Just when you thought Facebook was done playing around with its Places feature, they have once again improved it by adding the new Facebook Deals function to it. This function will allow shoppers to see discount offers that are nearby and share the deals with their friends. This function was created to reward shoppers for being frequent visitors of particular merchants and to boost posts and advertising for Facebook. Unlike other location based group discount websites, Facebook is not collecting any revenue from the deals and does not require a shopper to purchase the discount. The Deal is given in exchange for a post on Facebook and no personal information has to be exchanged with the retailer.
How do I get a deal?
In order to take advantage of these deals, you must check into a location through iPhone or other Android device. Then once checked into a location, any claimed places with Deals that are nearby will be shown with a yellow or green ticket icon for easy discovery. Once the Deal pops up, a person is able to click on the Deal to accept it and then show their phone to the merchant in order to receive the applicable discount. And voila, you now have a new pair of jeans, coffee, movie ticket, etc at a great price!
What does this mean for businesses?
This new feature will encourage trial and purchase at a business once a person has checked-in to a specific location. Satisfied customers may be motivated to make repeat visits and purchases once they are aware of the discounts and products offered. The feature will also show any deals that are offered in the area surrounding the checked-in location which should drive traffic into stores and create an awareness among local customers.
What deals are out there now?
Currently, Facebook has agreements with a number of popular retailers with great deals including:
H&M: 30% off any one regular priced item in stores across Canada.
Indigo: 40% off one regular priced book or toy at all Indigo, Chapters and Coles stores across Canada.
Joe Fresh®: Pick up $19 men’s and women’s denim for only $5 at any one of the four stand-alone Joe Fresh retail locations across Canada.
And many other deals with other major corporations such as WIND Mobile, Telus, Toronto Pearson International Airport and IMAX/AMC Theaters. Facebook will be looking to make agreements for local businesses the future which will allow small businesses in Vancouver to post their deals as well.
Check out what deals are being offered by businesses in your area and give us a shout to find out what discount offers are best suited for your business.
At October 17 Media we’ve been harping on making your web site mobile accessible for a while now. This company has taken it one step further and allows you to really capitalize on advertising to customers with iphones. They’ve developed a really neat application called ‘Clip Mobile’ for the iphone that allows you to post coupons and deals available to those who download the free application. We’ve asked the developers a few interview questions we think advertisers would like to know about getting their coupons onto the clip mobile network.
