The game of checking in has never been more fun. Foursquare is a free app that helps you and your friends make the most of where you are. The application allows users to save and share places they visit. There are more than 20 million monthly visitors worldwide with more than 2.5 billion check-ins posted. The mobile interface encourages users to check-in and post a quick review of the establishment during the visit. The profile can be connected to Facebook and Twitter and all activity is shared to the social networks.

When a user creates a profile on Foursquare, they can check-in, leave helpful tips, earn badges and become mayor of places they check-in the most. That’s where the fun comes into play. Frequent users become mayors if they check-in to the local establishment more than any other local Foursquare user. Any time a person earns a badge, becomes a mayor or posts a check-in, the activity and location is shared to the social networks. It’s an excellent form of free advertising! Below is an example of what the user sees when they search for a local establishment.

Foursquare doesn’t have to be all fun and games though. Businesses that take the application seriously can reap the rewards by creating a free business page. There are currently more than 1 million business pages on Foursquare. Below is an example of one hotel chain who capitalizes on the free advertising with a business page.

Taking it up a notch, here’s a hotel chain utilizing the special offers feature specifically for Foursquare users.

It looks simple enough, right? Check out Foursquare and see why so many people are checking in!

RezStream Hospitality Tips: Foursquare

• Claim/create your free business page  
• Connect the Foursquare business page with Facebook and Twitter Accounts
• Prominently place the Foursquare badge on your mobile site to encourage check-ins
• Offer exclusive specials or create an incentive program for Foursquare check-ins
• Monitor customer reviews & address negative ones