Foursquare doesn’t get as much respect as many of the other online communities. I’ll even wager it’s one of the most misunderstood tools in the social networking/social media space. It may look as if it isn’t handy and may appear to not allow for much privacy, but like all tools and apps it’s dependent upon how you use it.
It may seem as if foursquare doesn’t stimulate conversation in the way that Twitter or Facebook does, but it allows us to share travel tips and recommendations with friends, even if there’s not much in the way of back and forth banter. It may even seem as if we’re inviting a whole lot of trouble by alerting people to our locations every time we step out of our homes, but responsible users know to only include trusted friends in their networks and to keep personal details personal.
With all that said, I thought it might be interesting to explore the ways businesses can use foursquare to reward customers for their loyalty and encourage new business.
Foursquare Mayorships, Points & Perks
It sounds kind of silly to think of someone as the “Mayor of Stop’ N’ Shop,” doesn’t it? But what if there were perks beyond that of a virtual badge? What if there were discounts and freebies coming with a Mayorship? What if users earn points for every check in, points to be used for prizes, discounts, and special passes? All of a sudden foursquare isn’t so silly anymore…and it’s happening. Businesses are now looking into ways to provide goodies for loyal users. In fact, Starbucks is already offering discounts based to their Mayors.
Fourquare opens up a whole new world of marketing and promotional opportunities. It’s one thing to put an ad in the paper and have a sale. Certainly loyal customers will come out for sales event. However, customers who are rewarded with points or perks every time they check in to a location will have more reasons to drop by for a visit. Mayorships and checkins don’t have to Facebook clutter, they can be put to something useful. Plus, it will help to encourage new business.
Putting Your Business on the Map
When customers and patrons add your business to foursquare it’s a whole new way to reach customers. Consider some of the ways to use foursquare to bring in business:
- Local businesses can band together and use foursquare to host virtual scavenger hunts.
- Reward out of town travelers who restaurants or hotels using foursquare.
- New members of the community can use foursquare where to find products and services.
- Business can offer discounts and perks to loyal customers who check in to foursquare.
- Business can learn more about the businesses around them for cross promotion using foursquare.
- Reward users by showing their check ins on a prominently displayed computer screen somewhere in your shop or restaurant…or display a feed specifically for check ins to your business.
- Reward users by having a special event exclusively by foursquare users. Non users will want to get in on the next one and will be sure to visit more often.
- Have a contest among your customers to reward power users at the end of each month or year.
When it comes to foursquare for business, the possibilities are endless. It doesn’t have to be a silly game, leading to Mayorships and bragging rights. Use it to rally your community and cross promote local businesses, organize a charity event and reward customer loyalty.
Being the Mayor of the local supermarket doesn’t have to be useless or laughable. If handled properly it can be a coveted title.
How will your business use foursquare?
For more details about how foursquare can benefit businesses please read:
- 5 Reasons Why Foursquare Isn’t Dumb – Kommein
- Foursquare + Your Business – Foursquare
- 5 Ways to Use Foursquare for Business – Kyle Lacy
- Why Foursquare Drives Business: What You Need to Know - Social Media Explorer
- Who Says Foursquare Has No Business Potential? 901am
