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Example of Event Promotions with Foursquare

Social Media 01 Dec 2009

A few months ago, I wrote a post about Foursquare and how retailers should use it as a tool to drive customer loyalty on the social web. This is kind of a no brainer and I have actually experienced minimal buzz on a tweetup I put together last summer; a book signing with Brian Solis.

On my way to the office this morning, I stopped by Starbucks and did what I normally do when I arrive at my destination – check in on Foursquare. I was surprised to see the following:

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Foursquare has been offering this (or similar advertising) to many local businesses for quite some time but this is the first time I have experienced it firsthand. Of course I clicked and this is what came next:

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The SparkAwards used Foursquare to drive awareness to their first multi-level design competition here in San Francisco at the Autodesk Gallery on November 4th. They even offered VIP tours to all who checked in on that day. After minimal research, I found that there have been 12 total check-ins with 10 unique visitors to the venue. Not the greatest set of metrics of course; but I am sure glad to see local businesses trying new things and experimenting on the social web.

Do you know of any examples of Foursquare Promotions?

About the author

Michael Brito

Michael Brito is a Senior Vice President of Social Business Planning at Edelman Digital. He helps his clients transform their organizations to be more open, collaborative and socially proficient; with the end result of creating shared value with employees, partners and customers. Prior to Edelman, Michael worked for Intel and Hewlett Packard in various social media marketing roles. Opinions posted here are his own. Feel free to follow him on Twitter, subscribe to this blog or read some more of his content on Social Business News.

  • http://coryobrien.com/ CoryOBrien

    While I love to see Foursquare test out the 'Special Nearby' feature, I wish they'd swap out that Autodesk Gallery tag for something that's a little more recent. I see that tag every time I check into the Embarcadero BART station, and I keep clicking thinking it'll be something new, and it never is. It's been almost a month now, time to let the thing auto expire…

  • http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com Michael A. Stelzner

    Hey Michael,

    Sounds interesting. Were you thinking it was kind of odd that an add was delivered up almost a month after the event?

    Mike

  • http://www.facebook.com/daniel.riveong Daniel Riveong

    If you check in at San Francisco Centre, you'll get an offer for a free yogurt at some yogurt shop – if you go there and check in.

    I've also seen offers for discounts or free drinks if you become Mayor of a location, as well as, notices that there's a bar across from the street that's having a happy hour.

  • http://www.extenso.asia/ Anders Online Marketing

    I am working with marketing in Denmark and is searching for inspiration in the digital world.

    Thanks for inspiration.

  • http://twitter.com/Sue_Anne Sue_Anne

    Great example of @foursquare and how businesses can start to leverage it.

  • Name

    It is always nice to know that companies are not afraid to try new things when it comes to a social media tool. Social media is in its growing stage and is not going anywhere. It is a great way for businesses to interact and engage with their consumers. Its amazes me though, when a new form of social media is released, businesses tend to not learn and explore the benefits. They simply disregard the whole thing entirely. Social media is easy to use and can benefit a company greatly. It is nice to know that companies are chancing the new era of media and are seeing results. Social media is in its' developing stage. I am excited to see what next comes out that will be available for companies to use and how beneficial will it be. I enjoyed reading your blog posting, I will be checking back for future blogs.

  • http://chelseapearl.posterous.com chelseapearl

    AutoDesk actually updated this particular promo for December, but I missed out on it because I was busy. I work on the next floor up.

  • http://www.corporatesnobs.com promotional items

    It's basically an application that link social networks using Iphone. I love it it makes life and publishing promotional items easier. This application is a must for Iphone user and marketer itself.

    -Val

  • http://excelvou.com corporate gift

    useful application can use to help manage an event, just like digital assistant