Retail Locations Can Get in the Social Media Game With Foursquare

Foursquare is a mobile social media application that allows users to check-in at the locations they visit. You earn points by checking in at locations and adding new locations to their database. Visit a spot more than any other user, and you can earn the title of Mayor at that location. The points may act as some kind of currency in future versions of Foursquare, but for now it’s just a game that lets you engage in a little good-natured competition with your friends.

Okay, that’s how Foursquare works, but so what? How does this help your business grow? Foursquare allows stores and other venues to up the ante. You can make special offers available. Anyone who visits you ten times gets a free appetizer. Or maybe the Mayor at your location always gets his or her second drink for free.

Now where Foursquare really starts having some value is in letting people know about these offers. When someone checks in at your location, they receive a notice about what steps they need to follow to take advantage of the special offer. Even better, when someone checks in anywhere near your location, they’ll get a message letting them know about the special offer going on right around the corner from them.

Don’t expect Foursquare to double your income, but it is a great way to engage the early adopters in your area with very little effort. Get started with Foursquare for businesses.