A Facebook check-in is a post linked to a location. It can be as specific as a restaurant, cafe, or stadium, or as general as a city or town. Although more often than not people use the Facebook check-in merely to let people know what sort of neat places they have been, you can also use the feature as a more realistic method, by checking in when you arrive somewhere to tell a large group that is attempting to arrange a meeting, for example.
And in more serious situations, a Facebook check-in is a safe way to easily inform dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of people of your whereabouts, maybe informing your network that you’re OK after a hurricane, a wildfire, or a terrorist attack.
But consider that many users outside your immediate circle of Facebook friends are likely to see your check-in, so don’t post your physical location too lightly.
How to Check-in on Facebook Using the App
The Facebook app makes it extremely easy to check-in. Just open it and you’re going to see how.
- Open the Facebook app, then tap the words “Check in on the top right of the phone.
- Choose your location from the list that appears or key in the location you want.
- Add notes, tags, pictures, and so on, then tap “Share” in the top right corner.
How to Check-in on Facebook Using a Computer
Even if it’s a little less convenient than checking in via smartphone, using a laptop or desktop computer to check in on Facebook is still very easy.
- Sign on to your FB profile and navigate to your feed.
- At the bottom right corner of the “Create Post” window at the top of the feed, click the three horizontal dots in a light gray oval.
- Click the “Check-in” button with the red chart marker symbol.
- Pick the location you want from the list that exists, or type in your selected location.
- Attach any other features you want such as images, tagged contacts, etc. then enter any content you want and press the “Share” button at the bottom of the post.
The Value of Facebook Check-in
Imagine that you were trying to create the ultimate social media post to help your business. What sort of details would you have included? Location? Ratings? People who have gone there? Pictures of your community?
It turns out that this is precisely how Facebook check-ins work, and it’s the most beneficial source of publicity a business owner might wish for.
Facebook Check-Ins Offer a Lot of Useful Information About Your Business Facebook
Check-Ins contain all the information a prospective customer might search for – your location, ratings, and a link to your Facebook profile for more information. When a check-in is displayed on a mobile screen, even driving directions can be shown by clicking the map.
Most notably, Facebook Check-Ins act as a personal referral from one friend to another. By checking in a Facebook user endorses a business. And people don’t share details about the location they’ve been to unless they believe their friends are interested in it.
Check-Ins Engage Clients with Your Enterprise
The check-in experience does not end after the initial post. Facebook even highlights pictures of friends who have been there, recommendations they’ve made, other important places in the vicinity, and also photos from your Facebook profile. Facebook also offers you the opportunity to advertise a deal, such as a new consumer discount or a running sale.
Each Check-In is Seen by Over 200 Friends
This is perhaps the most important thing about Facebook check-ins — they’re usually seen by at least 200 friends of the person who’s checking in! It’s always more than that. It can go up by as many as 600 impressions of a single Facebook check-in.
This means that anytime someone checks in, they’re recommending your company to hundreds of their peers. This quickly makes Facebook check-ins the most effective way to promote word-of-mouth referrals. If you’re not constantly creating Facebook check-ins for your company, you’re losing out on a real source of growth.
Make Sure Your Facebook Page Is Enabled For Check-Ins
Facebook check-ins will only support your company if you set up your Facebook page in the right way. After that, you’ll want to track your business’ check-in activities regularly. Take a look at who’s checking in, see what they’re thinking, and react to messages, and you’ll go a long way to engage consumers.