Foursquare offers more tools for businesses

The popular location app for smart phones, Foursquare, has beefed up its business assistance page and online features.

Find Yourself

Businesses already listed on Foursquare can simply search for their biz name, and find a link titled, “Are You the manager of this business?” From there, you can edit and update vital information, see the activity of your check-ins, your mayor, and set up special offers for users.

Promote Yourself

Do your customers (or potential customers) know you are hip to Foursquare? They can now with these attractive window clings. They’ll be available sometime in June, 2010, but you can send in your request now with this easy form ».

You’ll want to have your Venue ID number handy to complete the request from. A quick way to find your Venue ID is to simply enter your business name in the venue search field at the top of the Foursquare home page (Foursquare.com). It will look something like: Foursquare.com/venue/123456.

Not into window clings or can’t wait to start promoting? You might opt to download a PDF of the green or blue graphic.

I downloaded both and was pleased to discover the PDFs are vector (resizable with graphics software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator – and even Acrobat if you adjust your print dialog box settings) and can be customized to suit whatever size you desire. You might even consider changing the color to match your brand.

Other opportunities to use the graphics might include placement on your menu, punch cards, etc. I didn’t notice any legaleze limiting the usage of the graphics, so as far as I can tell – go hog wild.

Make them an offer they can’t refuse

By setting up a special Foursquare offer, you attract the attention of Foursquare users checking into your establishment – and those who are activating the the app from blocks away.

Grab the attention of new business by offering a serious something just by checking in and patronizing your business. For instance, here in Burlington, Vermont, anyone logging into Foursquare on the main drag of the Church Street Marketplace, will be notified of a free scoop going out to the current mayor of Ben & Jerry’s. Who wouldn’t want to be the mayor of Ben & Jerry’s?! You might widen your net by offering 10% off or a free appetizer or something nominal for any check in, capturing new business.

Foursquare continues to grow in popularity with your socially active customers. Its nice to know they are continuing to improve usability and a deeper promoting experience for businesses, too.

How are you promoting your participation in Foursquare?

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