Foursquare is a very hot social networking tool that posts updates to users friends about where they are. It also incorporates a game where users can earn badges for certain things. Users can also become the mayor of a location, which is earned by someone who frequents a location more than anyone else.
Become a User
First, to fully understand Foursquare, you should sign up for a free user account at http://www.foursquare.com. Once you are a user, try checking in at your place of business to make sure it shows up on the map with the right information. If your business does not show up, you can manually add it or contact Foursquare about how to be added.
Reward Mayors of Your Business!
One very popular way of using Foursquare as a marketing tool is to create a special offer for the Foursquare mayor of your business. This is the one person who has checked in at your location more than anyone else.
You can offer the mayor something free or at a discount. You may also want to put up a board at your shop that shows who the mayor is currently and how many times they have checked in. This will encourage other patrons to visit more often for a chance to win something free.
This is such a popular marketing option that Foursquare is starting to include these special mayor offers right inside its app. This means that if someone nearby is logged into Foursquare on their phone, they can see that you have a special offer and may be enticed to stop by. To find out how to get your special offer listed, visit http://www.foursquare.com/business.
You can find out who the mayor is by having the person show you their phone which will have the message from Foursquare awarding their mayorship.
Use Twitter
Foursquare is a stand-alone social network, but like all popular social networks it integrates with Twitter. Many users of Foursquare automatically send their location updates to Twitter and Facebook. You can use Twitter to promote your business by tweeting a special offer for Foursquare users.
You might send out a tweet that says that anyone who checks in using Foursquare in the next hour will get a free ice cream, for instance.
Make it a Party
Foursquare is a fun social tool. Join in on the fun by promoting the service in your store and making a big deal over users who come in. Offer discounts when people check in using Foursquare.
Once you have a bunch of your customers using Foursquare, you can throw a party. Invite everyone to come at a certain time and to check in using Foursquare. Remember, those check-ins go out to the users friends, so this is viral marketing at its finest.
If you are really adventurous, you might want try to set a record for how many check-ins you get in an hour. Make it a competition with other locations, or even friends who own businesses throughout the city.
Foursquare is more than just fun. People are often influenced by their friends, and Foursquare helps your customers share their favorite stores and restaurants. Add this one into your marketing mix, for sure.
Link to original post