The Magazine

Foursquare launches app for business managers to manage specials, updates and connect with customers

15

on January 29th, 2013

mzl.eedzpfdt.320x480-75

Foursquare this morning launched a new app aimed specifically at business managers. It makes it easy for them to post updates, activate specials and learn who their customers are.

The Foursquare for Business (iPhone; Android) app marks the first time Foursquare has created an app outside their official check-in apps. It’s designed to offer busy managers a way to keep up with Foursquare without being tied to a computer in an office or back room.

Managers are encouraged to post local updates to Foursquare from within the app, including photos that can be added from their phone’s camera. The updates can be posted to Facebook and Twitter. (See ten great examples of local updates).

The activity tab shows recent visitors and their tips along with updates the business has previously posted. Tapping through to one of the visitor’s profiles shows their photo and the number of times they’ve been there, along with any tips or public photos they’ve added. A separate analytics tab shows the top recent visitors (along with a total number of check-ins and likes).

Under specials, managers can activate and deactivate specials (for now the specials must still be created on a computer). This should make it easier for managers to activate specials designed to drive business at slow times. A restaurant manager, for example, could see that they have a number of empty tables and immediately turn on a 20% off Foursquare special to try to drive traffic in the door.

Foursquare for Business is designed solely for local managers to update just a few locations (they can switch between them using a button in the top left). Updating an entire chain must still be done on a computer, which is probably where it should stay since those updates typically come from a corporate marketing department.

The app’s release comes a day after Foursquare’s new privacy policy took effect. Among other things, it allows businesses to see their recent visitors for a longer period of time — a fact that’s clearly taken advantage of in the new app.

What do you think of the new app? Will this be helpful for business managers?

  • http://oyvindsolstad.no/ Oyvind Solstad

    Only in US App Store? Nggggh. Stop doing that. (Could be that iTunes stores just need to update all over the world, but in general: Never launch an app in just US unless you want to be 1980 in thinking…)

    • http://twitter.com/zpm Zach Maier

      This is just how the app is rolling out — it should be available worldwide within the next 24 hours (if it’s not already).

      • chrisirmo

        Thanks for the updates, Zach!

      • http://twitter.com/diegofrancesco Diego Francesco P.

        App is also available in Europe!

  • http://twitter.com/Alfonso_Cast Alfonso

    I really would love to have an app for Pages too

    • chrisirmo

      I’m a bit surprised this app didn’t include any support for pages. I think those are a somewhat forgotten aspect of Foursquare.

      • http://twitter.com/Alfonso_Cast Alfonso

        Agree with you…

  • Ryan Wallace

    I think 4sq missed a great opportunity to test out an iPad app. Although the website works decently well on an iPad, this would have been a great chance for them to test those waters, and prep for what we all hope to be an eventual foray into the iPad realm.

    • chrisirmo

      I’m still amazed that Foursquare is nearly four years old and STILL doesn’t have an iPad app. It would make a perfect way to browse Explore and find recommendations nearby.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=554667552 Ryan ‘Spike’ Rossmell

    Ugh. Do I really have to be the one to say this? Some of us manageres use Android.

    • chrisirmo

      I expect they’ll get there before too long. They have more iOS developers than Android, so it probably made sense to borrow a few iOS guys for this, test the waters, see how it works and THEN tap the Android team to build a similar app.

    • http://twitter.com/zpm Zach Maier

      Yes, definitely! The Android app just didn’t show up in the Google Play store quite as fast as the iOS app did. You can get the android app here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.foursquare.merchant

  • http://www.facebook.com/Beejer B.J. Ellis

    I think this is a great idea. Id like to see the ability for brands to check into places. I run an improv troupe with a brand page and we do outside gigs from time to time. It be fun for people to check into a place and be hanging out with the troupe. Just a thought. Overall, glad they went forward with it.

    • http://aboutfoursquare.com/ Chris Thompson

      Sadly, this doesn’t support check-ins at other venues, only updates at the places you manage. For check-ins, you’ll have to use their mobile interface.

  • http://twitter.com/_arexis Alexis Favis

    On initial use, it seems just handy to post updates on the fly. It will be nice when they incorporate the ability to post events and add new specials. I also agree, Pages support would be great. They are off to a nice start though.

More on About Foursquare

  • Subscribe

    Enter your email address above

  • Disclaimer

    About Foursquare is not endorsed or certified by Foursquare Labs, Inc. All of the foursquare® logos (including all badges) and trademarks displayed on this site are the property of Foursquare Labs, Inc.