Many people know what search engine optimization (SEO) is for their website, but many business owners may not know that SEO is also needed for mobile applications, specifically location-based apps like FourSquare. There are several options that can be completed in these GPS-based apps, which are used by millions of people, often multiple times a day.
Have Deals
Many apps allow business to post deals, which are activated by checking into the business. If possible, always have a deal listed, as many users may choose one business over another depending when what type of deal or promotion they may have. Deals could be 5 or 10% off a bill, a free appetizer, or maybe a free item for when a user becomes the Mayor of a location (the user that has checked in the most in a location in the shortest period of time).
Complete Your Profile
This is probably the most obvious of all the suggestions. Fill out your business profile completely- make sure it is claimed by you so you can access and change or update it at any time. Make sure the gps and map are correct, as well as the hours of operation and phone number. This information is what most users are looking for in a mobile application. Be sure to upload a menu if possible and applicable as well.
Publicize
Make sure you link your business listing on locationbased social networks with your website and other social profiles. Additionally, post a sticker or flyer in your business, urging patrons to find you in FourSquare or other apps. Other good places to post reminders include email signatures, business cards, at meetings or events, and by employees as they converse the customers. Often offering an incentive (such as “check into or rate Lulu’s hair salon to get a free eyebrow ax with a haircut!”) can also motivate customers to check out your business profiles.
Think Outside the FourSquare
Don’t limit your efforts to only FourSquare. There are several other mobile location-based applications that may be beneficial for your business to have a presence on, including:
- Yelp
- Facebook Places
- Groupon Now
- Food and restaurant rating apps
No matter what location-based social networking apps are bet for your business, be sure to take advantage of all the benefits they can offer your business. In many cases, setting up an incomplete or outdated profile that is never updated is sometimes worse than not claiming or creating one at all.
What location-based social networking profiles have beneficial to your business? Let us know in the comments.