With active user numbers passing the 500 million mark last year and more than 200 million active users accessing Facebook via mobile devices, it's imperative that your business do everything in it's power to make your brand visible to the Facebook's social media masses. 

Facebook Deals marks Facebook's official entry into the foray of mobile check-ins and deal offerings. If you have a business with a physical location where customers or patrons visit you in person, Deals can be an incredible tool. By offering deals you will be able to generate awareness,  build loyalty, encourage in-store traffic and ultimately drive more sales. 

What is it?

Facebook Deals gives businesses the opportunity to reward customers when they visit or "check-in" at your business. Facebook launched Places in August of 2010 allowing customers to share that they're visiting your location with the rest of their friends. Deals connects businesses with people even more effectively, by offering them a reward for sharing. On average, typical Facebook users have 130 or more friends. Every time your customer checks in at your location they are potentially broadcasting the name of your business and a description of your business to 130 different people on average.

What types of deals can you offer?

Individual Deals - These are one-time deals that are offered to both new and existing customers. Launch a new product, offer a gift with purchase, give a "percentage off your purchase" deal or  shed excess inventory.

Loyalty Deals - Want to focus on rewarding your most loyal customers? These deals can only be claimed by customers after a certain number of check-ins. This option gives your business the opportunity to create a deal that can be claimed after no fewer than two and no more than 20 check-ins.

Friend Deals - People don't always buy, shop or eat alone. Friend Deals allow you to offer discounts to groups of up to 8 people, when they check in together. These deals can be very powerful because in order to claim your deal, customers need to introduce your business and your offer to their friends and family.

Charity Deals - WTG Facebook! Charity Deals show people you care about more than just your bottom line. Each time a customer claims your deal, your company agrees to make a donation in the amount of your choice to the charity of your choice. While the donation process must be managed by you, we're big fans of finding ways to use your business to make a difference in the lives of others.

Individual Deal and Loyalty Deal offerings.

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Friend Deal and Charity Deal offerings.

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A quick look at the steps you take to create a deal for your business.

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A preview of how a Deal would look when a customer checks into your location.

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How do I get started?

We here at Little Egg Creative are super excited about social media and we're ready to help you get things started. Contact us and we'll help you get the ball rolling.

At time of publishing, Facebook Deals is only available in beta and is only available to a limited set of businesses in the US. If you're part of the initial beta, you'll notice a "Create Deal" button at the top right of your Place.

If you want to go ahead and do a little DIY legwork:

First, you'll need to create a "Place" for your business.