Chris Heiler | January 25, 2011

I love using Foursquare as a consumer, and I think this unique social media app presents tremendous possibilities for Green Industry businesses--especially retailers like garden centers.

If you're unfamiliar with Foursquare, here's a description directly from their website:

Millions of users turn to Foursquare every day to help them find their friends and explore their world. Whether checking out a new restaurant or visiting their favorite store, they are sharing their activities and loyalty with their social network, earning badges and points along the way. For merchants and other venue owners, Foursquare offers a free set of tools to help you attract new customers and keep your best ones coming back.

Whether you're a national chain, a mom-and-pop shop, or anywhere in between, you can attract new customers or reward your most loyal ones by offering Foursquare Specials -- mobile coupons, prizes or discounts -- which are presented to users when they check in at or near your venue. Specials create extra enticement to get customers to stop by -- think 20% off a meal, a free dessert, or even a reserved parking spot for your most loyal customers.

Foursquare is still relatively new and not yet widely adopted by consumers and businesses. But it will be. Mark that down!

My advice is to just check it out and get your mind wrapped around how it works and how you can use it as a consumer (I'm totally hooked). Then you will begin to understand the benefits it can bring to your business.

Location-based mobile marketing with services like Foursquare is absolutely the future!

Foursquare merchant platform for business- For bricks and mortar businesses

Foursquare for brands without physical locations- This service is still being developed and will be interesting to see how it all comes together.

Feel free to leave your comments below. I always love to hear what you think.

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