Twitter Places to Be Launched Soon
Coming soon to a computer near you is a new tool from the social media gurus at Twitter. Twitter Places will allow its users to “claim” public places. Geo-locator tools like Twitter Places is not new and is the foundation of the highly successful FourSquare that offers Mayoralships and badges for frequently visiting different locations.
The introduction of Twitter Places puts them in direct competition with other established geo-locator social sites such as Foursquare, Gowalla and the newest addition of Facebook Places. Facebook Places now includes Facebook Deals which introduces incentives to merchants that have Facebook loyalty which in turn drives fresh and repeat business to their stores. Facebook Deals are promoted on the business’ Facebook page and people who subscribe to, and ‘like’ their Facebook Place will receive notification of any deals that are available.
Twitter Places is not a new feature but the novelty of simply showing friends “where you are now” gradually gets tired. It is hoped that the Twitter Places platform will provide benefits to businesses as well as the loyal user.
Twitter Places can learn from the successful Facebook Places and see how businesses are attracting new business and keeping loyal customers. Like other geo-location check in programs it allows people to share where they are, and see which friends are in the area. By allowing friends to see where their friends are, the social network really becomes a meeting place.
Can only be good news for business.