Geolocation marketing: Foursquare makes it easier for small business owners

A much needed update has been posted to Foursquare's business page, which now provides step-by-step instructions on how small businesses and venue owners can integrate Foursquare into their outreach plans.

The resource guides users on how to attract followers, create a page, and how to promote specials. The page is a terrific, intuitive resource for any business owners and marketing strategists looking for an easy, concise guide to get a solid, basic start in geolocation marketing:

Foursquare Specials

We designed the foursquare Merchant Platform to fit your business needs. We offer a range of different types of Specials, some designed to get new customers in the door, some designed for specific promotions, and others to reward your most loyal customers"

Here are the different types of Specials you can offer:

Type of Special	How it Works	Your Goal	A Successful Example
Mayor Special	The foursquare Mayor is the most frequent visitor to your venue over the past 60 days. This is a way to reward your best customer, while stoking competition for the prize.	Helps encourage repeat visitors, and creates a fun game around frequenting your venue.	The Mayor gets one free drink, every day of his/her reign. Plus, your favorite burger will be named for you on our menu if your reign lasts at least a week!
Frequency Special	Like a loyalty card or punch card, this is a Special that customers can redeem every X times they visit (you get to set how many visits).	Any customer can earn this reward, like a free coffee every five visits. It encourages people to stay loyal to your business and keep coming back.	Free side dish every 2nd check-in, with purchase of a dinner entree!
Count Special	This is a one-time frequency Special. Use it to reward people on their first visit, or give them a special treat after their fifth one.	This is great for attracting new customers, with a reward for a first visit or a Special one-time offer for coming back.	On your fifth time dining with us, meet the chef for the option of a custom meal not on the menu (at regular price)!
Custom Special	These Specials are available to customers on every check-in, but based on whatever conditions you choose.	This is great for promoting deals specific to your venue, like a discount on a specific item.	If 10 or more people are checked in to the bar, a round of bartender's choice shots on the house!
Venue Regulars Special	This Special encourages users to come back in short time spans, for instance, it could be three visits in a week.	This is good for increasing short-term repeat customers, like trying to get people to come three times a week.	Enjoy March Madness at J. Fury's and unlock free buffalo wings!! Check in 3 times during the NCAA Tournament's first two weeks and get a free double order of wings!