Facebook recently updated its “Nearby” feature in its iOS and Android mobile apps. The new version of Nearby allows users to find places of interest near their current location, using recommendations from friends. This is a nifty tool for consumers and businesses alike. For small businesses looking to take advantage of the new feature, the first step is the claim or create “Place” and business pages, and include all the basic details (e.g., phone number, email address, hours of operation, etc.). As of now, only single locations and pages can be merged, so businesses with multiple locations will have to wait to be able to merge those pages. To make the most of Nearby, businesses should encourage their fans to check in at their locations and rate the business with stars. Incentives can be used to compel customers to do this. Facebook’s Nearby feature already appears to be a threat to the likes of Yelp, Foursquare and Groupon. (MySocialAgency, TechCrunch, USA Today)
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