Foursquare is a popular location-based social network that keeps track of users' whereabouts. People "check-in" at various locations, letting their friends know where they are and allowing them to find you or recommend places to go nearby. People can check-in at cafes, bars, restaurants, parks, offices, etc.
When users check-in using Foursquare, they can unlock interesting badges based on the places and frequency of their visits. You can unlock the "Gym Rat" badge if you hit the gym 3+ times per week, the "Explorer" badge if you checked into 25 different venues, or even the "Crunked" badge if you stop by 4+ places in one night!
Foursquare Grader measures your "Foursquare mojo" by analyzing your usage and giving you a grade and rank based on your comparison to other Foursquare users. The Top 10 Badges are presented above using Foursquare Grader data.
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Danusia 8:30 AM on March 30, 2010
Being totally new to Foursquare, I am intrigued as to how readers think it could add value to the pest control industry?
I am sure our clients wouldn't want us to divulge when pest control technicians are visiting their premises...
Chris Clegg 9:49 AM on March 30, 2010
The real value here is for retail merchants (am I wrong?).
Offering patrons discounts by showing their badge or even giving the mayor free coffee anytime can be a great way to build community. Posting the mayor's name or having a "reserved table".
If I had a retail location there is a lot I could get excited about with this site/ service/ community builder.
How have others seen it applied?
Chris
Sr. Analyst
@portma
Kasy Allen 11:55 AM on March 30, 2010
I agree @Chris. I have my own marketing business and I'm having a hard time findin ways to get involved on FourSquare. It would be interesting to hear what Hubspot has to say about this.
I have found a lot of great ideas here, http://foursquare.com/businesses/, for retail locations though.
On a side note, @Danusia, er, I don't think it would be a great idea to tell people what clients you're spraying for... it might make your clients a bit mad.
Kipp Bodnar 12:08 PM on March 30, 2010
Chris, Kasy and Danusia:
We hear your questions. We will work on a post that discusses the business applications of Foursquare beyond retail businesses. Look for it soon!
intransition 7:36 PM on March 30, 2010
I still fail to see how rational adults with assets to protect or single women who do not wish to be stalked are going to be all about collecting these badges, while there are those who may be tracking where they are NOT rather than where they are. Before you become too dewey-eyed about your marketing, can we bring a rational discussion of safety and security?
I do know someone who was stalked via FourSquare.