PR, Perfected: Should Your Client Be on Foursquare?

Determine if this social media service will be a fix or flop for your clients

By Jessica Howell - May 17, 2011

Foursquare isn't your average social media tool, according to its director of business development, Eric Friedman. "It's about getting off your computer, getting off your phone, and getting out there," he says of the 9 million-user-strong website that reigns triumphant among location-based services.

Familiar yet slightly misunderstood by marketers, Foursquare allows users to check in to public places like restaurants, malls and gyms using their phone, and has proven to be popular among the age 18-35 demographic. The best part for retailers, says Friedman, is that it's a level playing ground. Whether you're an international chain of big box retail stores or a mom-and-pop on Main Street, you're privy to the exact same experience and merchant tools. For many brands and their PR professionals, the opportunities are endless.

That leaves us begging the question: Is your client on Foursquare? And, if not, are they missing out? To solve this dilemma, we've narrowed the spectrum with these five parameters, which will help you determine if geo-based social media will be a fix or a flop for your clients.

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