What is Foursquare?

Foursquare is a location-based mobile social networking website that helps people interact with their environment via their mobile device.

How it works

Users create personalised lists of places they’d like to visit, perhaps a new boutique or bar, or follow established lists, such as, ‘Amazing Melbourne Coffee and Brunch’, and then check in when they get to a listed venue.

Users earn points, take advantage of special offers, or connect with friends when they check in, while businesses attract and learn about clientele by being part of the network.

Radar arrives

It all sounds very cosy, but until recently it was a one-way street, relying solely on users to make contact with businesses.

Now however, Foursquare alerts users when they are physically near a listed item, effectively allowing businesses to tap them on the shoulder as they pass by.

The new feature, called Radar, works automatically – the application doesn’t have to be open for it send an alert – enabling businesses to reach out to potential customers, attracting them with special offers or the presence of their friends.

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Featured: Foursquare: @foursquare

Article by: Cormac Hanrahan: @cormachanrahan