Recent buzz from sites like
CNN and
Wired proclaims
foursquare is the next
Twitter. Not to be confused with a favorite
childhood game,
foursquare is an interactive game based on geo-location networking.
While it’s best experienced on a GPS-enabled phone, such as an iPhone
or Android, you can also play the game through text messaging and the
Internet. A user earns points for checking in at a location, which
includes anything from a home to a restaurant to landmarks and is
rewarded with badges and titles such as “mayor” for frequently checking
in. (For more information, check out
Wikipedia.)
As a new way to stay in touch with your friends via the Web or your mobile phone, it’s sure to be something online influencers will embrace, which
can translate into a new marketing tool for your business.
foursquare recently launched their
API for developers to begin interfacing with the platform and has a
list of how-to’s for businesses. With these tools, a company can begin to interact with customers in a new and highly-targeted way by providing rewards for the most frequent visitors with special titles, freebies or discounts.
Geo-social networks and games also provide opportunities for an organization to learn more about their customers and their habits – where they go, what they do and how much time they spend at each location.Based on the preferences, an organization can advertise and promote relevant information to its target audience.
foursquare allows users to give “tips” on locations, including establishment or product reviews and insider hints providing consumer data quickly and accurately. While foursquare users focus on earning as many points and badges as possible, business owners have a free user-driven information database.
While foursquare is currently a developing platform in 100 cities across the world, it is important to understand the function and possibilities in this tool and other similar geo-social games. Just imagine the interactive options and potential benefits to your organization and its online reputation.
Want to know more about foursquare and how you can track your customers to market to them directly? Leave us a comment below or contact Michael, our resident foursquare expert and the current mayor of thunder::tech at 888.321.8422.