New Facebook "Places" gives small biz more marketing power

Last week Facebook announced the launch of their "Places" location based service.

We think this feature could not only be fun to use, but could also become a great tool for marketing your small business.  Following is quick overview of what it is and how it could play an important role in social media marketing for small businesses.

Facebook describes the feature as a way to help people share;

• where they are
• who is around them
• what is going on
• new places to go

Basically, you "check-in" using the Facebook "Places" feature and your activity shows up in your Facebook newsfeed.

If you use Foursquare or Gowilla - "Places" is based on a similar idea.

Where the "Places" feature becomes really interesting and powerful from a marketing perspective is when it is enabled on mobile devices.  The "Places" feature is currently enabled on iPhone and is in the works for Android and Blackberry.

So, how could this be used for marketing your small business?  This feature could open up exciting possibilities for local advertising tie-ins, coupons, offers etc.  As a small business you may have the ability to display an ad or offer a coupon to potential customers who, through their Facebook profile, you know like the type of products and services you offer when they are currently near your business. Wow - we think that could be really powerful.  To get started with "Places" for promoting your business, you first need to claim your Facebook Place page.

There is a lot of buzz about this new feature, both positive and negative. As with any location based service, think Foursquare or Gowilla, privacy issues are always a conern.  It remains to be seen how far and wide the "Places" feature will be adopted.  We'll be watching this closely and keep you updated as this new feature evolves.

If you have any questions or would like help in claiming your Facebook Place page, contact us at OrganikSEO.com