Place Tips, a new Facebook feature specially designed for connecting business with customers and potential customers is rolling out nationwide.
The beta testing of Place Tips started out in January in a number of select locations in New York City. Now, due to its initial success, the application is unveiling nationally, although only for iOS users so far.
Facebook is tapping in the business and retailers sector, offering its partners the possibility to reach out easier, faster and efficiently to both established clients, as well as potential customers.
All business owners have to do is have a registered business Facebook page. Afterwards they can request a free beacon to be installed in their physical stores and prompt notifications to users.
Beacons are small diamond-shaped devices that send a signal to a potential customer’s smartphone (for now only iPhones) when they find themselves in the vicinity of a business that has the device already installed.
Who knows when you might need a reminder that a flower shop is right around the corner and you need a bouquet for a special occasion that day.
Retailers cannot however advertise using Place Tips. The service simply prompts ads that are specific to the location and the business itself.
The beacons, the manufacturing of which has been externalised, are quite inexpensive gimmicks. Nonetheless, while offering them for free to businesses Facebook is reaffirming its confidence in its marketing strategies.
So, what are users able to see once the bluetooth connection is established and the Place Tips beacon works its magic? Users will be able to see initially a welcoming note, as well as photos of the business, the products, the location.
Of course, check-in and liking the official Facebook of each business will be asked of the users, but it is not compulsory in any way. You will be able to see recommendations and rating of the business, as well as any posts that might be featuring on the Facebook page.
Nonetheless, the beacon is only able to signal your phone if you have location services as well as bluetooth activated.
Concerns about privacy have been addressed as well by Facebook. Place Tips will not retrieve any user data and thus, no data will be shared with businesses that have the Place Tips beacon installed.
Image Source: siliconangle.com
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