We all know the vicious event known as Black Friday. You’ll be up against rabid mothers trying to finish their Christmas shopping and IT tech guys trying to get a steal. But using your smart phone and social media the right way will help you survive #BlackFriday.
Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest
Be selective about what you want to buy. Follow and subscribe to specific brands on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram, and download their apps. Brands will push out exclusive deals and sales on their social media platforms. Pinterest does a good job of previewing products for stores ahead of time. Especially monitor the Twitter accounts of the brands you follow because they provide you updates on their products, store events, and during Black Friday, will notify you if quantities are low or if there are last minute deals.
Blogs/RSS Feeds
Follow blogs according to what products and brands you want to buy. If you’re interested in tech products, follow blogs such as Mashable and TechCrunch to get updates on deals and secret words. Many blog sites will post events and exclusive deals for their readers. Bloggers also get the low-down on deals beforehand and sometimes will let their readers in on store secrets and deals.
Mobile Apps
After selecting your specific brand or product, download the company’s app onto your phone. Specifically, download FourSquare because many stores will give exclusive deals to those who check into their store. Many stores and brands will also post app-specific deals.
So charge up your phone before you head out, constantly monitor social media and have a list of products you want to buy. Survive #BlackFriday!
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This was a great article! I’ve been hearing a lot about Black Friday but mostly about the long lines and workers; I’ve never thought about how technology fits into the experience. This is a great example of how the digital and traditional world are adapting to each other.
I’ve never consumed Black Friday, however I am afraid my iPad Air deal is so popular that I’ll have to take a helmet to combat shoppers …if I actually make it to the vendor on time. No pain no gain right?
I wonder if HealthCare.gov will throw specials in Cyber Monday?
Talk about long lines.
I’m really excited, I never participate in Black Friday because companies usually hike up prices just to accommodate extra consumer traffic and boost their profit margins early, but this year will be really fun to follow the social media trends!