Foursquare Phenomenon: Are you Checked In?

I’m sure by now you have at least heard of this foursquare business. Where people “Check-In” to the locations in which they are currently at. Its been sweeping the country in droves and becoming larger by the day. Well, just incase you don’t have a clue as to what I’m rambling about; let me let you in on the big secret.

What is FourSquare?

Foursquare is a location-based mobile application that makes cities more interesting to explore, and new places easier to find. It mixes reviews, maps, social media, and fun all into one place, right on your phone! By “Checking In”, users are able to share their location with others, as well as collect points and badges to compete against their friends. It’s really just a big interactive location based game, that lets people know where they can find their friends or find out where the hippest places in town are located. What’s great about the application is that it allows you to bookmark information for certain places as well as leave tips for those users who haven’t been there yet. So if you had a great dish at a restaurant, or you want to let someone else know how to beat the lines, just leave a tip for that location and everyone who looks at that location can see it!

Badges and Points?

What are these so-called badges and points? Let me explain, by checking into locations, Foursquare awards you points based on their established point system. You earn at least one point for every “check in” you make, but every “check in” could be different. Lets say you are at a place for the first time, or you’re the first of your friends to visit a place, or maybe it’s your first time at a certain type of place. Each of these scenarios can bring different point values. So it encourages you to get out and explore new places, in order to rack up those points! As for badges, they are based on a few different things. For example, it could be based on the number of people checked into one place at the same time, or based on the number of similar places you’ve visited within a certain time frame. There are virtually badges for everything! Foursquare has new ones coming out daily to keep it fresh and keep people engaged in the game.

How does it work?

When you open the application on your phone, foursquare uses your phones built-in gps system to find out exactly where you are located. It then brings up a list of places based upon where you are currently located. For the most part, the current location you are in will show up on top followed by a list of places within a certain range of your location. From this list, you can select a location and “Check in” adding pictures, comments, tips, as well as statuses. Your friends, as well as the owners of these places can then see what you’ve posted.

So there you have it, the FourSquare basics to get you started. Now all you have to do is sign up, add some friends and see how many points and badges you can rack up.  Be sure to “Check in” to our blog and find out more about FourSquare discounts and deals next time…