John Jantsch is one of my favorite marketing gurus. It’s not only because I love the name of his company: Duct Tape Marketing, it’s that he knows how to get the word out effectively without being annoying. For the past few weeks I’ve noticed that Jantsch has been “checking in” at different places using a new social media tool called Foursquare.
In a recent blog post Jantsch describes Foursquare as a “location enabled service that allows users to ‘check in’ when they stop at a bar, restaurant, park, bookstore or really anywhere they want to list.” I’m not sure I want everyone to know where I am, but Jantsch thinks it’s a good idea for small business owners. Why? He shares a few good reasons.
1) Online offline—People are physically checking in to your business and talking about it online in what can turn into a tremendously effective one-two punch.
2) Make offers – On a recent trip to Chicago I checked into my Marriott on Foursquare and immediately received notice that three nearby businesses had a special offer me. I’m always up for a good deal.
3) Track and reward – Foursquare’s gaming functionality allows businesses to create special promotions for mayors and badge earners and in effect setting up a competition among their most loyal fans. You want to promote me to mayor? Count me in!
Jantsch notes that “Foursquare now could hold a significant advantage when and if Foursquare becomes the next Twitter.” I like the idea of a game that helps me save money and helps small businesses.
Are you using Foursquare? If so, how do you like it and how has it benefited you?
