Small businesses utilizing Foursquare

Foursquare has recently become one of the most popular apps available on smartphones, and it is proving to be an extremely valuable resource for small business owners who would like to increase the popularity of their company.

The popular app allows users to check in at different restaurants and stores to inform their friends and followers of their whereabouts. The company announced in April that it had reached a user base of 20 million people and more than 750,000 businesses had begun to use the platform already.

According to Search Engine Watch, Foursquare is split into two paths, consisting of those with physical locations where users can shop, eat and play, in addition to those without locations, which are usually large brands.

"If applicable, building integration with Foursquare into your product makes checking in as easy as possible for your users," said Anthony Krumeich, CEO and co-founder of Bloodhound in San Francisco, to the Washington Post. "Combining ease of use with some sort of incentive for checking in are the two best ways to leverage Foursquare to find and lure new customers. By greasing the wheels on these potential sticking points, you make checking in something that one wants to do instead of something one has to do.”

Users of Foursquare who are trying to increase their small business marketing techniques have a plethora of assets at their disposal, which are mostly free. Companies can create their own pages on Foursquare that are similar to those on Facebook, allowing consumers to visit their company's page and tell their friends about their experience.

There is also a follow button on Foursquare that is similar to the Facebook "Like" button or Twitter "Follow" button, which could increase popularity of a company by the amount of users who have already showed interest in the company's page.

“Obviously, Foursquare can be used to offer specials and discounts to your customers," said Matt Hunckler, founder and president of Verge in Indianapolis, to the Post. "But picking the right benefit can make the difference between mediocre geo-marketing and a viral campaign that brings swarms of customers to your business."

According to BIA/Kelsey, 40 percent of small businesses are expected to increase digital spending in the next 12 months, which could better the economy that has been struggling since the economic downturn.