Things are finally getting interesting for those who are using new kid on the block Foursquare and those businesses who are looking to take advantage of data compiled from playing the "game."
Foursquare plans on distributing a free analytics tool that will give owners of businesses access to a wide range of information on their frequent customers. My friend at Foursquare Tristan Walker says in a NYT article, "“We’re trying to give businesses more retention with current customers and the ability to add new customers with specials"
With information like who has "checked in", male to female ratio, time of day, imagine what a restaurant can offer customers in the form of rewards. I'm also certain that customers who now know that their favorite coffee shop for example is tracking them will be diligently making sure they are checking in often. Hopefully the innovation won't stop there though. I would love for Atlanta Hartsfield Airport one day to offer a Foursquare Mayor's lounge for all the times I check in in a month. Wishful and ambitious thinking I'm sure but all jokes aside the tool does begin to give information on customers/visitors who are "social media savvy" as arguably if you are using Foursquare you are on the cutting edge of social and mobile. How businesses and agencies (esp. event agencies) begin to use this tool can and will be a GAMECHANGER for those that really give customer loyalty, mobile and social media some serious thought.
