How To Use Foursquare

Have you ever heard of Foursquare? It’s a new social network that’s gained a lot of popularity in a short amount of time. I would guess the reason is because it’s a lot of fun!

I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks now, and I’m having a blast. I’ve also been crowned The Mayor Of Perkins. More on that later.

The fun in Foursquare begins with “check-ins”. A check-in is simply when you tell Foursquare that you’re at a “venue”. For instance, I go to Perkins a lot. When I check-in from Perkins, I’m using the Foursquare application on my phone, and I type that I’m at Perkins.

If you check-in to a certain venue more than anyone else, you’re crowned “The Mayor” of that venue. I’ve been The Mayor Of Perkins for a week or so now!

What’s the point of all this? You can see where your friends have checked in, and they can find you if you’re nearby, and you can compete against them for the most points. Some businesses in larger cities are starting to give “Mayor Specials” for Mayors of their business; for instance, in New York, Starbucks will give a free coffee to The Mayor Of Starbucks. The post a sign right on the front door.

I haven’t seen any Foursquare Mayor benefits in my area of the country yet, but I think that’s just because it’s not that well known. If more people start using Foursquare, maybe we can get something going! I’ve been requesting participation from some of the businesses in my local area.

You get points based on several factors. Your first check-in for the day gives you one point, your second check-in gives you two points, your third check-in gives you 3 points, etc. You also get points if you’re visiting a venue for the first time, or if you’re the first to add a venue to the database. Your points are reset at 11:59 on Sunday night, so anyone can steal the Mayor award from you!

Foursquare also awards “badges” for certain activities. If you check in to the same venue 3 times in a week, you get the “Local” badge. You can get badges for staying out late or frequenting too many karaoke bars, etc. Foursquare is adding badges all the time, and they really like suggestions.

Along with the fun points game, you can also share experiences and help your friends to discover new places using the “Tips” or “To-Dos” for venues. A tip is a recommendation; “Go to Wendy’s and get a Baconator!” A To-Do is sort of a reminder to yourself; “get the Crantini instead of the Daiquiri next time!”

The best part though is when you check-in to a location, Foursquare will try to pop-up a tip that one of your friends have left nearby. You can then follow people who leave good tips, or who’s tastes are similar to yours.

So, as you can see, Foursquare is a lot of fun! It suggests fun things from your friends for you to do and try, and there’s a “live gaming” aspect to it as people check-in to become the Mayor of places, and potentially get some cool stuff from the business.

Check out Foursquare, it’s fun!

Regards,

p.s. I would LOVE to become your friend on Foursquare! That way, we can keep up with each other’s recommendations, and you can try to take Mayorship of Perkins away from me!