Facebook used to be a place for family and friends (old and new) to connect. It’s recently become SO much more than that as companies have started using Facebook as an advertising platform. At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about companies invading my social space. After all, Facebook was where I posted pictures of my daughter’s first day of preschool and Christmas cookie baking. It’s not the place I went for new products, samples, and coupons.
But it is now.
As more companies begin to realize the power of Facebook, they seem to be trying to outdo each other. And I (and you!), the consumer, reap the rewards of that competition.
Today I was checking my Saving & Giving Facebook page (which you really should “like,” you know 😉 ) and came across a post from Welch’s. I had “liked” them a while back to get a $2.00 off juice coupon. Now I get gentle reminders from them every so often. Usually they just post contest information or remind me about their brand, but today’s update was a little different. Here’s what it said:
We’re proud to announce our newest product, Welch’s Healthy Start! A 100% juice with Calcium, Vitamin C and natural antioxidant power, it’s the perfect way to start your day. To learn more about Welch’s Healthy Start as well as to see where it’s available and to download a $1.50 coupon, visit welchs.com/healthystart.
I may not have heard about this high-value printable coupon if I hadn’t “liked” Welch’s on Facebook. I may not have heard about last week’s $1.50 off Planters coupon had I not “liked” them on Facebook.
While I may have originally resented these businesses’ intrusion into my social space, I have come to respect and value their contributions on Facebook. They’re making an effort to build community around their brands and listening to their customers. They’re also offering valuable products and/or coupons in exchange for my agreeing to receive their subtle marketing. The key for me is that I have a choice to “like” them or to ignore them.
I think that “liking” them is going to pay off.
Your Turn: Do you “like” companies on Facebook? Do you actively seek them out? Or do you just wait to hear about deals like printable coupons and then “like” them?
This post is linked to:
:: Works for Me Wednesday hosted by We Are THAT Family
:: Thrifty Thursday hosted by Coupon Teacher
:: Frugal Friday hosted by Life As MOM
Sometimes I’m still bothered by companies when my feed is so full of their posts that I have a hard time finding my friends/family updates, but like you, I’ve come to appreciate the benefits that I reap by “liking” them.
Great post!
I hear you, Rose! I actually set up a separate FB account for my blog site. So I usually “like” companies through that one. I just have to remember to check it! But it’s totally worth it. 🙂
I LOVE liking companies on Facebook. Some of the best offers are found on there! 🙂 Definitely worth it!
I’ve gotten a lot of almost-free juice lately that way. I’m hoping today’s $1.50 off coupon scores more! 🙂
I am so glad you posted this..I have always been a little baffled as to why I would “like” a brand on FB? What would that do exactly, besides give them info about myself that I am not sure I want them to have. But, I like the idea of getting coupons for the companies I really DO “like” 🙂
OH ..and I am on a big blog critique kick right now ..and yours looks great! The colors are really cute and the whole thing is simple and sweet. Found you on WFMW!
I’m glad this helped, Courtney. I used to hesitate too, but it really has been worthwhile for me. I suppose it’s different for everyone in what you’re comfortable with though. And I’m kind of picky about which companies I “like.”
Thanks so much for your kind words about my site design. My husband and I started a web/blog design business not too long ago, and I was the guinea pig! 🙂
I agree! Being a fan of companies on facebook has so many benefits. Love the benefits.
I do a lot of “liking” on facebook too. Now if I can only keep up with it all!
That’s a really good point – that you can get deals on Facebook if you like a company. Chik fil a was doing something similar last year. They were sending a coupon for a free sandwich.
I’m okay with it now, because I can be picky about who I “like” on FB. Plus, if they post too much and I don’t like them as much as I thought I did, I can always remove them from my FB account.