This article isn’t about telling you what foursquare is. If you’ve found this blog, you will probably already be an active user of foursquare. If you do need more information about foursquare, I suggest you head over to their website: http://foursquare.com.

This article is concentrates more on the practical application of this service for businesses:

1. Verify Your Location:

If your venue isn’t in the system, a user can choose to add it. Or, they can check in without adding it, which is what most of them will do — but it won’t do you any good. So, you need to make sure you’re in the system and that your info is correct.

To make sure your info is right, got to Foursquare.com and search for your business name via the box in the top-right corner of the screen.

If you are not in the system, you may add your business by going here.

If your business does appear, but the address or name is wrong, go tothis forum and post a correction. It looks rather hap-hazard, but I know it’s official because in the time I’ve been writing this, a few of the corrections that users had posted when I began writing have already been made by the folks at Foursquare.

2. Loyalty Programs:

Major players are offering the social media loyalty programs by using the application to rewards you by returning to their locations with special offers, points programs and discounts. Tasti D-Lite, a popular frozen dessert company offering trendy alternatives to traditional ice cream. The company’s roots are in New York, where they’ve managed to become a part of the city’s diction, but its cross-country and worldwide expansion efforts are heavily reliant on social media spreading the Tasti D-Lite message beyond New York City.

3. Location-Based Social Media:

Using other social media services like Twitter and Facebook will compliment you marketing strategy. Twitter has already seen the massive potential of  location-based social media and Facebook is still dragging it’s feet in this area. Foursquare has been designed specifically for location-based social media. Location-based social networks allow users to interact, share, meet up, and recommend places based on their physical coordinates. This real-world connection to social media can mean more foot traffic and profits for business owners.

4. Creating an Event:

Because Foursquare is specifically for location-based social media, this gives wonderful opportunities to take a local customer base and encourage existing or new customers to participate in your event.

You will need setup your profile that reflects the details of your event include the venue. Whilst you have the facility to create a custom badge you can also add additional benefits to your cliental that  have major status with a discount or voucher.

Not only will Foursquare users be able to check in and follow the tips surrounding your event, but they now have a community to connect with other users. Furthermore, encourage your event participants to add their own tips. Allow exhibitors to offer their own incentives for a visit to their booth. Give speakers a chance to encourage new audiences.

5. Leave Useful Tips for Users:

Business owners can provide the same type of experience for their customers. Leave a tip about the best times to come in for a quick coffee, highlight the groups that gather on certain days, reveal where to find all the best electrical outlets if someone’s coming with a laptop, etc. Anything that betters someone’s experience with your business is good for your business. I recommend that you disclose somewhere that you are leaving the tip as someone associated with the business, as not to come off as deceptive. However, if you make it an Official Tip or a Behind The Scenes Tip, it could become part of the game and increase the fun.