As many of you know, Freebies2Deals changed hands a couple of months ago. It’s been a pretty exciting ride thus far, and I hope to grow this awesome website even more and keep the hot deals coming!
I know not everyone is a big fan of change, but sometimes change can be a good thing. I’ve been working hard over these past month trying to implement some pretty awesome new features! I hope you all enjoy everything that Freebies2Deals has to offer now!
You can take a look at these changes below, and don’t forget to stick around and watch my video explaining some of these new features at the top of this post.
New Features on Freebies2Deals
Layout
As I’m sure you can see, Freebies2Deals looks a little different. The new Freebies2Deals has a much cleaner and less cluttered layout, which helps it load faster. From now on, you’ll only see snippets of each post. You can click on the title of each post to read more info on the deals you’re interested in.
Comments
Okay, so this is sort of an old new feature. I’ve decided to get rid of the Disqus commenting system and bring back the old comment system, since I know many of you weren’t happy with Disqus. Hopefully this is easier on everyone wanting to comment on a deal or post.
Text Alerts
The text alerts has to be my favorite part of the new Freebies2Deals! I now to text out only the absolute HOTTEST deals that might sell out very quickly, so you guys will never miss an awesome deal! To join the text alert program, just text FREEBIES to 41411, and reply back with the letter why when you get the confirmation text. You can read more about Text Alerts HERE.
Save the Dates
In the sidebar, I’ve also added a “Save the Dates” section. You can see more upcoming events by clicking on the View All Events button. I’ll be putting some important dates for upcoming freebies and deals in this section, so check back often!
Points
The new Freebies2Deals Points system is probably my second favorite new feature on Freebies2Deals! After you register for a free Freebies2Deals account and you’re logged in, you’ll be able to see a Points menu item at the top. I’m even giving you 100 Points, just for signing up! You can earn more Points by clicking on the Earn More menu item under Points. From there, you can earn Points by completing advertiser offers. Once you have enough Points, you can head over and redeem your points for awesome goodies like gift cards! I try to pick the best offers out there and stay away from the annoying spammy ones. Most Points should show up within a few hours, but some might take a few days to register. Be sure to check out the video (3:45 mark) for a more in-depth look at how Points work!
Forum
The Freebies2Deals forum is a place where all of us can come together and talk about all sorts of topics, like hot deals and even our parenting woes. I’m hoping we can all get a chance to meet each other and hopefully make some new friends, near and far! Feel free to suggest possible topics I might want to add to the forum in the comments section below too!
Disappointed
Not a fan of the new layout. Way too hard to see previous posts. Why in the world would a blog need a points system? Why is there a cart in the corner? I’m really disappointed in Melea for turning the site over to someone with such a different vision. I wish she would’ve just hired more help and continued to oversee the blog. It was such a sense of community. I guess I’m heading out to find a new one. Does anyone know of any good alternatives?
Heather
Well that was a bit of a bummer comment. Constructive criticism is always helpful, but asking followers for an alternative website? Not very kind in the least. Keep up the good work, Krissy. Thanks for doing all this work to help us save money. 🙂
Leigh
I’m kind of 1/2 & 1/2. I’ve been w/ the site since inception so I really miss the connection I’d forged w/ Melea. In a way, I feel betrayed that she left but, that’s my problem. However, I’m not going anywhere. I frequent multiple blogs & they have changed as well. It’s just a sign of the times. I haven’t adapted to them since I’m not a fan of change but, I also haven’t deserted them. I do love that the pages load faster, the multitude of deals & that I can now participate in discussions. : )
I don’t understand why a points system is warranted but, I’m not really that clear on it. If it’s involves texting (Katie’s comment below) I will not sign-up. I like the concept but, I don’t want to use up my minutes or the possibility of Spam. It’s just not worth the risk. I also don’t participate in any social media sites so that wouldn’t be an option. I’m already involved in many points programs so “my plate is quite full” keeping up w/ them.
I hope this hasn’t been too much of a “downer”. I just want “Disappointed” to know he/she isn’t alone.
Unrelated, I’ve been wanting to learn more about you. On the old format, it was at the top right of the screen & said “coming soon.” If it’s on the new format, please direct me.
Thanks!
Not as Disappointed as I seemed yesterday
Sorry, I was REALLY cranky in general yesterday. I won’t abandon the site and I’m sorry if my comments came across as mean spirited. I realize this blog is a lot of work and I appreciate all that goes into it and I have benefited a great deal from this blog and others like it, so I really shouldn’t complain so harshly.
I too have felt somewhat betrayed by Melea. After following her from the beginning, attending her book launch, etc. It’s difficult not to feel that all the support and enthusiasm for her has gone a bit unappreciated. But, like you said that’s not Krissy’s problem. (Shrugs)
I do appreciate you saying something. I was certainly feeling the odd one out yesterday which I think fueled my remarks.
I’ll go forward w/ a renewed perspective and open mindedness about change/growth. 🙂
Leigh
I’m so glad I was able to give you some much needed support!! I never had the pleasure of meeting her as I live in Oklahoma but, I did feel a real connection. I also know she had lots of other dreams to conquer. I only wish she would have let us in like she did on so many other things. Oh well… As I wished her, I’ll wish you the same…Good luck on your new journey.
Morgan
I like all the changes!
Kate
Sweet! Loved the old one and love the new one! That’s a lot of work to do to change it! I love the texting and the earning stuff. It reminds me of swagbucks, so as long as it’s not too spam stuff seems great!
Emily
I don’t mind the new layout but I think the light gray font is hard to read against the white background. It is all just a little too light. Darker or even bolded font would help.
Leigh
Good point. I agree.