News has it that Facebook is working on integrating a location based check-in feature where a user can update his/her status with. As the Business Insider quotes it, this new location based feature could be up and running anytime soon. Some questions as well predictions coming up in my mind right now. Let me detail them out to you.
Intimidating to Foursquare, Gowalla, Brightkite and other location based networks:
There is some serious threat to these networks due to a couple of factors Facebook has an edge on over these. One is that no one can question the aesthetics of Facebook when it comes to developments in their new features. Also secondly, a giant like Facebook if integrates the same, it can reach out to millions of people around the world in no time, which other location based networks will find it timely to reach out to. The popularity and easy to use User Interface of Facebook will definitely give it some major edge over other location based networks.
Customizable Location Updates?
I am still not sure whether or not Facebook will integrate this feature. One can readily customize or even add a new location for that matter, provided Facebook allows the same. This can get Facebook to a different level altogether as users will want to add their offices, homes, etc. as a location and tag it.
Worry For Google?
If this advancement goes through, Facebook will directly compete with Google for local advertising dollars as this will be location based. With the Geographical and Demo-graphical details with the advertisers, Facebook might just interfere in Google’s smooth revenue stream.
For Brands
As quoted by Advertising Age, Mc. Donald’s is the first of the brands to add this feature as it updated through their digital agency Tribal DDB, Chicago, that it is building an app with Facebook that would allow users to check in at one of its restaurants and have a featured product appear in the post. Facebook is not directly charging McDonald’s to build the app; Facebook generally does not charge developers to build on its platform. But executives with knowledge say it was negotiated as part of a bigger media buy on Facebook, and McDonald’s will be the first marketer to take advantage of the service.
This clearly opens up possibilities for brands to get on the massive audience Facebook has and start location based marketing.
Privacy is a BIG Concern
This move will open up a lot of privacy issues that many users will have on Facebook. But I am sure that Facebook is smart enough to realize and cater to its privacy concerned audience. This is a close loop which Facebook will have to fill in, considering the recent privacy concerns that it has already shown to all its users.
All in all, I have a situation to help you understand this better
Imagine yourself sitting in a Café Coffee day in Bandra with some of your friends and you look around to find some girl you want to approach. And there comes Facebook, when both of you are signed in to Café Coffee Day, Bandra on Facebook’s New Location Based Feature. Needless to say, you can easily find her on Facebook (without even knowing her name), *Poke Her*, *Post on her Wall* or *Send a Direct Message*. Sounds Interesting, doesn’t it?
Will Facebook replace other location based social networks? Will this be a better move for Targeted Social Media Marketing? Add your comments write under 
