Facebook launched in January Deals for FacebookPlaces in the near future starting with 22 vendors from localbusinesses to large companies such as Gap. Gap has offered a freepair of blue jeans to the first 10,000 check-in’s using FacebookPlaces on a mobile device.

Unlike previous Facebook applications, which did not allow youto check in directly, the new applications are available for Droidand Blackberry starting as of yesterday. So how can the insuranceindustry leverage this new application? Here are a few ways toimplement mobile marketing into your insurance agencyefforts.

Check-in’s for Charity
Many agencies haveleveraged their Facebook fan pages by offering to donate a dollaror two to a specific charity or cause for users to “Like” theirpage. With Facebook Deals soon being integrated into FB Places thiscould now be taken a step further. Instead of having them like youon Facebook, you can create a deal for people in the area to comein for a free quote and in return you will donate a certain amountto charity. This will drive local people into the actual office andhelp a good cause simultaneously.

Gift and Quote Exchange
Another possibleway to leverage Facebook Deals, is by creating a dealthat gives away a gift. It does not have to be a large gift, it canbe something as simple as a slice of pizza or a free coffee at theStarbucks down the road. Announce in the deal that the first 20people to check-in to your agency and sit down for a free autopolicy quote will receive the gift of your choice.

Donate Your Time
Every “deal” does nothave to be monetary. Instead of rewarding people with gifts, offerto donate your time. Whether it is 15 minutes to community servicefor each check-in and quote given, or something quirky such asrunning around town in a chicken suit, you would be surprised whatpeople might check-in to see.

As Facebook Deals roll out, take the opportunityto create deals in their area. In the meantime download thenewest Facebook Application for your Smartphone and see if anypromotional deals pop up. Some of the company’s chosen to test outthe new application are the North Face, H & M, McDonalds, ThePalms Hotel and Casino, and more. For a full list of trial companies on Facebook Dealsstarting next week check out the Facebook Blog.