FourSquare. That’s the game with the ball and numbered squares… Right?

Yes! and NO.  In today’s social media driven world, it’s not surprising that a NEW social networking site has evolved and is growing in recognition daily.  www.foursquare.com is the name of this fun new site. Details on their site state:
FourSquare is a cross between a friend-finder, a social city-guide and a game that rewards you for doing interesting things.  We aim to build things to not only help you keep up with the places your friends go, but that encourage you to discover new places and challenge you to explore your neighborhood in new ways.
The best way to utilize this website is on your mobile phone.  That’s right.  The action and fun start by “checking in” at various locations by using your mobile phone.  A number of apps have been created for a variety of phones including the iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and Palm.  If you don’t have one of these smart phones, you can access the site by visiting https://foursquare.com/mobile/ from your mobile browser to “check in”.

How could this potentially help my business?

Checking into a location. Approved businesses will have access to see who is checking into their location.  Businesses can now have the opportunity to send rewards and encourage the “checking-in”.

I crown you MAYOR OF ________. Playing the game offers a reward system. Individuals who “check-in” the most at a location are rewarded Mayor status.  A number of businesses (coffee shops, pizza joints, etc) are offering discounts to individuals with the “Mayor” status.  FourSquare’s website has a section dedicated to how you can utilize this app to promote your business. Also, they encourage businesses to promote the “Mayor” discounts on the FourSquare site.

Get your brownie sash out of the closet – its badge time. Badges are still a “work-in-progress” for FourSquare, however it’s an opportunity for you as a business owner.  Since this is a WIP, FourSquare is asking for your recommendations on what additional badges to create and offer. So, as an owner of a brick and mortar, create a badge that is earned if someone checks in 5 times within  a month. If they earn your badge, offer then a discount or free item. This is just a small taste of the potential FourSquare is about to bring.  It’s still in the early stages, jump on board, create a profile, and start “Checking-In”.

Post by KEYSTONE CLICK.