Small Businesses Can Cash In on New Facebook Deals Program

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Written by NewMediaPlus Staff | 14 December 2010

Okay, some of you may know that Facebook just launched a deals service on its Places platform.

First, an explanation of Facebook Places. It's a location-based application that allows mobile device users to "check in" to places and let their friends know where they are and what they are up to.

Here's how Facebook Deals works: it offers deals from businesses that mobile device users are geographically close to. Pretty cool. Facebook has tons of partners for this service, offering great deals and bargains, especially for holiday shopping.

If you are a business owner and want to capitalize on the new targeted and geo-located advertising trend, this seems like a good place to make a splash.

Why would your business consider such a thing? Well, if you place an ad in a newspaper or phone book, you have no idea if a consumer is going to want your product or service. With Facebook Deals, you know the customer is within your business's proximity! With check-ins, you are encouraging potential customers to enter the premises of your establishment. Of course, it is easier to close a sale when a customer is already in your store.

This type of advertising is hyper-targeted. Here is where it goes viral, though: every time a user checks into a place, their Facebook friends find out. Sounds like free advertising! Business owners are able to create individual deals or loyalty deals to encourage repeat customers. Hard Rock Café, JC Penney, H&M, Starbucks and others have already signed on. I personally like the Las Vegas Deals:

One example is The Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas: Check in to receive an offer to extend your stay for one extra night at no cost. If you can't stay the extra night, receive a room upgrade.

A check in at Harrah's, Bally's, Paris Las Vegas or Caesars Palace will land you a bargain, too! Every check-in in Sin City is going to help you with either holiday shopping or a big, ol' bargain. What happens in Vegas...

If you are a business owner, you had better claim your Facebook Place now so that you are eligible to offer a deal when someone checks in!

Facebook has optimized deals for the iPhone, as well. You can access that site at the following address: touch.facebook.com.

Click here http://bit.ly/hmOF26 for the full article.