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It’s been going for little over a year, and already Foursquare is taking on a life of its own. With its increase in popularity, particularly in the bigger towns, it’s certainly a great tool to be able to include bricks and mortar businesses into the social media world. The idea behind it is to simply help people meet up with friends whilst they are out, and make new friends at the same time.

Almost like a board game, visitors to your premises gain points each time they “check in” from their smart phone at your venue, and the person with the most check ins during a 60 day period to your business, becomes the Mayor. It gives virtual rewards with real activities. A check in, is almost the equivalent of a “fan”.

So why would you want to become the Mayor of your local Countdown? Simple, as a Mayor, you are eligible to receive special offers from any participating store that have been made available to you and you only. When someone else becomes the Mayor because they have shopped there more times than you, the temptation is to snatch the title back to get the special offers or at the very least, kudos for becoming Mayor again. It can become quite competitive so be warned!

There are badges to collect that mean various things including a “swarm” badge for when 50 or more people check in to your venue all at the same time. I can see my local Countdown fast becoming a “swarm” venue on a Saturday morning.

I guess certain types of people will find this annoying, and others a great way to shop. Adding a novelty value as you go or keeping the kids occupied whilst out shopping, is not a bad idea, and look at it from a retailer’s point of view:

It encourages repeat business with repeat “check ins”
You can offer specials to Foursquare members only
You can track statistics of visitors frequenting your store
You can reach those about to enter your competitors store over the road when they check in there with a reason to come to you instead
It’s a bit of fun and can become quite addictive and competitive!
Your customers can leave instant feedback and tips for others to see
Your friends can see where you are when you check in
It’s totally free

Social media needs to be able to reach every type of business, and I see Foursquare as something shops and the like can really make use of.

If you are not yet using Foursquare in your business, at least register your business name on the site so others can check in. You want to make sure your business is listed correctly, and that there are not multiple listings. You can also then claim the business as yours, and become the manager so you have access to the various stats that are available.

I have only scratched the surface, and no doubt so has Foursquare. Take a look; I think you will be pleasantly surprised on what you can achieve for you bricks and mortar business, a great way to engage your customers.

Foursquare - Social media for retailers