Do you know who has CHECKED IN or is the Mayor of your Business?

I can't help myself these days when I go to a business to ask them if they are taking advantage of 4Square.  Most times my question is responded to with a blank look on their face, with a what's that?


Well let me tell you it is the most overlooked "FREE" marketing tool.  I usually get their attention when I say the word "FREE".  


Just because your business is in a small town doesn't mean that you should not include yourself in the craze.  9 chances out of 10 at least one of your customers has tried to or has checked into your business on one or more platform.  Rather than loose customers or sales opportunities, get ahead of the game and claim your business.  


In my opinion there are 3 major app's  out there where you should claim your business.  (and yes you do need a smart phone to use these applications)

1. *Foursquare is a location-based mobile platform that makes cities easier to use and more interesting to explore. By “checking in” via a smartphone app or SMS, users share their location with friends while collecting points and virtual badges. Foursquare guides real-world experiences by allowing users to bookmark information about venues that they want to visit and surfacing relevant suggestions about nearby venues. Merchants and brands leverage the foursquare platform by utilizing a wide set of tools to obtain, engage, and retain customers and audiences.               
2. Facebook Places- *Places is a Facebook feature that lets you share where you are and find friends nearby. You can check in to places you visit from your mobile phone, tag friends who are with you, and view comments your friends have made about places you visit.
3. Google Places-*A free business listing service offered by Google where business owners can submit or claim ownership of their business information. Formerly known as the Google Local Business Center until April 2010, “Places” is intended to represent a broader range of geographic points of interest–such as parks or historic sites–in addition to local businesses.

All these Mobile Marketing apps encourage more interaction then just a check-in. For instance, they also allow you to tag friends, add a photo or comment. Some customers even review the business while they check in.  FourSquare also lets you reward your customers with specials.  Newbies, Frequent Visitors and The Mayor can each receive a different special. 


So I suggest to "Jump on the Band Wagon" and set up your business. What do you have to loose?  With no upfront or monthly coast its a "No-Brainer"!