Businesses are being urged to get involved with Facebook’s new Check In Deals discount service, which promises to generate awareness, encourage in-store traffic and increase repeat business.
Launched locally this week, the service works similarly to Foursquare by allowing users to “check in” at a location and browse deals on offer by businesses in the area. It also allows businesses to send users a deal.
Facebook has set up an information-rich page for businesses interested in setting up a deal, explaining in video format how the system works, how to create a deal as well as details about the types of check-in deals a business can offer and how to make them work.
According to B&T, a number of businesses were invited to jump on board for the launch, including Commonwealth Bank, 7-Eleven, KFC and Westfield.
The man in charge of Facebook in Australia, Paul Borrud, said the service has been well received in the US and Europe.
“It’s a natural extension of our product, and another feature that brands are utilising to connect with their customers. It’s part of what we recommend brands do in addition to connecting with their customers through targeted advertising.”
“It creates word-of-mouth marketing. Brands are really happy with what they’re seeing in the other markets it has launched in.”
7-Eleven Marketing Head Julie Laycock said geo-marketing is the ideal way to engage with customers on-the-go, as the mobile phone is typically the only device people have at point of sale.
“Facebook Check in Deals will be a game changer in the Australian retail space. While there are many websites offering coupons and deals, Facebook Check in Deals highlights deals available where smart phone customers shop and play.”
“Through smart phones and the Facebook Check in Deals application, 7-Eleven can now offer customers a deal that literally sits in their hip pocket.”
Laycock said she expects the platform will allow the company to bridge the gap between online engagement and real world experience.
