Social networking is an essential part of any business plan today. The social networking giants such as Facebook and Twitter are well-known for their place in telling millions of people what’s happening in major organizations, institutions and businesses. However, small businesses with just one or two shops or retail outlets don’t have the money, time or marketing personnel available to conduct huge social networking campaigns. For these small businesses, Foursquare Local Updates are the newest and most effective way to let customers know what’s worth checking out at your store or restaurant.
What is Foursquare Local Updates?
Foursquare was originally set up as a location-based social networking service. As an app that can be loaded onto an iPhone, the service tells potential and returning customers that are in your area where you’re located and what’s happening at the moment. As a small business owner, you can send communications to current customers letting them know about a special one-day sale or the featured dish on your dinner menu. Potential customers who have checked out your site on their iPhone and liked the location can be encouraged to stop in to see what you have to offer.
One of the most impressive benefits of the new Foursquare Local Updates is its customization feature. As a business owner, you’d love to have the chance to tell every customer who walks through your door each day about the ways in which your product or service can benefit them, but you just don’t have the time. Foursquare can do that for you. Not only will you be able to text customers about your special deals and events, you’ll even be able to add photos to your message. When a customer comes within a certain distance of your location, the app will deliver the message to his phone. More effectively than putting a chalkboard sign in front of your store or hiring a barker to walk the street, the Foursquare app will draw customers into your store.
It’s likely that the Foursquare app will reach the type of targeted customer you’re looking to draw to your business. He’s the customer who probably lives in the neighborhood or frequently visits it and has checked out your store or restaurant on the Foursquare app already. He wants to buy what you’re selling; you just need to let him know about the special deals you have that will whet his appetite for your products. He won’t have to wade through pages of search results to find your offers, which will raise your esteem in his eyes. Thanks to your Foursquare mobile marketing campaign, you’ve found and will be able to keep a very satisfied customer.