Entwine Inc.

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Small businesses can now create their own hot destination!!

During the past several months I’ve been exploring Foursquare, the popular location based social network that incorporates gaming elements.  Foursquare encourages people to explore their neighborhoods and then rewards them for doing so.  Users share their locations with friends by soliciting a location based “check in” and whoever has the most “check-ins” at each venue becomes Mayor until someone else tops that number of check-ins and then they become Mayor.  Points are earned and badges are unlocked for various accomplishments from trying new places to revisiting old favorites to checking in at multiple venues the same day. As the points and badges add up our competitive nature kicks in.

Why have I been interested in Foursquare?

• Predictions for 2010 include the acceptance and popularity of Location – GPS aware applications
• I recently purchased a Motorola Droid
• I love social media, competition and playing games
• I am always looking for ways to help local small businesses

How can we apply the Foursquare location based data to help local restaurants, clubs and retail establishments ?

Here are five ideas that can create a hot destination by filling the seats in a restaurant, bring repeat business back in the doors, provide value to customers and reward those who continuously patronize the establishment.

1. Add your business to Foursquare and sign-up to offer specials.
   

   foursquare coupon

2. Promote your endorsement of Foursquare and your special offers

• print fliers and place on tables,  in the bar, entrance, bathrooms
• use signs and blackboards announcing daily specials and beverage discounts
• include foursquare in your traditional advertising

3. Integrate your Foursquare account with your Twitter, Facebook and YouTube accounts

• shout your special offers on twitter
• post pictures of the current mayor on your facebook page
• use facebook events and invite all your fans to a foursquare party
• organize a local tweetup and give a gift card each time the mayor changes during the event
• post videos about your foursquare activities on youtube and share on facebook and twitter

4. Sponsor a special Foursquare event

• celebrate the mayor
• create a special drink or dish
• offer specials or discount for those who check-in
• make announcements using public address

5. Partner with other venues to have a local event

• give away a large joint prize
• get a media sponsor (radio, tv, newspaper)
• create a contest using the foursquare points
• sell t-shirts with logos from each venue
• span over several weeks