(photo : @6S)
What is Foursquare?
“People use foursquare to “check-in”, which is a way of telling us your whereabouts … cafes, bars, restaurants, parks, homes, offices … Think of foursquare as an “urban mix tape” … We’ll help you make lists of your favorite things to do and let you share them with friends … As you check-in around the city, you’ll start finding tips that other users have left behind”(http://foursquare.com). So, a mix of social media and networking game.
Foursquare is evolving into analytics for businesses
When you sign up for the social media application, Foursquare, you are consenting to having your location and some personal information passed onto fellow users, but you can set your privacy settings. The application essentially knows where you are, how long you have been there, and the places you frequent.
Now, as reported in the NY Times ‘BITS’ blog, some of that information will be made available to the businesses that users are ‘check’ing into. A free to business, analytics format with the intent of promoting the needs of the Foursquare community to businesses.
(photo : BITS blog)
Businesses will be watching you. Some say creepy, some say great. What do you think?
Advantage for businesses?
Businesses should be salivating at the idea of access to these free analytics, that can give some valuable information, as to the actions and needs of their customers. In turn, it gives the business an opportunity to reach out to their best, or worst, customers; attempting to develop a more reciprocal relationship. Fantastic for the business. A lot of opportunity there from an analytics and service standpoint.
Advantages for consumers?
The idea is that businesses will be able to better pinpoint your wants and needs, leading to better service and targeted promotions in those areas, and even targeted promotions to specific users. Ultimately, you should get more of what you want, at a better price. Seems like a win. Although, some Foursquare users are not thrilled with the idea of potentially being contacted in any way by the businesses.
What do you think? Are you a Foursquare user? Does this new level of analytics for businesses affect the way you will interact with the application/game?
Sources:
1.Foursquare Introduces New Tools for Businesses, NY Times.com, march 9, 2010.