Location Based Applications For Your Business

We recently did a post on Foursquare reaching a milestone in their “check ins”.  Here we will discuss location based applications and what they do for your business.  It is important to note that now, more than ever, all businesses should be taking advantage of these powerful and free resources online.

What are location based applications?  These applications let consumers tell their network of friends online where they have been and what they are doing.  This is like tweeting on Twitter but the world knows where you are and you can post that you found a great sale somewhere and tell your friends when that sale ends.  Or say Starbucks is having a giveaway that ends at 3 p.m., you can let your friends know so they can join in the fun before the event ending time.

Here are a few of the location based applications that we know to be great! 

1. SCVNGR- This is a  fun application.  Rather than simply telling friends you have been to a location you actually have a challenge to do at that location.  You check in at a location and take pictures, answer riddles, do challenges and more.  For customers this adds a fun element to exploring the city around them.  For business owners this is a great way to build exitement about events, sales, and more.  For example, you could have a challenge in a clothing store that whoever folds the most t-shirts in 45 seconds gets a gift certificate or a savings of some kind. 
2. Gowalla - The application allows you to visit different businesses and locations and give your friends tips and recommendations.  When you check in to a certain place you get a stamp in your passport.  Gowalla has games where they make “trips” and as you complete the trips you can win certain items.  This is a great way to encourage more participation from your customers.
3. Facebook - Just this month Facebook announced their new product which allows users to check in to certain locations.  As with their photos you can even “tag” your friends that are with you on your outing!  As users post the place that they are in a feed is sent to that locations Facebook page as well.  This can be fun because if you check in at a location and your Facebook friends get your update you can join each other for coffee or a museum tour.  The possibilities are endless. 
4. Brightkite - This is an application that is very much like Foursquare but the main difference is that you have more options.  You can chat, update, upload photos and more.  Businesses benefit because you can really get specific about the geographical location of your visitors.   Say you own a salon – you can send out a message to those that are checking in that if they bring in a friend their service gets a 20% discount or another incentive. 
5. Loopt- This application actually has many different aspects for the iPad.  For users you can check in at locations and keep up with your friends.  For the business owner it is a great way to spread the word about promotions, discounts, coupons and more.  You can also offer virtual rewards for your customers.
6. Whrrl -  This is a unique application that focuses in on specific audiences.  The are called “societies”.  For example if you are an avid bird watcher you would be in a society with people that have the common interest.  For the business owner you can offer what they call “society rewards”.  This is their version of a loyalty rewards program or frequent flyer number.  It is a great tool for offering rewards for frequenting your business. 

While you may see a lot of very large businesses getting in on this type of marketing, you should know that the small business owner has a lot to gain from these applications.  Use them to your advantage and watch your sales soar!

Brightkite, facebook, Gowalla, location based applications, Loopt, SCVNGR, Twitter, Whrrl