Foursquare has taken a huge leap in location based social media by allowing online communities to meet at interesting locations and providing participating merchants with new customers. The fun part of Foursquare comes from earning badges and becoming Mayors of locations. Its like playing any of the popular Facebook games but in the real world.
What we like about Foursquare is the ability for local merchants to build loyalty programs through the use of location based services. As you check into to your favorite places or discover new merchants you can get discounts that can encourage you to return and purchase more from these stores, bars and restaurants. Since so much of retail sales depend on location, Foursquare location based technology enlarges local merchants location to the online universe while giving social media participants a way to recommend our favorite places.
Then there’s the game, earning points for checking into new locations and finding new places. You’re rewarded with more points for exploring new areas in your city or cities you visit and for checking into several locations in one night, and eventually for the tips other people try and the to-dos you complete.
Mayorship is key. When you check-in at the same location several times, you become the mayor of that location, which is repeat business and viral marketing for the business. Once you become Mayor of a location you might find yourself competing to hold your spot which increases your game stats and is good for business.
We’re excited to be implementing Foursquare for our merchant clients as part of their media campaign and we encourage other merchants to look into using Foursquare as part of your marketing plan.?