Foursquare: What is it and why should I care?

Foursquare: what is it and why should I care?

So there you are, passing a leisurely moment perusing Facebook, when someone updates their status with something like: “Jessie just checked in at Big Al’s Toy Barn.” What’s that all about? Should I be in on this? Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Foursquare 101.

What is Foursquare? Foursquare is a social networking site/app for your smartphone or other mobile device. It uses the GPS in your phone to know where you are. You’ll “check-in” using the Foursquare application by pressing the “check-in” button.

Why the heck do I want to do this? Well, several reasons. One is to let your friends know where you are and what you’re doing. Example, last night I went to a show at the beautiful McCarter theater in Princeton, NJ. I used my phone to check-in at the theater and lo and behold I had 4 friends there that I had no idea were going! Needless to say, a trip to the theater’s bar for bevies and socializing was immediately implemented!

Another reason is for bragging rights. Yes, we all enjoy a good “hey you guys-look how cool I am!” moment, and by gosh, Foursquare will provide you with just such an opportunity. By checking in, you’ll earn “badges” and points. When you get enough points, you become the “Mayor” of that place. It’s starting to sound really fun, isn’t it? (See “bragging rights” above.)

But wait, is there more? Oh yes there is! Cool places such as Me Salon + Spa, for example, can offer you specials, deals and freebies just for checking in. These are usually unadvertised offers that are a little “thank you” for being a loyal customer. You can leave tips for others as well at that location. Perhaps you have a favorite service or product you’d like to recommend; Foursquare lets you do that, and you'll get to see suggestions that others have left too.

Okay all you potential Mayors of Me Salon + Spa, I want you checking in, having fun and bragging about it to all your friends!