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As we all know, Facebook Places launched last week and there has been a ton of buzz surrounding the new check-in function on Facebook.  With other geo-location services like Foursquare, Yelp, and Gowalla, being as successful as they have been, Facebook Places stands to be a hefty competitor in this realm.  We believe it may even take over since it allows a user to check-in and use Facebook all from one application rather than using a separate application to check-in at a venue.  For now, if you own an iPhone you can check-in at a venue via your Facebook app.  For those with other smart phones your apps have not been updated yet but rumor has it that they will be rolling out Droid and Blackberry updates soon.  For now you can use the Facebook mobile site at http://touch.facebook.com/ to check in on Places.

Because we think Facebook Places will eventually turn into the next giant of geo-location services, we have made a how to guide on claiming your business on Facebook Places so that your customers and clients can check-in and interact with each other via your Places page and hopefully write raving reviews about your services.

Before we jump into the steps, you are probably wondering, “what is the difference between a Facebook Fan Page and a Facebook Places page, and why do I need both for my business?”  A business fan page is used to interact with your fans and share pertinent information about your business with them.  The Places page allows your visitors to check-in and then share their check-in with their entire network.  Places also allows users to share your Place with their Facebook friends.  In addition, when a user checks-in via Facebook Places they can tag the people they are with which then shares that check-in with their friend’s friends and so on.  It also allows a user to type in a comment or even a review as they check in if they choose to do so.  Lastly, when someone checks-in at let’s say Starbucks, Places shows that user if any of their friends are nearby and can spark a meet-up which in turn increases exposure and business for you.  So, even though it may seem tedious to have BOTH a business fan page and a Places page, it benefits you to have both and increases your exposure.

Here is the quick and dirty of how to claim your business on Facebook Places:

1. When you are at your place of business, check-in using the iPhone app or mobile version of the Facebook site mentioned above.  If your venue doesn’t already exist you can add your venue and a short description of what you do.
2. Go to your Facebook page via your laptop or computer and click on the venue you checked into.  In the first image below “Ichiban Sushi” is where I checked in so if I were the venue owner I’d click on that.  
3. Once you click on the venue you will get a screen that looks like image number 2 below.
4. If it is your business you can click on “Is this your business?” at the bottom of the page.  Once you click on that you will be led through a business verification process.  You will then walk through the process on the Claim Place page.  As you can see in the 3rd image below you will have to provide documentation to prove that you are a valid business.
5. You will then receive an email from Facebook stating that they are working on your request and will get back to you shortly.
6. Once your business is claimed you can start encouraging customers to check-in when they come to your place of business and even offer incentives or deals for people who do so!

Marketing Mud continues to lead the way in offering their clients new and innovative ways to meet their business needs. From the budding hospitality segment of Marketing Mud comes a new and informative website that is specifically focused on product offerings in the category of tradeshow and pop-up displays.

This category of products offers a multitude of options from the very inexpensive and basic, to full room display options.

We invite all of you to click the link below and check out the new site. The site allows you to see dimensions, products, and graphics options.  www.thedisplaypages.com/marketing-mud  

If you have any further questions or need assistance in your searching, please call Marketing Mud at 352-275-5955.

"We Love Cool People" is the brilliant slogan that LibertyAir Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. uses throughout it's website and marketing materials.  That's just one reason why we felt lucky when they contacted us to design  a custom welcome landing tab and coupon tab for their Facebook fan page.  We had so much fun with this client because we were able to help them embed video testimonials and other cool features onto their Facebook Welcome tab, and we even created a great coupon tab for their customers.  

Gina Ferrara, Vice President of LibertyAir, stated, "Yesterday I gave a sales presentation at the Gateway Grand for a business group. I used our Facebook fan page for the first 8 minutes of my presentation navigating to our website, YouTube videos, etc. During the Q&A time, I received questions not only about air conditioning and heating but also, "How come my fan page doesn't look as good as yours?" And, "Well who did you hire to do your page?" I was able to give a nice plug for Marketing Mud. I hope it drives business your way. I was proud to have a presentation piece that not only was convenient (as you have made it with the four buttons on the welcome page easy to navigate) but also an aesthetically eye-pleasing piece.  Our company's identity and brand image remains the first impression for many customers and I thank you for the nice work you did for us on facebook!!"

We had so much fun working with LibertyAir and are always excited for any challenge or opportunity our customer sends our way.  Hopefully we can help others with their Facebook campaigns and overall social media presence!  Thanks for this wonderful testimonial LibertyAir!

Marketing Mud proudly announces a new division to the company!

'Marketing Mud Cares' is a new program that will provide advertising and marketing solutions for nonprofit organizations in our community at no charge.  Marketing Mud Cares will select organizations to receive creative campaign services, marketing assistance and consulting.  

The recipients are selected based on their need and impact within the community.  It is Marketing Mud Cares mission to serve all those in need of creative services.

The Marketing Mud team members are all very excited to contribute and give back by putting their individual talents to use! Visit our talented team at www.marketingmud.com/meet-us.

Stay tuned for future announcements and updates on this great program that is sure to change the face of many local organizations!