Four Square - Twitter on Steroids?

Foursquare has the potential to be the next big thing in social media. As a “newbie” to Foursquare, I am in awe of the idea and with over 750,000 users I’m not alone.

Foursquare brings social media into the real world. By “checking in” not only are users allowing their friends the ability to see their location, but users can also receive recommendations of places to go nearby.

Bringing this idea back to the University of Texas at Austin it would be used constantly on 6^th street. Bar-hoppers would be able to find out what bars are having the best specials or what bar their friends are at, simply glancing at their phone.

However, I believe that this application has the capability to go beyond the mere convenience of meeting up with friends and into the realm of creating tribes. Let’s say, for example, you are traveling to San Francisco for the weekend, however, you have never been to San Francisco before and do not know the first thing to do there. Yet, your friend Steve, Mary and Sally frequent the Bay Area regularly and have “checked-in” numerous times during each of their trips. As a result of their “check-ins” you will be able to see what they enjoyed doing in San Francisco. Furthermore, because you are friends with them you have a very high likely hood of enjoying similar things.

Finally, the use of advertising on Foursquare is also quite fascinating. If users “check-in” enough times at the same location, they have the ability to become “mayors” and “mayors” have the ability to gain “freebies” (actual free stuff!) at these locations.

According to the graph to the right and Mashable, Smartphone usage is quickly gaining momentum. With this momentum innovations for media space are increasing. However, it key is to make sure the consumer is engaged in the ad and does not feel invaded by it.

"We Can't Move Forward, Until You Mail it Back" - The 2010 United States Census

I think that the government (or DraftFCB the agency responsible) gets advertising, or just has the ability to spend enough money to get their message across.

Case is point the 2010 Census. In the past two weeks I have received numerous direct mail pieces reminding me to fill out the census and thanking me for already doing so. Before the census was released TV commercials were aired directing me to a website if I desired additional information. Along with this, billboards, radio, print and Internet advertising were utilized to reach the United States population at as many touch points as possible. I personally believe that with the $300,000,000 budget DraftFCB achieved their goal of reaching the United States population, however, only time will tell.