Facebook tests new direct messaging feature for Pages

Menlo Park, Calif.—Facebook has introduced a new feature for companies' Pages sites, allowing Pages owners and Facebook users to exchange private messages.

The new Private Messages for Pages feature, officially considered a test, is expected to enhance the customer-service capabilities of the social site. Once the feature is turned on by a Pages owner, a message can be initiated only by individuals, though once that connection is made businesses can freely communicate in return.

In November, Google+ introduced its Google Plus Pages, which caters more fully to businesses, while Twitter has long offered its Direct Message feature for businesses.