Glossary

What is Foursquare?

Foursquare is a mobile application tool that allows users to connect to a location and share tips about the location with their friends. It is one of the most prevalent examples of game mechanics in social media, as the service rewards participation by allowing users to unlock badges, mayor-ships, and special offers.

How it Works

“Check-in”

Participants use their mobile device to “check-in” and update other users of the place they are visiting through a GPS software.

The purpose of checking in is to let friends share tips about a place, meet up or compete for things like badges and mayor ship.

Mayor

To become a mayor a user must “check in” to a location on more days than someone else in the past 60 days. To encourage repeat visitors and show their appreciation to loyal customers, companies reward the major of their business with special offers.

Badges

Badges are earned by the number of times you check in and are used as bragging rights. Once a badge is earned it will remain on the user’s profile forever.

For more information on different Foursquare Badges read this article from The Huffington Post.

Watch the video below for more information on Foursquare.

Foursquare Marketing

Foursquare offers local business owners a personal and unique approach to connecting with their customers. Business owners have the opportunity to use Foursquare for Business to establish rewards for their clients and use analytical data to measure results. The two options available for business owners are:

Venue Owners

This option is for local business owners that are looking to attract new customers and keep them coming back. With this option owners are able to offer:

• Specials
• Prizes
• Mobile Coupons

Brands

This option is right for recognizable brands like Gap or Best Buy who are interested in engaging their customers. Brands are able to create “pages” which are custom homepages and offer “partner badges” directly to followers.