Facebook is encouraging select local businesses to promote their Facebook pages with the new “text to like” feature. As an incentive, Facebook is gifting these businesses with Facebook-branded window decals customized with the URL of each business’s Facebook page and instructions on how to “like” that particular message by sending an SMS. Social media news blog Mashable confirmed yesterday that select local businesses have already started receiving the “text to like” stickers in their mailboxes.
Aside from the fact that Facebook’s use of the word “like” is totally out of control, I believe local businesses would be wise to leverage this free tool to introduce their brand to as many Facebook users as possible. Last year, the number of people who use Facebook grew by a staggering 145% — from 42 million to 103 million users.
But what if Facebook doesn’t send your local business one of these window stickers? Or what if you don’t qualify as a local business? Actually, it turns out that the “text to like” feature is available to anyone with a custom URL on Facebook.
I tested this myself by sending a text to 32665, Facebook’s mobile messaging number, with the words “like 9news” and received a confirmation message almost immediately. http://facebook.com/9news/ is the custom URL of the most accurate source of local weather information where I live, and that’s saying something as Colorado weather is notoriously unpredictable. Now my Facebook profile page will indicate that I “like” this page, and I will receive a text with the local weather information each day instead of having to log onto 9 News Weather’s website. Rad!
You should be aware that in order to use the “text to like” feature, you must have activated Facebook Mobile Texts in the account settings for your Facebook account and have confirmed your mobile number. To confirm your mobile phone with Facebook, click on the “mobile” tab in your account settings. Account settings can be accessed from your profile page.
Editor’s Note: Facebook has strict terms regarding the terminology, logos and icons that may used to promote Facebook pages. It is recommended that you read these terms of use thoroughly before designing anything for the purpose of promoting your Facebook page. Neither ChristyCorrell.com nor Honey Tree Media LLC is responsible for anyone who violates Facebook’s TOS.
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hi there, this sounds interesting. i was wondering – do you know if this is available in other countries like Australia for example?
Mitesh, I don’t know about other countries, but yes, this works on Australian profiles. For example: http://au.linkedin.com/in/petertaliangis
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