Adding Facebook Places To Your Digital Marketing Strategy

Google is entering the social media sphere in a big way. The threat of Facebook's 500 million-strong army of users is believed to have influenced Google's decision to acquire a slice of the social media pie. It is really quite simple: if you can't beat them, buy them!

In 2010, Google acquired more than 18 social media websites, including Like.com, Jambool and Slide.com. This collection fuelled speculation that Google is planning to create its own social networking website called 'Google Me'. At the same time, Facebook worked on increasing its localness. In August 2010, Facebook acquired 'Hot Potato', a Brooklyn-based event check-in application.

Foursquare, the other leader in the check-in space, is said to have turned down an offer of $120 million from Facebook. Digital marketing pundits believe that the website will need to do something really big, if it wishes to stay ahead of Google and Facebook, and be relevant at the same time.

Making Use Of The Opportunity

The first step towards entering the social check-in space is to claim your listing on both Google Places and Facebook Places. Just like Google Places, local businesses can create and claim their Facebook Places page, without having to pay anything. Ensure that the business information displayed on your Places page is accurate. Once you claim your Places page, you can place digital marketing advertisements across Facebook. You can even use digital marketing ads to target people who have 'liked' your Places page.

Many of the leading digital marketing brands have been rewarding users who 'check-in' to their 'Places' on social deal sites like Foursquare, Loopt and Gowalla. Facebook Places also helps in generating friend referrals, and enhancing trust in the company. Hence, local companies should consider rewarding people who check-in to their Places, by offering discounts and other special offers.

Before you develop a system for offering digital marketing rewards to people who check-in, here are some things you should consider:

. Don't give away too much too soon. Ensure that the customer checks-in to your Place a few times, before you give them a freebie or digital marketing discount.

. Give them something that is worth checking-in for. The digital marketing reward which you offer customers should have some value, especially if they have to check-in several times to take advantage of it.

Similar to Google Places, Facebook Places also helps digital marketing specialists reach a higher amount of potential customers through referrals and searches. The personal recommendation feature of Facebook Places, sets it apart from Google, and helps increase consumer trust and loyalty. With these two giant players, we can say that the local marketplace is becoming more competitive and exciting, everyday!

Qudos Digital is a leading digital marketing agency and can be contacted on 020 8891 2077 or info@qudosdigital.co.uk.

Digital Consultancy

Analytics Online Brand Management Conversion & Usability Digital Strategy SEO Consultancy Training & Recruitment

Contact Us

Qudos Digital
70 London Road,
Twickenham, London TW1 3QS
Tel: 020 8891 2077
Fax: 0845 280 0338
Email: info@qudosdigital.co.uk