Friday, 03, Sep 2010 11:55
Facebook Places, the social media giant's latest application, has received much media hype - but what effect will it have on businesses?
Michael Boland of BIA/Kelsey, writing for Search Engine Watch, has suggested that the app will herald an effective way for businesses to publicise physical shops to both existing and potential clients.
Noting that the application brings Facebook into the offline world, Mr Boland suggests that it will enable local buyers and sellers to interact in new ways.
"Facebook Places will likely take the role of platform and audience aggregator. It will bring check-ins to the mainstream," he comments.
Users checking-in to businesses automatically markets the company to users on their friends list, as they will appear in their news feed.
Mr Boland comments it remains to be seen how extensively the application is utilised and whether local check-in will now come into the mainstream or not.
Stephen Foley of the Independent recently commented that, if such apps do make their way into the mainstream, it could completely change how companies advertise.
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