Where’d You Get That Coupon?

| November 16, 2012

Blog post by: PaKou Lee
 

Traditionally, to get coupons, consumers had to purchase the Sunday newspaper or have it delivered to the front steps of their home. But with the rapid growth of social media, such as Facebook and Groupon, consumers are finding a more convenient way to get their coupons.

Social media is not just about keeping in contact with high school friends or sharing a status anymore. It is also about finding the best deals and coupons. Eighty percent of consumers think coupons and discounts are the most appreciated information from a brand, and receiving coupons from a social networking sites takes less time than sitting at home clipping coupons.
Many businesses are using social media to engage with consumers and build a base. They offer incentives that meet the needs and wants of consumers. For instance, Pizza Hut gained a lot of attention and success in their 2011 Facebook offer. Fans who “liked” their Facebook page received a free P’Zone with any online pizza order. On the first day of the one-week offer, more than 50,000 Pizza Hut fans claimed the  offer.
Pizza Hut did so well with this social media incentive because they understood their customers. Pizza Hut’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kurt Kane said, “When it comes to unmatched taste at a great price, it doesn’t get any better than the $5 P’Zone at Pizza Hut – unless we just give it away and that’s exactly what we’re doing. We know that our customers continue to face tough spending decisions in an uncertain economy, so we’ve decided to reward those who ‘like’ us on Facebook or sign up for our email program with a delicious free P’Zone when they order a pizza online. ”
Coupons and exclusive deals will go a long way. According to RedPlum, to save at least 25%:

  • 79% of consumers will sign up for an email newsletter.
  • 67% of consumers will “like” a Facebook page.
  • 17% of consumers will tweet or retweet a deal.
  • 28% of consumers are also sharing deals via social media.

Although many consumers still use the traditional way of getting coupons, social media makes it more convenient to receive them. There is no more waiting until Sunday to grab a wonderful stack of coupons–simply engage in social media and start clicking.
 
Sources:
http://www.mainstreet.com/article/smart-spending/4-ways-coupons-are-changing?page=1
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20media
http://www.ebizmba.com/articles/social-networking-websites
http://www.v3im.com/2011/10/how-fast-is-social-media-growing/#axzz2BYlRj84F
http://thesocialskinny.com/99-new-social-media-stats-for-2012/
http://www.vocus.com/blog/essential-stats-social-media-marketing/
http://aytm.com/blog/research-junction/branding-and-how-it-works-in-the-social-media-age/
http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter/coupon-culture_b28174
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pizza-hut-makes-mighty-online-offer-like-us-on-facebook-and-get-a-free-pzone-with-any-pizza-purchase-127277328.html