Fried Logic

FourSquare Tools for Business

The New York Times blog, “Bits” announced that FourSquare, a well known location-based social network, will soon provide free analytics tools for businesses.  As the use of location-based applications continues to grow, the analytics will offer valuable information for businesses about their customers.

Some of what the analytics will provide:

• Who has “checked-in”*
• When they arrive
• Male to Female Ratio
• Most active times of day
• Option for instant promotions to engage customers

*Note: There will be an opt-in, opt-out setting in the privacy panel that will give Foursquare users the ability to keep their information private.

A restaurant can look at the screen and see who recently checked in and welcome them, ask what kind of food they like, etc. In addition, if a business notices a customer has not checked in recently, they can contact them with promotions and incentives to come in.

The tools seem like they will be a win-win opportunity for both businesses and customers as businesses get to know their customers and customers get more deals and promotions catered toward their wants and needs.

I’m excited to give it a go when it is launched to the public! What do you think the biggest benefit will be?