Our favorite social media network is at it again. Facebook is currently testing a new and improved local search feature that may take away from Foursquare, Yelp, and Google Maps. According to TechCrunch, Facebook has confirmed that users are able to catch recommendations of nearby places. This works by entering something like “nearby vet” or “orthodontist nearby” in the mobile or web search of Facebook. By doing this, users will receive a list of relevant businesses near their location, as well as their Facebook ratings, map, and friends who have liked or visited the place in query.
At the moment Facebook is declining to share any further details on this addition, or how long this testing has been in progress. It is possible that some users are able to utilize this function, while others are slowly gaining access or don’t have it at all.
In regards to how Facebook determines which results to provide to the user, that answer is currently uncertain. It has been noted that the order of which locations are shown first is not determined by the number of reviews, rating, or proximity to your current location.
We will continue to keep you informed on this new Facebook feature as it unfolds. In the meantime, connect with Solutions by Design on social media to stay updated on social media news and more.