Twiststl

If you've never heard of Foursquare, you're not alone, but this is a company to watch closely in the future. Foursquare is pioneering a new way of sharing that allows users to "check-in" at places they frequent daily.  Swiping loyalty cards and Tweeting about a company while there in person rewards customers by giving them points towards rewards and gives the company the face time with the public it desires. 

Of course, those of us who are a little more private may not care to tell everyone how often we stop by Starbucks or what flavor of ice cream is our favorite, but in this social networking society, privacy is a luxury few of us can afford.  And when people voluntarily enter into these social media programs, the marketing tactics aren't seen as invasive, but as something a person is truly interested in.  Keeping customers involved with and aware of the brand is the biggest challenge any marketer faces,but by posting blogs, rewarding customers instantly for being loyal, and giving them special incentives to keep tabs on a company or brand, marketers are learning to effectively use the digital tools being created.