Foursquare is one of the more addicting things to hit smart phones in recent memory. For those unfamiliar with it, here's the quick breakdown direct from
Foursquare.com:
Foursquare is a cross between a friend-finder, a social city-guide and a game that rewards you for doing interesting things. We aim to build things to not only help you keep up with the places your friends go, but that encourage you to discover new places and challenge you to explore your neighborhood in new ways.
Basically you "check in" using your phone at different places. The rules are simple, check in enough times at any location and you become the "mayor". Once someone checks in more than you, they steal your title. You earn badges for certain
things, like getting a "Gym Rat" badge for checking in at a gym 10 times in a month. If you can access the internet from your phone, you can use it.
As Foursquare gains steam we're seeing more and more local businesses using it to advertise specials. The Chicago Tourism Board even set up special locations around town. Recently FlashFiller wrote a post naming more Chicago businesses using Foursquare to offer special deals, here's their list:
- Chaise Lounge: Show that you’ve checked in on Foursquare and get 10% off on food. Show your waiter to redeem!
- Dragonfly Mandarin: Show that you’ve checked in on Foursquare and get 20% off every 6th visit! :) Show your server to redeem
- Piece: Show that you’ve checked in on Foursquare and you’re mayor and get your second pint on us! :)
- The Drawing Room at Le Passage: Show that you’ve checked in on Foursquare to the Drawing Room and get a free dessert with the purchase of an entree, small plate or drink. Show your waiter to redeem!
- David Burke’s Primehouse: Show your server that you’ve checked into David Burke’s Primehouse on foursquare and we’ll send out a complimentary chef’s choice appetizer to add to your breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- J Bar: Show your cocktail server or bartender that you’ve checked into J Bar on Foursquare, and receive 2 cocktails for the price of 1 before midnight.
- Metropolis Rotisseria & Annettes: Show that you’re mayor of Metropolis and get a free brownie!
- Meze Tapas: Show that you’ve checked-in on Foursquare and get 20% off meal with purchase of a pitcher of house sangria.
- The Food Feastivals: Show that you’ve checked in on Foursquare and get one free admission per paid $10 admission!
- The Hunt Club: Get a free shot with a foursquare check in, show to staff to redeem!
- The James Hotel Lobby Bar: Show your cocktail server or bartender that you’ve checked into The James Hotel Lobby Bar on foursquare and receive 2 cocktails for the price of 1.
@ Wow Bao: Show that you’re mayor of Wow Bao on Foursquare and get a free 6-pack of bao!
While it's fun to play around with, there are definite business possibilities here for your company. Imagine if somebody checks in at the local pizza place and receives a message about your physical therapy practice next door, offering some kind of special. What if someone checked in at a trade show and received a message reminding them to stop by your booth for a contest. These are definite possibilities. It's all fun and games now but Foursquare is big business and something to watch for.
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