Conquering the Foursquare Frontier
Gone are the days when the mention of “Foursquare” sent you racing for the playground, ecstatic to spend recess bouncing a rubber ball across the blacktop. In the midst of today’s ever-evolving world of technology and networking resources, Foursquare has emerged as the cream of the crop in location-based social media.
By simply downloading a mobile application for iPhone, Android or Blackberry, users can “check-in” at their favorite happy hour spot, in line at a concert or even while picnicking at the park. You may be asking yourself, why would I ever feel the need to whip out my phone and check-in everywhere I go? Let’s say you happen to frequent the Starbucks next to your office more often than other Foursquare junkies in the area. You become “Mayor” of that location, giving you access to exclusive discounts and perhaps an extra shot of espresso in your morning latte.
With the recent release of Foursquare for Business, merchants and brand ambassadors alike are discovering the boundless benefits of utilizing their customers’ social networks to spread the word about their venue or brand and how to keep them coming back for more.
Establishing your business as a proactive, social media conscious brand is the most efficient and effective way to get everyone in your town, city and even the entire country talking about you.
- Foursquare users can choose to link their account with their Twitter and Facebook pages, meaning one check-in has the potential to be seen by thousands of potential consumers, allowing word-of-mouth about your business to spread like wildfire.
- You can do your part by managing content on your business’ social media accounts to keep it fresh and compelling. Writing a blog, posting videos on your Facebook page and tweeting up-to-date news daily will make it easy for patrons to share information about your business and encourage them to use Foursquare and take advantage of its benefits.
Everyone has a playful side, why not tap into it?
- In addition to offering special deals and discounts for the Mayor, create a To-Do and tips list for Foursquare users with unique tasks and tidbits to engage all of your patrons and offer rewards for those who participate on a regular basis.
- Foursquare for Business also provides merchants with a variety of specials to increase foot traffic: some designed to get new customers in the door (the aptly named Newbie Special), some to encourage visitors to attend in groups (Friends Special), and others to reward long-term and short-term repeat customers (Loyalty Special).