Building Communities: One Check-In At a Time

An interesting phenomenon is happening with geo-location based applications.

They are encouraging people to get out and be social. A major issue with Facebook, Myspace and other social networks was the fact that you created something online and it almost encouraged you to isolate yourself.

This is changing.

April 16th was the 1st Annual Foursquare Day. Foursquare is an app that encourages users to go out and explore our towns and cities. Online and offline worlds are starting to blend together.

This is a great thing.

We are now engaging with people on a blended level. People we only knew online are now people that we can interact at events like SXSW and many others. We can bring offline friendships into the online world and make them stronger.

This is also great for business.

We find a great restaurant, we check-in, write a review or leave a tip to anyone else who happens to check-in.

This makes everyone accountable; the restaurant to make sure they know what patrons are saying and the customers accountable for what they say, no longer can they hide behind “anonymous”.

The venue sees the feedback and is able to quickly fix any issues that they might be facing. The customer is able to feel important and happy that someone is listening and taking their suggestions.

These incentives motivate people to get up from their couch and go out into their community.

I hope this trend continues.

Photo Credit: wordcat57

April 19, 2010 1 Comment Short URL , , ,