The White House Checks In To Foursquare

Out of all the social media platforms I use, Foursquare is probably the most fun, and the one of the best ways to secure valuable promotions and discounts from consumer-focused businesses.

Not familiar with Foursquare? It's a location-based social networking site, designed to be accessed via smartphones, that enables users to "check in" to a physical location, such as a business, park, or historical landmark, and then announce to their friends that you are there. The individual who checks in to a given location the most times is known as the mayor, although that status can be fleeting if you don't visit a location often enough. When checking in, a user can also offer a tip to other visitors, such as "Try the ahi tuna; it's delicious!" or "Make sure to have Ted brew your latte since he's the best barista EVER!" Users rack up points for every check-in, and also earn special badges for engaging in specific behaviors and for visiting certain locations at certain times. For example, I earned the JetSetter badge for checking in to a total five different airports, and the Crunked Badge for making four stops in one night.

While it's fun, Foursquare is a great tool for small businesses, which can design promotions and discounts exclusively for Foursquare users, and in particular, mayors. When checking in to a location, a user will see an icon on his phone that says "Special Here" or "Specials Nearby," and it's usually a pretty good deal. If you like Chili's, check in on your next visit, and you will get FREE chips and salsa. No joke!

With Foursquare's rapidly-growing following, and his administration's savvy use of social media, President Obama has authorized an official White House account on Foursquare, which went live a week ago. According to the official post on The White House Blog, users can follow the White House on Foursquare (I did) to see tips on the places the President and administration officials visit around the country and the world, follow news and events by location, and learn about the White House and its history. Of course, if you're visiting the White House itself in Washington D.C., or attending a town hall meeting with the President, you can physically check in.

The White House communications staff launched the Foursquare initiative in conjunction with President Obama's economic bus tour of the Midwest, which also began on Monday, August 15. At the very least, it adds yet another effective communication platform for Obama during a difficult period, and it underscores the administration's knowledge and sophistication in the use of social media to deliver key messages to the American public.