How To Use Foursquare To Connect With Customers And Drive Sales

Probably the most common and simplest way to promote yourself on Foursquare is to offer something cool to whoever is the Mayor of your establishment; this is the person who "checks in" the most frequently. And if you make the deal really sweet ("Foursquare Mayor Drinks for Free!"), you'll spur some friendly competition amongst your customers to de-throne the current mayor and take their place. Give Your Mayor Special Perks

Another easy practice: offer a little discount for Foursquare users who check in and show you their phone. Whether you make the offer valid every day or only on certain days, it's a nice way to reward your frequent customers. Offer Discounts

Let Them Earn Points Towards A Reward For Check-ins In lieu of a "frequent customer" card, try the Foursquare equivalent. The app tells you how many times someone's checked into your business -- let them know that on their 5th (or 10th, or 12th) check-in, their drink (or shot, or meal) is your treat. Let Them Earn Points Towards A Reward For Check-ins

Let Them Earn Points Towards A Reward For Check-ins Let Them Earn Points Towards A Reward For Check-ins

Promote A Special For The First ”X" Customers To Check-in East Village cupcakery Butter Lane offers a free cupcake to the first ten people to check in each day, and they've seen their sales increase significantly since they started promoting themselves on Foursquare. "We like the type of customer who uses Foursquare," co-owner Maria Baugh tells us. "Generally they’re engaged and lively and they’re great ambassadors for Butter Lane." Promote A Special For The First ”X" Customers To Check-in

Promote A Special For The First ”X" Customers To Check-in Promote A Special For The First ”X" Customers To Check-in

Treats For First-time Check-ins "Checking in for the first time? Hey, your first beer/soda/side of fries is on us.” It's a simple gesture that makes customers feel special and gives you a chance to make a new fan. Treats For First-time Check-ins

Attract New Customers With ”Specials Nearby" One of the best opportunities on Foursquare to attract new customers is the "specials nearby" function. When a user checks in at a nearby establishment, they're also notified if there are any deals being offered at places close by. It's a great opportunity to pull in new clients who may have never known you were there otherwise. Attract New Customers With ”Specials Nearby"

Attract New Customers With ”Specials Nearby" Attract New Customers With ”Specials Nearby"

Plan An Event Around Foursquare Milwaukee burger joint AJ Bombers attempted to unlock the hard-to-achieve "swarm" badge by getting 50 or more people to check in to the restaurant at once. Ultimately, he got over 150 people to show up. That was definitely a good night for business. The returns haven't stopped there. Sorge estimates that sales of one featured item have gone up around 30% since the restaurant started promoting itself with Foursquare, and business in general has increased. "We’ve seen a very noticeable uptick in business via our use of foursquare," Sorge tells us. "Specifically, we’ve found that we can drive the sales of specific items via our venue page and our guest made recommendations there." Plan An Event Around Foursquare

Plan An Event Around Foursquare Link to video: Plan An Event Around Foursquare

Use Their New Tools To Track Your Customers Foursquare capabilities will allow you to see important details such as who's checking in, what times are the busiest at your business, and the ratio of male to female customers. You'll also have the ability to offer instant promos -- useful when a customer who hasn't visited in a while suddenly stops by, for example. Use Their New Tools To Track Your Customers

Use Their New Tools To Track Your Customers Use Their New Tools To Track Your Customers

Get More Personal Foursquare is perfect for getting up close and personal with your customers. Your best customer will be the Mayor. But you can also reach out to your other frequent customers, and re-connect with those who haven't visited in a while. It's a unique chance to put a face to your business and show your clientele that you like to have fun with them. Get More Personal

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