Facebook Tests Improvements To Its Local Search Functionality

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Facebook‘s local search hasn’t been particularly useful until now. It’s really not something people use very often, and Facebook wants to change that. So, it’s currently testing improvements that will make the feature a lot better.

Nowadays, the best way for anyone to look for a restaurant or bar, is to open up Google Maps and search for something. In most cases, you’ll be able to get a few great recommendations, all with ratings and reviews from other users. Now, Facebook is improving its own local search functionality, with some new features of its own. With the latest tests many users will now able to search on Facebook for “Vietnamese nearby,” “restaurant nearby,” or “bar nearby,” and get some pretty good recommendations based on that search.

: Desktop View – Search results

: Mobile View – Search results

: Mobile View – Filters

When performing a local search, the results that come up are the business’s name, address, phone number, operating hours, how expensive it is (1-4 dollar signs), and user rating (1-5 stars). The search will also surface a map showing where the business is, photos of the business, and a notification whether friends have checked in, in the past. Finally, users can also find what others say about the business. i.e. “People talk about arcade machines, craft beer and burger.”

Forget Google Maps! Facebook’s testing its own local search features!

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The businesses appearing in local searches also have a save button to their right, allowing users to save them for later. Some include Like buttons, Sign up, Shop now, Call now, and other CTAs, depending on whether the person searching is on desktop or mobile. Users can also filter their search results by distance, relevance, popularity, visited by friends, and “good for groups.” Again, these filters may or may not appear, depending on whether you’re on desktop or mobile.

Thanks Facebook!