We are living in the era of the smartphone. We literally carry a handheld computer with us everywhere we go. We can tweet and retweet, post pictures, videos and statuses to Facebook, and browse MySpace (Yeah, like anyone does that anymore!), all from our phone. Now, we are also able to update friends and family on our location via FourSquare.
FourSquare is a location-based social networking site. Once you sign up, you can “check-in” to different locations. If you choose, you can have your location updates posted directly to Facebook, so that your friends can know where you are. Some might ask: Why? What is the purpose of this? Well businesses think they know the answer. Many are already capitalizing on this brilliant idea. Some restaurants/bars offer specials for people who:
1. Come to their restaurant
AND
2. Post their location to FourSquare.
For example, Fox and Hound (a bar and grill with several Memphis locations) offers 1/2 priced appetizers to any customers that “check-in”. This is FREE advertising for their business. Not only is it free, it happens to be the BEST type of advertising: word-of-mouth. In addition to specials, you can also achieve “badges” for checking in to certain establishments.
A word of caution, however. You should always exercise caution when giving away your location to the public. You should always be with a group and in a safe location.
Social media is taking over the world. It’s inevitable. Many businesses have accepted this and are attempting to cash in on the growing trend.
Cliff Carter 
The advantages behind the use of Foursquare are innumerable – from driving guest engagement to ‘freebies.’ But outside of the safety issue (which is unbelievably important), what other downsides exist? There must be a few that relate to consumer behavior for this type of application.
Off the top of my head, I believe one downside to FourSquare that might exist for businesses is their LACK of control over people’s check-in habits. In other words, since it is a free type of advertising, you get what you pay for, so to speak.
Ive never used Foursquare before but it seems interesting. Kindof like the facebook check-in link
Yeah I think Facebook might have its own check-in feature, but I know for a fact that you can have your FourSquare account linked to your Facebook so that your location is posted directly to your profile.
Cliff, I think you hit it spot-on with the lack of current control–you get what you pay for–…im curiuos as to what FourSquare will evolve in to? or more likely merge with.
I think that FourSquare will continue to change. I believe that changes will eventually be implemented in an attempt to increase safety.
I like that you mention the safety issue, definitely overlooked. And, hey, free advertising is free advertising, right?
That’s true. No free advertising can hurt I suppose. It all comes down to how the company takes this free advertising and translates it into sales. In other words, they want people to come to their establishment to take advantage of the special (whatever it may be), but they need these people to BUY, BUY, BUY above and beyond the listed special.
I think that FourSquare is a good idea for businesses right now. I personally am not apart of FourSquare and never intend to be because I dont want people to know where I am and what Im doing. Do you think that its something that will grow or slowly drift away?
I think that it all depends. FourSquare’s longevity will be decided by their ability to adjust to changing consumer trends (i.e. more stringent security, etc.)
So I am just now getting hip to this whole FourSquare thing. But hey, it has to be a good way to see what places are popular in your area, who wouldn’t want to know that
I actually don’t have a FourSquare account either. I do know a bunch of people who utilize it, however. I can definitely see the positives and negatives of it. One thing I know, FourSquare is revolutionary.
you forgot to mention the game aspect of it. there’s nothing better than stealing somebody’s mayorship or passing some one on the leader board
You’re right. I didn’t think to mention that. It adds a little bit of a competitive edge
I TRIED FOUR SQUARE.. thanks to you and got a lot of free things while in Chicago!!! yaaay!
Haha I’m glad FourSquare paid off for you!