"My thoughts on Foursquare and a QR Code Reader"

Well, I just signed up on Foursquare and am already seeing its value.

Many times I've driven along hungry wondering what to eat and trying to recall places that I've once wanted to eat at but can no longer remember. Of the first few 'picks' when I logged in, there were numerous places to eat, some that I've not thought of and some that I've forgotten about. The important thing I noticed is that each 'pick' offered an incentive for me to go there, whether it be a discount, a free appetizer or a just a comment on the 'hot' item on the menu. I thought a post from a 'foodie' at a Cineplex nearby was funny, "Walk in with your own snacks! OMG the prices are outgrageous!!".

I can definitely see the advantages of Foursquare for someone new to an area and unfamiliar with what's available in their neighbourhood, however I can also see the advantage of someone who's been around a neighbourhood for awhile but would like to know what deals are being offered.

I also signed up to 'follow' or 'like' a number of 'pages', which are really a string of companies such as Time, Metro News, Cineplex and Scotiabank Nuit Blanche to be in the loop with the news, movie offers and updates to the Scotiabank Nuit Blanche event on Sep 29.

Single Biggest Learning

So far my single biggest learning from registering on Foursquare is, well actually two-fold. Both the user (me) and the companies that post their status information are benefiting from this location-based service. I as a user am benefting because at the click of a button I can find out what deals or tips are available when I am ready to shop or just visit a certain location. The companies are benefting because they are reaching out to the public in a user-friendly and non intrusive way to provide incentives to the public in hopes that it will draw them to purchase from them and increase profit and customer loyalty.

QR Code Reader

Just last week I had an oil change at Mr. Lube and upon paying my bill, I receive a receipt with instructions to either scan the QR code, email Mr. Lube at www.tellmrlube.com or call their 1-800 number to fill our a survey for a chance to win prizes.

Since add the QR reader APP, I've only used it twice and didn't think much of it, other than a really quick way to get into a company website. It's a good idea but when I scanned the QR code for Mr. Lube, it did direct me to their website where it prompted me to enter my survey code number. After that, it asked me to fill out some cells, which I did and clicked 'done'. Unfortunately the website URL for the survey was not functional, so I reverted to typing the email address in my explore and filling out the survey on my home computer.

Single Biggest Learning

My single biggest learning in providing a QR code to customers is actually more than one:  the link should work and the link should direct customers to a user friendly page, otherwise customers will have to re-route to the original method of looking up the company email address. Customers will only do this if they have the time, if they are interested and if there is an incentive.

Possible Uses of Foursquare for Public Relations

1. A listening strategy to hear 'live' comments and opinions from the public to assist in improving customer experience or products and services.
2. Get your company noticed. Whether the company is a mom or pop shop or a major retailer, people will know you are there. It's a great way of obtaining new customers and encouraging existing customers to continue to visit.
3. Measure customer traffic and plan for the high and low seasons, offering further incentives to customers in the low seasons.

 Possible Uses of QR Codes for Public Relations

1. Within a press release to direct people to more information
2. For a company campaign to gain customer traffic; direct to main page with free offers
3. Directing customers to an online blog site where they can find more information and answer to common questions.