Facebook’s mobile application offers the option of searching for places ‘nearby’ when somebody is looking for a local business.
The nearby search function will return businesses that friends have either liked, recommended, or checked-into. Since Facebook is a social network, the tool works best with those users who are most actively social about sharing their travels and likes. To make your business more likely to appear on these searches, follow some simple guidelines to make your business more visible:
Make sure your business is listed in the correct category! Nearby Search allows users to search by broader categories such as restaurants or shopping as well as entering more specific criteria. You want to make sure that you have updated your business category to reflect the product for which you want to be found.
Keep your page active. Again, there is little point in using social media for your business if you do not plan on engaging with the users. The more interactive your business is online, the more you are likely to retain and attract folks who will like, recommend, or visit and check-in at your establishment. You can encourage these behaviors as well both online and in person with simple reminders and invitations.
Be current. Perhaps the most important piece of advice is to make sure that your business information is current and accurate. Make sure the address is correct, the phone number has been updated and business hours reflect your actual operating day. Other things to consider are payment options, seasonal promotions, and specials, all of which can be deciding factors for prospective customers.
By Don MacMelville