Some businesses are leveraging Foursquare
August 28, 2011 by admin
Filed under Lingerie Events
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This is the second column in a series about Foursquare.com.
Foursquare is no Facebook, at least not for users I talked to. Facebook, the world’s largest social network, boasts an estimated 750 million active users, and counting.
But don’t count Foursquare out. With more than 10 million registered users of its own since launching two years ago, Foursquare has emerged as a social networking platform worth considering. Even Facebook introduced (and is phasing out) “Facebook Places” to rival Foursquare, a location-based platform that encourages its users to “check in” at different sites they visit.
“My buddy and I always use it,” said Adam Hanlon of the South Wedge neighborhood. “It’s just something we do. It’s kind of fun.”
Facebook unveiled new privacy settings recently that include how users can share a location with every post they make. We will learn more about that in a future column. Meanwhile, I queried followers and used the newspaper and networking to find out how people are using Foursquare.
“Restaurants have been a great surprise,” said Brianna Westover. “Lots offer happy hour specials, dining discounts and free appetizers for people that check in, so it has definitely tempted me to try out places and cuisine I would normally not try.” (The 23-year-old posts at RochesterMomsLikeMe.com and lives in Orlando, Fla.)
Foursquare users can sometimes find out about deals by checking in.
Even if you don’t use Foursquare yet, it’s worth exploring adding it to your social media strategy. It might help attract more customers.
Terry Owen, vice president of sales at ITX Corp. in Bushnell’s Basin, and Nancy Geraci of Entercom Radio are partners at Scotland Yard Pub on St. Paul Street. The couple said Foursquare and social media are vital to promoting the business.
They use Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and other social networks to create buzz about the pub — and attract customers.
“They post a picture on Facebook at 4:30 of a pizza right out of the oven,” said Scotland Yard customer Mike Ritchie of Rochester.
The restaurant is busier and sales are increasing as a result of social media efforts and promotions. And Foursquare is the cornerstone, Owen said.
Scotland Yard Pub hosted a “swarm” night a few weeks ago and attracted dozens of people to check in on the same night and receive a deal.
“It’s getting people in to visit your business,” Owen said.
“I’ll leave a tip (at another venue) that says, ‘When you’re done here, swing by for a nightcap and get 20 percent off.’ “
For more information about Foursquare for Businesses or to sign up, go to Foursquare.com/Business.
