Importance: [rating=3]
Recommended link: Facebook blog announcement
Most sites have reported this update as a response by Facebook to Google+. It’s true that Facebook has surfaced features to make it easier to share with a custom group of friends (sound similar to G+ Circles?):
What we found most interesting in this update was this quote: We are phasing out the mobile-only Places feature. Settings associated with it are also being phased out or removed. (You can read more about how location works and settings affected here.
So Facebook is killing off the Places sub-brand, but the functionality seems to be continuing as a more integrated and less memorable “Share where you are”.
It’s now a much more subtle feature, but once switched on will show all your locations until you switch it off.
It doesn't seem to be enabled within my Facebook just yet.
The change from Places is significant for marketers since it means the concept of the “check-in” in Facebook isn’t as explicit.
When Facebook Places was announced around a year ago it was said it would kill-off the location apps like Foursquare and Gowalla, but it seems that these will have a second life and good opportunities for engaging customers remain with these options for location-based marketing.
By Dave Chaffey
Digital strategist Dr Dave Chaffey is co-founder and Content Director of online marketing training platform and publisher Smart Insights. 'Dr Dave' is known for his strategic, but practical, data-driven advice. He has trained and consulted with many business of all sizes in most sectors. These include large international B2B and B2C brands including 3M, BP, Barclaycard, Dell, Confused.com, HSBC, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, M&G Investment, Rentokil Initial, O2, Royal Canin (Mars Group) plus many smaller businesses. Dave is editor of the templates, guides and courses in our digital marketing resource library used by our Business members to plan, manage and optimize their marketing. Free members can access our free sample templates here. Dave is also keynote speaker, trainer and consultant who is author of 5 bestselling books on digital marketing including Digital Marketing Excellence and Digital Marketing: Strategy, Implementation and Practice. In 2004 he was recognised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing as one of 50 marketing ‘gurus’ worldwide who have helped shape the future of marketing. My personal site, DaveChaffey.com, lists my latest Digital marketing and E-commerce books and support materials including a digital marketing glossary. Please connect on LinkedIn to receive updates or ask me a question.
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