What is Foursquare?  Explanation from Foursquare website

Foursquare makes the real world easier to use. We build tools that help you keep up with friends, discover what’s nearby, save money and unlock deals. Whether you’re setting off on a trip around the world, coordinating a night out with friends, or trying to pick out the best dish at your local restaurant, foursquare is the perfect companion.

Foursquare by the numbers (last updated January, 2012)

  • Community: Around 15 million people worldwide
  • Over 1.5 billion check-ins, with millions more every day
  • Businesses: Over 600,000 using the Merchant Platform (more information at foursquare.com/business)

What is Fousquare in Social MarCom laymen’s terms?

Foursquare is a Social Networking site which allows the users to “Check-In” with their smart phones at a place.  Starbucks, Cheesecake Factory, an Airport, a Hotel, etc. Checking In allows you to tell your friends you’re out and about, and this is what you’re are doing.  Foursquare also allows the business owner or brand to create and control their check-in page. They recently partnered with American Express to allow businesses to promote a special and if you check in and pay with your American Express Card you save money, or receive something for free.  It really works, we’ve done it!

Foursquare explained in simple terms:



 

Foursquare Terms to know:

Badges : Badges are what you earn based on the check in habits you have.  It is a fun way to follow your friends and use Foursquare.

Check-In : This is when you tell foursquare where you are, that’s referred to as  a “check-in” or “checking in”. You can check in from parks, bars, museums, restaurants, Starbucks, and really anywhere. When you check in, Foursquare will let your friends know where they can find you and award you points and badges based on your destinations.

Friends : Foursquare friends can share their locations with one another via Foursquare.  You can also link to your Facebook and Twitter accounts to share locations with those friends as well.

History : Provides you a recap of all the places you’ve checked in.

Mayorships : A mayor in foursquare is the user with the most number of  ”days” with check-ins at a specific place/location within the past 60 days. Only one check-in per day counts towards your mayorship tally. Lots of businesses are now offering specials for the mayor of venues, so be sure to keep a look out for specials nearby when you’re looking at the places tab in the app.  This is how the retailers interact with the users.

Tips and To-Do’s : Tips are generally things you’d recommend to others while at a location “Make sure you take a look at their historic fountain before you leave”. To-Dos are more “notes to self” (“Note to self – next time order the shrimp dumplings”).

 Specials : Businesses will manage their page and be able to offer specials to Foursquare users.  Many users will use their mobile phone and find a place near them and the Specials are denoted with a bright orange “Special Offer” logo, and when you click on them you can view their offer. Example: “Free beer with an order of wings”.  Great way to get people in the door.

American Express Synch:  Foursquare and American Express announced a partnership in late 2011.  This allows businesses to offer Specials and also promote money back if you use your American Express card and you check-in on Foursquare.  It is free money!   You do need to synch up your American Express card through Foursquare.  The deals are something like this “Spend $20 at Mike’s Pizzeria, and receive a $10 credit back when you use your American Express card”.  The charge shows up as $20, but on your American Express statement you see a $10 credit.  We’ve done it and it works!!

Click here to read the Press Release.

 

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