foursquareWhy You Should Check-In

By: Dwayne Kilbourne#CobbSM MeetUp (5/10/11)

@dwaynekilbourne ~ DwayneKilbourne.com

What is foursquare?

• Highly popular location-based service (LBS)– Approximately 10 million registered users/brands– 3400% growth in 2010– Most Check-Ins (globally) in one day:

• 3,073,635 check-in• April 16, 2011

• Available on all major smartphone platforms (i.e. iPhone, Android, Blackberry, HP/Palm, Windows Phone 7)

My foursquare Credentials

• By the numbers– 501 days using system // Approximately 8,700

check-ins // 91 (current) mayorships // 72 badges– Manage 3 business venues

• Contributions– Superuser (SU) level 2, Foursquare Ambassador, @

FoursquareHelp tweeter, #4sqCHAT, 2 guest appearances on AboutFoursquare podcast, @4sqKennesaw, 4sqDay & 4sqINDY guest blogger

Why Businesses Use foursquare

• Helps engage the customer• Encourages repeat business / loyalty with specials• Rapidly growing user base• Analytics on customers• Their competitors use it• New features / improvements (i.e. version 3.0)• API open to all; therefore, many 3rd party add-ons• It’s free & easy to join (

http://Join.4sq.com/dwaynekilbourne)

GranataPet Billboard

More Creativity

• Two Brooklyn-based techies used API to open apartment door when they checked in

• 4sq & 7 years ago – App that lets you know where you checked in one year ago

• UnTappd (popular app for the party scene)• Audi Billboard in Time Square

More Reasons / Opportunities

Foursquare v. 3.0

• Improved business functionality– Additional specials options• Check-in, Newbie, Newbie, Swarm, Friend, Loyalty,

Flash• Ability to offer multiple specials

– Improved Analytics– Explore Functionality*– Ability for users to see specials that are nearby

Sample Mobile App Screenshots

4sqDay

• International Social Media Holiday of sorts• Started in 2010 by Dr. Nate (Tampa, FL)• 3,073,635 check-ins in 2011 (550,000 in 2010)• 19 real mayors proclaimed 4-16 as Foursquare

Day• 781 official parties worldwide (ATL ranked 7th)• http://youtu.be/rHb53ZEXXlc

Upcoming??

• Checking in using NFC (near field communications) technology

• Enhanced Explore Usability• Faster Login experience• More Major Brand Partnerships– Potential AMEX expanding

Cases / Examples of Ongoing Success

Wash Me Fast = Winning

• 5 locations• Kennesaw location = foursquare specials trial

venue• Newbie Special = 4 unlocks in last 30 days• Loyalty Special = 1 unlock since 4sqDay• 4sqDay (weekend 4/15 - 4/17) Special = 35

unlocks

Current Wash Me Fast Specials

LA Fitness is working out too

• Over 300 gyms nationwide• Offered first special on April 16, 2011, at every

gym location within chain– Friend special giving non-members 30 days free– Mayor special giving away gym bags and towels

• More specials upcoming in near future

Reasons To Claim Venue in ATL

• Atlanta is ranked 2nd most socially-networked city in USA (according to Mashable)

• Exposure from local foursquare communities (@4sqATL, @4sqKennesaw, etc.)

• Smartphone usage is continuing to increase• Gain competitive edge• Why not?

Don’t Be Left Out…

Helpful Resources

• foursquare.com• AboutFoursquare.com (blog & podcast)• #4sqCHAT (every Monday at 9pm EST)• 4sqATL.com• 4sqKennesaw.com (site coming soon)• 4sqDay.com• GetSatisfaction (foursquare) Forum