Facebook versus Google

Facebook Places

 

 Although the service is currently only available in the US, Facebook said it will be rolling out the tool to other countries in the coming months.

What does that mean for your business? Well, it means that Facebook is providing your business with a powerful tool for promoting your business, expanding your customer base, and marketing your brand. That is, assuming you take steps to embrace Facebook Places and use it effectively. Here are three ways your business should take advantage of Facebook Places:

1.With Special Offers. Provide special discounts or promotional items for customers who show that they have checked in with Facebook Places during the current visit. The business can use signs in the store, or at the cash register, as well as Twitter and Facebook to encourage users to check-in to Facebook Places to receive the special offer.

2. Promoting Your Business. Word of mouth is one of the most effective forms of advertising--that is why location-based services like Foursquare or Yelp have grown so much in the first place. Encourage customers to share their experience with your business, and engage them to promote the business for you by providing specials or discounts for customers who post photos or reviews of the business, or share Facebook and Twitter updates from the business with their friends.

3. Rewarding Customer Loyalty. Getting customers is good for business, but getting loyal repeat customers is the key to a truly successful business. Give customers a reason to keep coming back by providing a special discount,the business can create a special offer just for the designated Facebook Places "leader" and exploit the natural competitiveness of customers to drive return visits.

Using the power of internet promotion.