Groupon is increasing engagement on social media by teasing a Starbucks treat on Twitter, advising followers to continue checking its feed for a gift. 

The mobile coupon service is hoping to appeal to Starbucks fans by serving them a special deal on the social platform, following a hint from the previous day. Groupon is tapping into the appeal of the coffee brand as well as a large user base to engage with users.

?If Groupon can get fans to start to seeing Twitter as not just a place to see Groupon's 140-character thoughts on life, and more as a place to actually engage with deals, that is a win for Groupon,? said James McNally, senior manager of business development at Prolific Interactive, Brooklyn, NY.  ?Putting more emphasis on mobile and Groupon deals, is definitely a smart direction for Groupon to drive in.  

?Let's be realistic about what this promo is, a native banner telling people to go to Starbucks for a gift, in and of itself, this isn't a game changer by any means,? he said. 

Twitter users were tempted to check back on Groupon?s page after the discount retailer teased that a favorite deal will be available along with a picture of the iconic Starbucks? red holiday cups. Groupon tweeted out ?it is easy to add a little cheer this holiday season, stop by tomorrow for one of our favorite deals,? along with an illustration of the cups. 

Curious Twitter users checked back yesterday on Groupon?s account in which they were treated to another image of Starbucks? products, but with the text ?get a $10 for a $15 Starbucks Card eGift, it is the easiest way to spread a little cheer.? Starbucks fans click the link to purchase the deal on Groupon, which lasts for two days. 

Groupon is hoping to create a positive brand sentiment as well as a loyal following on social media. Consumers are likely to continue engaging with Groupon on Twitter and other social channels to have better access to better deals.  

General Electric also engaged with users on social media through a holiday-themed Instagram scavenger hunt that required users to journey through a series of connected accounts that highlight different advanced technologies while they searched for hidden snow globes (see more). 

Also, Allstate Insurance paired college football rivalries with its well-known Mayhem campaign by igniting a battle on Twitter, resulting in a live-stream with the losing teaming getting shredded (see more). 

?Chances are your average Groupon fan would also be a fan of something free from Starbucks, and of course the timing is basically right,? Mr. McNally said. ?However, while giving consumers a free Starbucks is a nice gesture, it is not a make or break for brand image, Groupon is not going to solve any fundamental problems by gifting coffees.?