It goes something like this, I have a Foursquare profile and every time that I go to a supermarket, clothing store, golf course or wherever – I’ll check-in using my mobile phone. Each time that I check in to said establishment, I’ll receive points and hopefully, a new badge. But, the highest tier is to be awarded mayorship of a certain establishment by having the most check-ins. I can see my friends’ scores, gloat if I have more points than them and try to knock them off of their throne as mayor. But the ultimate reward for me? If a certain place will offer freebies for my participation and loyalty for their store, or I can find a promotional deal through the shared tips section.

The freebies expose an opportunity that I, and others in the Millenial generation, love. In fact, a recent study from ROI Research showed the statistics of social media participants whom expressed a strong desire to obtain more printable coupons (49%), notifications of special deals (46%) and information about products (35%).

This is the translation for marketers. Foursquare is growing at a rate of approximately 150,000 people per day and about 1 million check-ins per day. When users check in, their location can be shared through their social networks on Facebook or Twitter. This relays into on-the-spot customer feedback and a higher growth rate for sales. If you reward them, they will come.

All geo-social games, like Foursquare, are growing faster than ever expected. The key to success is to be involved in the game and make customers happy – the ultimate win-win.

My client NeuStar explores the impact of  technology on mobile marketing and advertising campaigns run by consumer-oriented brands in this new blog.  Take a look...let me know what you think.  Are there any topics or issues we should cover?

- Leadtail, the world's first online advertising search engine, announced its choices for the Best Websites for Advertising to L.A. Consumers. This select list of web properties was compiled by Leadtail's editorial team and represents the best places online to reach consumers living and working in the greater Los Angeles area.

Male Consumers Seek Powerful Image
Men and women are different biologically, psychologically and socially. Deutsch advises that men live in the “now.” They are concrete thinkers that like to consummate and complete what they set out to do.” Men are interested in power and in looking good, even more than being good.

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