I have been closely watching the news and sentiment surrounding the launch of Facebook Places over the last two days. Like most new Facebook announcements, it has been greeted with dislike, distrust, and much harumphing and discussion in the user community – despite the fact that we all knew it was coming for months now.
…Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to try it out yet as I don’t have a touch device or iPhone – an annoyance when it comes to most of the location based services – likefoursquare – which I can text locations to or use through my laptop; gowalla – which only works for iPhone, Andorid, Blackberry, and Palm or through my laptop; and loopt – which actually DOES work on my Verizon supported LG Envy2, but costs $3.99 p/m.) You can theoretically view Facebook Places on http://touch.facebook.com/#home.php which looks like an alternate layout to your standard Facebook page. At this time, the Places application is available to users in the United States with mobile access to the Facebook application for iPhone or touch.facebook.com.
WHAT IS IT
According to Facebook, Places is a Facebook feature that allows you to “see where your friends are and share your location in the real world. When you use Places, you’ll be able to see if any of your friends are currently checked in nearby and connect with them easily. You can check into nearby Places to tell your friends where you are, tag your friends in the Places you visit, and view comments your friends have made about the Places you visit.”
PRIVACY
One of the primary concerns with Facebook’s newest venture is privacy. The social networking giant hasn’t had the best track record lately, and when you get into a geo-location tool with access to 500 million people’s very personal information and whereabouts, the paranoia can run high. Unlike foursquare or similar services where you knowingly choose that application and sign up for it, people did not join Facebook for tracking features. Places allows OTHER PEOPLE to tag you with your location and see your whereabouts if you are nearby. If you are concerned with your privacy, you can change your settings to disable any of these features, or limit them as you see fit. You can also manually remove individual tags if your friends tag you at certain locations.
WHAT SHOULD I DO
If you are able to access the program, you should log in and “Create A Place” for your business. If you don’t, eventually someone else will and it may not properly reflect your brand or information. Even if you don’t plan on taking advantage of this tool, make sure your company is represented correctly. (Like Google, Facebook does have a process for you to “claim” your listing if someone else creates it first.)
Like other geo-location tools, Places will eventually enable companies to target users near them, advertise directly, and offer promotions to users who are in their vicinity. Restaurants and bars in particular should look into early adapting- offering discounts and special offers to customers who “check-in” is a great way to spread your brand virally through the user’s network. Be sure to reward those who do visit as well. Some businesses offer a special standing deal on foursquare to the most loyal of users, “the mayor” (the user who has checked in the most times at that particular location).
If you want a laugh, Facebook has actually released an absolutely ridiculous video talking about Places as if it is some groundbreaking, world saving, phenomenon.
Related Reading:
Three Ways Business Can Take Advantage of Facebook Places
Facebook Places iPhone App, Check-Ins with Friends Tagging
Facebook Places Shares Where You Are
How To DISABLE Facebook Places
Google: Hey, We’ve Got Places Too
Tags: Corrie Davidson, facebook, foursquare, geo-location, gowalla, location, loopt, mobile, places
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