How to use Foursquare for your Business

Since 2009, Foursquare has grown and developed into a formidable application that offers both mobile and web-based connectable use. It is becoming “the” social gathering spot where points can be provided based on check in at an increasing amount of venues, all of which are interrelated and aimed at both social as well as business applications. Both Facebook and Twitter can participate and will post the amount of check-ins for each user, awarding points each time, who is ‘Mayor’. Only a few days ago, did Facebook weigh in with it’s version of a ‘checkin’ service called Places (watch this space!). More recently, iPhone has become involved in providing a method of push button notification through “pings” used to identify location of the user. Currently BlackBerry, Windows Phone7, and Android have joined in through use of a Foursquare badge dubbed Waze, a traffic info related application that doubles as a navigation tool for users. When a user checks in for a third time they find a badge called a “Road Warrior” is unlocked and now belongs to them. Many users find this preferable to a GPS device as it serves double duty.

Mobility is recognised through the use of Foursquare

As Foursquare users move about, their location is noted and they can be followed by other users on both Facebook and Twitter. Special locations can allow the user to earn what they call ‘badges’ when they check in at various cities around the world and while there are only a handful of what are deemed introductory badges, many more can be earned based on the location, event, date, and venue involved. This has far-reaching significance for business use as many more “followers” to a site will provide unlimited exposure to that business and it’s usefulness for other users who are involved with Foursquare.

Foursquare keeps their badge unlock options closely guarded

While some Foursquare badges are easily earned, some have been kept in secrecy by staff members, thus making it a matter of competition equals results. Each badge earned by a user or player belongs to that player and is theirs indefinitely. Foursquare is more a competitive game than merely a user application - and that is why they have seen tremendous growth since 2009 when it was only available in one hundred metropolitan areas worldwide. March of 2010 found the service had over 500,000 international users and currently allows check in through virtually any location in the world.

How can Foursquare increase your business profits?
Simply by checking in on Foursquare, each user helps link up a business between their friends and if they use Twitter for a shout out the results will amaze any whose business is involved. This is basically a form of word-of-mouth promotion and as many know, word-of-mouth is the best form of advertising. Users are drawn to a business by rewards - and having fun while doing what they’d normally do anyhow and earning points works out well for all concerned. Tips provided along the way tell customers what your business has to offer, and it’s done in a fun, engaging way that everyone enjoys.

Becoming the Mayor of a location can be hotly contested and is won by the person with the most ‘checkins’. Do you run a restaurant, café or your business is a meeting place for people? Why not offer a special to the Mayor (See Cavallaros’ Foursquare offer or reward Foursquare customers a special deal on their 4th checkin. It’s up to your imagination.

The Foursquare format tool is rewarding and fun
When your business is involved with Foursquare and takes advantage of it as a tool to increase traffic to your business, you can benefit by heeding the advice and tips many users offer when they communicate with you on Facebook or Twitter. Businesses that encourage customers to give your business a “shout out” will spread the word about you to all their online social networking friends.