Google Local vs. Facebook Applications

                     

As you know, there are many applications, whether local or network-aimed, that a business can use to expose themselves implementing Web 2.0 technology.  Google Local, for instance, is a free listing offered by Google, that allows a business to advertise for free.  For example, one can update their location and business information.  In addition, a business can even create coupons and add photos and videos.

Although Facebook has a few business applications that Google Local offers, it is more of a social networking device to find people.  This may be the direction of Facebook for now, but a few applications are leading this social component to advance on a business level.  For example, a business owner can benefit from the eventbrite application which allows a person to publish an event.  One can also create a fan page where persons included can view coupons and promotions.  Facebook also offers the ability to create polls.  In addition, a city search device, similar to Google Local, allows a business to post updated information and helps people within the network find you.  Facebook has a future in the business world if they enhance their business applications and give users an option of  depersonalizing the page.  For now, Google Local is the easy search device for customers to find local businesses and for the use of local businesses to appeal to the local customer.