The Zen of GEO Targeting

When marketing Stockton, the same issue comes up every time: How do you get locals through the door? One tool we recommend for our clients is called FOURSQUARE, a geolocation mod that allows your valued customers to get special deals when "checking in" from certain locations - and it's iPhone compatible.

You've probably seen people "check in" on their Facebook. Well with foursquare, each time you check in, you get a special offer from the vendor that's geographically closest to you.

Are you checking in at the gym? Well, maybe the sushi bar across the street has an offer for 25 percent off? If it did, you would see it on foursquare.

After a while, if your reward is good enough, a lot of people will start "checking in," by your business.

The main thing is it keeps people coming back, while also allowing everyone's Facebook friends and connections to know they're by a particular business. And if they comment or "like it," your brand name will repopulate over literally hundreds of profiles in less than a second.

Geo targeting is a crucial part of marketing Stockton because it can draw hundreds of people and is absolutely free. Apps, like Facebook Places, allow users to check and share their location with friends instantly.

Although Foursquare is just part of a comprehensive geo-targeted strategy involving directory submissions, groupons, and yelp, it's still a vital addition to any small business.

CLAIMING: When marketing, Stockton, make sure you claim your site on Foursquare as soon as possible. Go to the site and hit "add venue" under the "places" tab. If you don't do it soon, someone else might claim your listing and then you would have lost the chance to use this amazing site.

GOALS: Structure your campaign based on your goal priorities. What do you want to accomplish? Do you want more leads, more exposure, or are you simply establishing a brand for yourself?

USING FOURSQUARE AS LOYALTY: Instead of investing in a hundred dollar per month loyalty program,just have people "check in" on foursquare each time they come by. Then, give them something free each fifth time. It's easy, and well worth the buzz.

This service is completely free and will help your marketing, Stockton. Good luck!

To read more articles detailing the ins and outs of successful social media marketing, visit: http://tiny.cc/ang_social_media_blog

For a free strategic marketing consultation on how to further build your online presence, e-mail: info@advancenetworkinggroup.com