In a move to make itself the be-all and end-all for all of your social needs, Facebook recently introduced a new and improved version of the Places Directory.
The new directory offers Yelp a run for its money, highlighting the best bars, cafes, attractions, gyms, universities, supermarkets and landmarks locally as well as across the globe. What sets the Places Directory apart from Yelp is that it is powered by information that comes from Facebook Graph Search, showing off places that have the best user rankings, as well as comments that your friends have left in review of specific places. Although there are people who review destinations for a living, what better way to get the scoop on somewhere new than from a friend?
Social Travel Directories
Facebook's Places Directory Helps You Explore the Best of What's Nearby
Trend Themes
1. Social Recommendations - Opportunity to create platforms that leverage social connections and user rankings to provide personalized recommendations for various industries.
2. User-generated Content - Potential for industries to tap into user-generated content and leverage it to showcase their products or services in a more authentic and trustworthy way.
3. Location-based Discovery - Ability to develop innovative location-based discovery platforms that help users explore the best local attractions, businesses, and landmarks.
Industry Implications
1. Travel and Tourism - Opportunity for the travel and tourism industry to integrate social recommendations and user-generated content to enhance the travel planning and discovery process.
2. Food and Beverage - Potential for food and beverage industry to leverage user rankings and recommendations to promote popular bars, cafes, and restaurants to a wider audience.
3. E-commerce - Ability for e-commerce industry to incorporate location-based discovery features to help users find nearby supermarkets and specific products based on user reviews and recommendations.