my favorite organic foods"). Who knows? You may inspire the company to send you a coupon so they can get another satisfied customer and the publicity that results from it. .
So from now on, before you shop, search on Twitter for discounts, coupon codes and promos.The results might surprise you.
*To obtain more inspiration and motivation to achieve your goals, you definitely want to check out my extensive list of growth goals. This page contains SMART goal ideas that can help you establish new aspirations and attain greater heights in your personal growth journey. I utilized this page myself to create my own list of 100 life goals, which I dedicated a decade to pursuing.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
