Facebook search has left a lot to be desired. To be honest, it was just plain awful and at times frustrating to use. All of that changed when Facebook announced the addition of Graph Search. What is Graph Search? According to Facebook it’s a new search feature that allows users to discover people, places, and things on Facebook.

This is great for local business because if you’re a Page or place, you and the content you share can appear in search results based on the information you have shared.

So if you’re a local business who has been active on Facebook with an abundance of content and fans you’re sitting in a good spot right now.  If not, you have some work to do.

Here are five things you need to know about Facebook Graph Search:

1.  Make sure your Place or Page is up to date.

This includes your name, categories, vanity url, and any information you’ve placed in the About section (address, phone number, etc). Facebook uses this information to help users find your business.

2.  Be Engaging

This is a rule that never changes. Facebook has rewarded those pages who have the most engaged fans by showing them more often in the news feed. Nothing has changed here when it comes to search. Results will be ordered based on the strength of a users relationship. Places and pages that are most popular with a persons friends and connections will show first.

3.  Photo Resolution is Larger

Be sure to upload at least a 620×620 pixel resolution profile photo.  Don’t be lazy here by simply uploading your logo. Take the 10 minutes to customize it size. This will be one of the first impressions those searching will have of your business.

4.  Share Photos and Videos

Photos tend to have a good shelf life on Facebook. What you share on your page will be available for photo and video-related searches.

5.  There is no time like the present

Facebook started rolling out the Graph Search on January 15th to a small set of users so you have time to get things together. As with most things, those that do the work will be rewarded.

Are you ready?