Although Facebook hasn't made any formal announcements on the , the , which we found thanks to Search Engine Land.
Facebook also added new ways for customers to send private messages to Page owners, along with new tools for Page administrators to manage and respond to messages. There are no direct links to the feature from Facebook's homepage or its mobile apps. This new feature connects users to nearly any kind of service they may need that is available locally.
The current search categories include Arts & Marketing, Automotive, Business Services, Event Planning, Financial Services, Home Improvement, Lifestyle Services, Medical & Health, Pet Service and Spa, Beauty & Personal Care.
Facebook wants to tell you about local businesses, including ratings and reviews from your friends and others who have taken advantage of their offerings.
Facebook being Facebook, is not just suggesting services that other people liked, but the ones that the user may be most interested in.
Facebook's new feature to help locate reputable businesses
Facebook is competing with tech giants such as Google and Amazon for the online loyalty and advertising dollars of small businesses.
Once a user selects a type of service, they'll see a list of business options - not actually displayed in order of their ratings or reviews, but with that information prominently listed. If it opts to move forward with this service, the company will also face competition from established referral and directory companies like Yelp and Angie's List, as well as fast-growing San Francisco-based upstart Thumbtack.
A hidden section of Facebook unearthed by a social media manager today suggests the social network may try and compete with Yelp as the go-to directory for local businesses.
Is having any impact?
Congress overwhelmingly backs 5-year bill that boosts highway spending
Customs fees will be indexed to inflation, and the money will be used to help offset the cost of highway and transit programs. Rivera said the federal funds are for capital improvements only, and won't help with the city's maintenance issues.
