Monday, April 30, 2012

What's Foursquare?

Foursquare, a popular location-based social app, is on all the major mobile platforms: iOS, Android, and Windows Phone 7. But...what is it exactly? Having been asked this question by many people when I whip out my phone to check-in, I figured it would be good to shed some light on this multifaceted useful, fun app.



In a nutshell, Foursquare is a way to experience everything that is around you in a very social way. The app finds venues around you using your smartphone. Then, when you visit a venue, you can press "check-in" and the app registers that you visited that location. There's plenty of information about venues too: tips left by others, pictures, menus (for restaurants), and sometimes even specials. I've gotten everything from 15% coupons to free cups of coffee using Foursquare, and have made entire decisions on where to eat, or what ride to go on at an amusement park based on tips left by other users.

Here's a quick explanation of Foursquare by the company itself:


Foursquare is on the iOS app store, Google Play, or the Windows Phone Marketplace [links for each below]. Download it for free, and start exploring the world around you!

Colin

Download for iOS
Download for Android
Download for WP7

Sunday, April 22, 2012

3 Steps to getting started and staying active with Social Media

I'm going to cut right to the chase: if you're not using social media for your small business or company, a competitor is. You're missing out on a crucial aspect of connecting with your customers and potential customers.



Getting started with social media could seem like wading into the Amazon rainforest without a machete, so let me give you some pointers and tools to get you started. Below is a three step list to getting started and staying active with social media.


1. Dedicate your time to a few services. Don't spread yourself too thin, especially at the beginning. A Facebook page and a Twitter account are great places to start. Don't feel like you need to bog yourself down with a tumblr, Pinterest, WordPress, and Google+ account. Start simple and dedicate all of your time to those services. Focus is key.

2. Create a solid base of real people. Ask your Facebook friends to "Like" your new businesses page, but don't proselytize like some sort of door-to-door salesman. Tell them that, as a friend, you would appreciate it if they supported your business. You know those people that you're friends with who have 2,000+ Facebook friends? Get them on your side. Also, Follow people on Twitter who are in your area and start to communicate with them on a daily basis. Everything happens in the context of real, authentic relationships.

3. Post relevant material, at least once a day. Have a real estate company? Post relevant news stories and other material about the housing market that your followers and friends might find interesting. Own a bakery? Post a picture of your new menu, or even one of happy customers giving thumbs up! Don't feel like you have to make it all about your own company; the key here is to engage people in discussing, and sharing your material. If you were a customer or potential customer, what would be interesting for you to read? What would you ignore? Post accordingly.

Leave questions in the comments! Have a great day.

Colin