The place to be

“Places” has just been released as the newest function on Facebook and its caught on like wild fire. Everyone is using it.

 How does it work?

It allows you to “check in” to locations where u currently are as well as tag those who you are with. The idea is so you can share with others your location and let your friends know where you are. Then, according to the Facebook blog, you can see if any of your friends have “checked in” to a location near by.

Personally I feel ‘Places’ is more of a marketing tool than anything else for two reasons.

Firstly, it is free advertising of businesses and locations. If on Friday night, I “check in” to a new club and tag my friends who I am with also, I am essentially advertising this place to all my friends and the friends of those who I have tagged as a place I recommend to be on a Friday night.

Secondly - while I do not think it has been incorporated yet, I’m certain it wont be long before it is – once users have checked in to certain locations, they will instantly be sent offers or information about the place and will continue to receive such information in the future. It is a great tool for marketers as they are essentially getting information on their exact target market.

Furthermore, the business can also benefit from this new application as they can use facebook to gather information and feedback on those who have “checked in” to certain places by monitoring comments and whether they left tips or advice etc. 

While at the moment places is still very new and some people are a little reluctant to use it as they feel it’s a little too much information, I think eventually it will become as common as status updates.