foursquare has been touted as the IT application for 2010. I started playing around with it – more so to stay on top this high-buzz tool than any desire to add another social media site to my arsenal. But it appears that I’ve been hooked. Let me tell you why…
Foursquare is a location-based social networking site – although many have tried to describe it by comparing it to other sites, it defies classification. You see, the idea behind foursquare is that you “check-in” to places (i.e. bars, restaurants, clubs, cafes, etc). In doing so, you can send notifications to your friends and followers with where you are and they can in turn suggest interesting places to see and things to do nearby. It’s a great way to discover new places as well as network with like-minded people in your area. And the benefits for when you’re traveling to unfamiliar cities go without saying. As you “check-in” to various places you win points and unlock badges. You even have the opportunity to earn the designation of Mayor if you frequent a spot more than anyone else. Aha, and here’s the bonus: signing up is as easy as signing in to your Twitter or Facebook account!
What this means for businesses:
Alright, so everything I told you so far sound a dash quirky and a pinch fun. How do businesses use this tool?
Here’s what Tasti D-Lite did…
Here’s a great joint venture between foursquare and Pepsi
Look at this creative @Intel promotion at the CES show
1. Promotions – “Foursquare says you’ve been here 10x. That’s a free drink for you!“. Or how about: “Foursquare has deemed you the mayor. Enjoy this free order of french fries.”. And how great would it be that as someone “checks in” to their favorite bar they’re notified that there’s a ‘special offer’ just around the corner from where they are. The possibilities for location-relevant promotions are bountiful. Visit the foursquare businesses site to register your business for a venue special. Check out these very cool grass-roots ideas to drive traffic to your venue…
2. Recognize & Reward – How’s this for fantabulous? For those types of businesses who don’t ask for customer information upon payment (which is most), foursquare will tell you how many times someone has checked in to your establishment as well as who has checked in the most. Imagine what this could mean for customer recognition!
Get more information:
- Join the foursquare group on LinkedIn
- Follow foursquare on Twitter
- Join the foursquare fan page on Facebook
[New Post] what foursquare . means for businesses – http://www.ready2spark.com/2010/01/what-… #eventprofs
[New Post] what foursquare . means for businesses – http://www.ready2spark.com/2010/01/what-… #eventprofs
Lara:
I’m hooked too! You might also look at Gowalla and play with it some. I use both of them.
I think Foursquare has some great applications for events too. I can see a special Event badge along with I attended five sessions at Event badge.
I’ve been turning my local business on to it and they now are offering specials just like you said.
The feature I love most is that when I check into a venue and one of my Foursquare followers have left a tip for another venue nearby, I get an alert. It makes me want to go to the other venue for sure.
Lara:
I’m hooked too! You might also look at Gowalla and play with it some. I use both of them.
I think Foursquare has some great applications for events too. I can see a special Event badge along with I attended five sessions at Event badge.
I’ve been turning my local business on to it and they now are offering specials just like you said.
The feature I love most is that when I check into a venue and one of my Foursquare followers have left a tip for another venue nearby, I get an alert. It makes me want to go to the other venue for sure.
[…] customers – usually because they’re high volume or quick sale merchants. Tools like Foursquare tell businesses which customers who ‘check in’ to their establishment visit the most. […]