Facebook Places can be thought of as like Google Maps, but social. When you use Facebook Places, it geolocates you, shows your nearby businesses and points of interest and lets you broadcast where you are to your friends. Read on to learn how you can take advantage of Facebook Places as a business.
Why use Facebook Places?
Every business with an online and physical presence should know the importance of having your physical business locations on Google Maps. When people search the area, you want your business to show up in relevant searches and also as suggested places. Facebook Places is the Facebook equivalent, and it’s just as much worth your while to have your business on their maps, too.
How does Facebook Places work?
Facebook Places works a lot like Google Maps in terms of how it allows users to search around them. The big differentiator is that Facebook Places is inherently social and places a lot of emphasis on ratings left by users. When you browse for places on Facebook Places, it prominently displays ratings and reviews left by your friends and others. Highly rated places will be promoted on Facebook Places.
Facebook promotes places not just local to the user, but from around the globe as well. The most highly rated places get shown to users around your country and the world, so it represents a huge opportunity for your business to attract attention from locals and tourists alike.
How do I list my business on Facebook Places?
Your business will be added to Facebook Places the first time someone physically ‘checks in’ from the location while using Facebook Places. This means either you or a customer could add your business to Facebook Places, so it’s highly recommended that you check and do so, regardless of if you plan on using it much.
Whether you or a customer add it, you can claim your Facebook Place for your own business page. You can simply select ‘Know the Owner?’ to start a verification process and allow you to tie your Facebook Place to your Facebook Page and help promote both online.
