Facebook’s events App, which had been in existence for around a year, is being rebranded. The aptly named application, Local operates in a separate app from Facebook. The purpose of this app is to optimize Facebook’s database of 70 million business pages including reviews and check ins, giving users an easy way to find local events, restaurants and more based on what your Facebook friends recommend.

When clicking the app in the iTunes store, the description explains that Local helps you discover places and things to do recommended by friends you know and trust. This seems promising and maybe even slightly better than the likes of Yelp and other applications that help you find local businesses. More people would probably prefer to get recommendations from people they know over strangers.

What does this mean for businesses with a Facebook presence?
This could be extremely beneficial to businesses. Giving them an easier way to advertise their events and services on a different platform. Facebook taking the leap into the pool of local event listings is the reason why if your business does not have a consistent social media presence then you are missing out on new opportunities to reach outside your typical client base.