In the Office

Working the "Lo-so" Networks

SmartphonesDid you know that whenever potential customers who are linked in to one or more “lo-so” networks (Loopt, Brightkite, Gowalla, Foursquare, etc.) find themselves within a few blocks of a business’s location, the owner can now instantly send them special promotions, discount coupons, or information about current sales by taking advantage of these and other similar location-based social media networks?

If that data point piqued your curiosity — as it did mine — there’s more information in this Miami Herald article.

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.

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