Comments on: The problem with Foursquare and all the free coffees

By: The Power Of Foursquare – 7 Innovative Case Studies And Tips

The Power Of Foursquare – 7 Innovative Case Studies And Tips — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:49:20 +0000

[...] Power Of Foursquare – 7 Innovative Case Studies And Tips I’ve not always been a huge fan of Foursquare here on the blog mostly because it just doesn’t have the critical mass this side of the Atlantic to make it [...]

By: The Power Of Foursquare – 7 Innovative Case Studies And Tips

The Power Of Foursquare – 7 Innovative Case Studies And Tips — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:49:01 +0000

By: 7 Innovative tips and case studies for getting more out of Foursquare

7 Innovative tips and case studies for getting more out of Foursquare — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:42:03 +0000

[...] not always been a huge fan of Foursquare here on the blog mostly because it just doesn’t have the critical mass this side of the Atlantic to make it [...]

By: Developing A Social Media Strategy – The 3 From 5 Rule

Developing A Social Media Strategy – The 3 From 5 Rule — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:09:54 +0000

[...] business. Over the last couple of years people even jump in with the suggestions asking if it is Foursquare, Google buzz, Quora, Google + or Group messaging. It’s in human nature to always want to be at [...]

By: How you can develop a social media strategy using 3 of the big 5 social platforms

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:33:41 +0000

By: Why Foursquare is Broken: The Problem with Geo-Location Services | charliesaidthat

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:22:48 +0000

[...] Rewarding your most loyal customers with freebies seems to miss the point of increasing the loyalty of your customer base and attracting new customers. It also increases the likelihood of cheating the game. [...]

By: Foursquare owns location – Simple!

Foursquare owns location – Simple! — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:27:57 +0000

[...] gain some kudos points with your customers who are then going to tell everyone where they are. As I’ve said before, offering a free coffee isn’t going to transform your business, but it will allow you to [...]

By: Corey Dilley

Corey Dilley — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 20:34:08 +0000

Great post. I think you’re talking about the same problem that keeps happening again and again in every new medium – focusing on the tactic first, instead of the objective, then strategy, then tactic. If the marketing objective is to get curren customers to come back more often, a free coffee to the mayor is a good way to go. If you’re trying to increase first time shoppers or steal business from your competitors though, you’ll have to use the medium in a different way (like one of the ways you mentioned above). I know that it’s more interesting to talk about the end use tool, but marketeer can’t lose sight of why they’re involved in the medium in the first place.

By: In social media think about what you don’t do rather than what you do

In social media think about what you don’t do rather than what you do — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 22:51:37 +0000

[...] was very tempted to play with Google Wave and have nearly been tempted a couple of times to embrace Foursquare but I have managed to stay away from them both not because I don’t think they will work or [...]

By: Social Media Agency UK: Qube Media: Blog : You and your customers need to play!

Social Media Agency UK: Qube Media: Blog : You and your customers need to play! — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:51:10 +0000

[...] account and Foursquare sites but unless you know why you are doing it..dont! Also just because everyone else is doing it is not a good reason! Have fun and let me know if you come up with or see any great examples Share this [...]

By: Lauren Fisher

Lauren Fisher — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 21:52:17 +0000

Hi Patrick, thanks for the comment, and the recommendation that I do more research I didn’t say anywhere that this is the only thing that companies are doing, I did include an example of a high profile company (Warner Bros) that were using it in a different way, and I said that this was encouraging.
You’re certainly not alone in your view that is too new for me to making the kind of assessment that I have done and it’s certainly a valid point. But again, it just reiterates my point that given it’s so new, it’s unfortunate that so many companies seem to be offering this ‘free coffee’ thing, especially as it will only be relevant to a very small proportion of your customers.
It’s good to hear that businesses are using it in the way you’ve outlined, so thanks for highlighting those examples.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:44:28 +0000

I think you make good points about wanting to see more innovation to the use of this new technology. Not to regurgitate what’s already been said, but Foursquare IS a new technology, so companies are still trying to figure it out. On top of that, you make it sound like the only things these companies are doing is offering a free coffee/pizza to the mayor. This is absolutely not the case. I went to New Orleans, DC, Baltimore, and Nashville in the past week, and while some establishments’ specials involved giving something to “The Mayor”, I saw more establishments give something away for your fourth visit to their cafe/restaurant/bar. It’s a frequent visitor card, except it uses new technology instead. It’s not just about who shows up the most to their place at some of these establishments. So, to be frank, I think you should do a little more searching before criticizing companies who are just figuring this stuff out – not everyone treats The Mayor to a free cup of coffee.

By: Jeanna

Jeanna — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:04:08 +0000

Lauren,
I like this post a lot. Mostly because I work for Whrrl, which is also a location-based app like Foursquare, and we offer merchant offers in-app as well. This reminds me to think outside the box when it comes to brainstorming ideas for our partners/merchants when using Whrrl. You’re right – it IS a lot more than just free stuff for checking in. The neat thing about Whrrl is that we have pic capabilities, so we’ve tried to do some “offers” where you can Tweet out a pic of your check in to win something. Alternatively, we also have Societies in Whrrl. ie: Check in to the hotel for a conference, and get a special membership and badge on profile for being part of that Society. You then get to recommend places and things to do based on the Societies you’re in.
Anyway, I LOVE the creativity like you do – and would love to hear some more of your ideas.

By: Lauren Fisher

Lauren Fisher — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:19:40 +0000

Hi Brid. I’d like to see more businesses using Foursquare, but I can’t say that I agree that I want to see more of the ‘free stuff’ offers.
I’m sure that more businesses will start to use it, I’d just to like to see some more creativity, particularly from the big brands that are getting involved, like Dominos and Debenhams.

By: Lauren Fisher

Lauren Fisher — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:15:37 +0000

Hey Lorraine. As far as I’m aware this should happen automatically, so I presume your previous customer checked in an awful lot or they’re still checking in when they’re nearby maybe?
I think it’s great that you got the idea from a customer of yours and as it grows I hope that a lot more people start checking in and that you can reach them in new ways.