Foursquare is as still as yet underutilized online resource for small businesses and start ups, especially those who do most of their business at their physical location rather than via e commerce. Here then are a few tips for making the most of a Foursquare listing:

Using Foursquare as a Customer Loyalty Card – One of the neatest features about Foursquare is that allows your customers to “check in” each time they visit you. Some of the savviest and largest companies in the country (as well as the smallest) have made great use of this feature as a customer loyalty program (no more pesky plastic cards)

Why not offer your customers a freebie or a discount after x many check ins? Just make sure you state the rules of the promotion very clearly to avoid any unpleasant misunderstandings.

Organize an Online Treasure Hunt – This one can be an awful lot of fun as well as any easy way to increase foot traffic. In the “Tips” section of your Foursquare listing leave a daily clue to which the answer is a certain special of the day or discount. The customers who come in and guess the special, get the special, plus they are eligible to win a bigger prize at the end of the contest. No less than upscale shoe designer Jimmy Choo have put this tactic to amazingly good use.

Entice New Customers with Check In Freebies – For instance “show us your check in and coffee is on us” Everyone loves a freebie and this is a free quick and easy way to get the word out and draw in some new clientele.

Watch What People are Saying About You – Your customers may be talking about you on Foursquare and if you don’t monitor the conversation regularly you may live to regret it. Personally reply back to people who leave tips or make positive comments and thank them. Even more important though is to deal with any negative comments as quickly as possible and ensure that you concise, clear response is visible to all.

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