Facebook is always searching for new ways to connect users with businesses and to provide a better overall experience;
Recently, Facebook has started to roll out its very own Bluetooth Beacons to select businesses and with the increased popularity of beacons in general, it is not surprising that Facebook is taking advantage of this technology.
If you are not familiar with beacons, here is a definition from Business Insider: “Beacons are a low-cost piece of hardware (small enough to attach to a wall or countertop) that use battery-friendly, low-engery Bluetooth connections to transmit messages or prompts directly to a smartphone or tablet.”
Here is what the device will look like:
So how will Facebook Bluetooth Beacons work? The beacon determines the location using the guest’s cellular network. This means when guests step foot on your property the beacon will be activiated and transmit information over to the guest’s phone. These beacons will transmit 3 types of information:
- Prompts guests to like your page and check in
- Will show posts from your Facebook page
- Display recommendations
These recommendations that guests will see are known as ‘Place Tips.’ Guests are able to see any relevant tips left by friends and others who have visited before them. In addition, they will be able to leave their own tips for others to see.
For now, Facebook is only offering beacons to a select number of businesses. If your hotel has been chosen, you will see this notification towards the top of your Facebook profile page.
Click on the ‘Get Free Beacon’ button, and another window will pop up.
This window explains a little more about the benefits to the guest entering your property, and shows a short 6 second video (with no words) of how the beacon will transmit messages to your guest’s phone. If you decide you wish to receive a beacon, go ahead and click the ‘Request Free Beacon’ button.
These features are great because they encourage guests to engage with your hotel on Facebook while they are actually on the property. It will also give them tips to make their experience even more enjoyable. Will your hotel take advantage of Facebook Bluetooth Beacons?
About the author
Arielle Sanchez is the Digital Media Manager at E-Marketing Associates, where she writes personalized copy for hotel websites, assists independent hotels with social media, and blogs regularly for the E-Marketing Associates Blog. E-Marketing Associates works exclusively with independent hotels and builds innovative online marketing products that increase direct bookings and drive top-line revenue.
E-Marketing Associates helps independent hotels increase direct bookings and reduce reliance on OTAs. We build innovative online marketing products that deliver the best ROI for independent hotels. Our products aim to ultimately drive top-line revenue.
www.e-marketingassociates.com
