Baltimore Cafes Foursquare Promotion Generates Buzz

While the amount of Foursquare users pales in comparison to that of Facebook and Twitter, the location-based social network has proven to be beneficial for chain and independent restaurants to reward customers and encourage repeat visits. Such is the case for MGH client, Miss Shirley's, whose Foursquare promotion has helped increase check-ins by 427 percent and the restaurant also saw a sales increase of 10-18 percent (at both locations).

Miss Shirley's unique Foursquare promotion allows the "mayor" - person with the most check-ins - to jump in front of the waiting line. "We wanted something to stand out, particularly now that restaurants in the area are picking up on Foursquare," commented, Ryan Goff, social media marketing director at MGH. "While it was limited to just one person, it created a strong sense of competition."

Joe Saunders, senior vice president for consulting firm BrandStand Marketing, who was interviewed by the publication about the promotion said, "Miss Shirley's offer was advantageous to the bottom line because it didn't involve a giveaway. What I like about the program is that these folks aren't discounting, but they're giving good customers something to make them feel special."

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