Have you seen your friends checking in? Checking in is one of the hottest social networking trends and Foursquare makes it as simple as possible. By checking in, you let others know where you are, what you are doing and you can even encourage others to give a location a shot. This can be beneficial for you and for the places you frequent.
The more the word gets out, the more people check in, the more people might check some place out they have never been before. Our guide will show you how to get started with Foursquare, explain it’s features and how to get the most out of it.
How to get started with Foursquare
The quickest way to get started with is to link an account through Facebook. Foursquare can be used alone, but it is better for everyone if you utilize it with other social networks.
Visit their website.
Click on the “Sign up with Facebook” link.
You will be asked to login to Facebook.
Next, Facebook will give you a rundown of what Foursquare does through its network. Click “Log In with Facebook.”
Then, you will be asked to give permission to link Foursquare and Facebook. If you agree to what it can access, click “Allow.”
Now, you can sign up for an account through Foursquare itself.
Enter your e-mail address, a password and a phone number if you want. Make sure to read over their Terms of Service before continuing. When ready, click “Join.”
They will send you an e-mail to confirm your account. Make sure you click it to confirm your account details.
Foursquare will prompt you to friend those on Facebook you know who are using the social network.
Click on your friends you want to have on Foursquare, then click “Next.”
It will then let you know about businesses, products and locations you might be interested in following.
Simply select them and click “Ok! I’m done!” to move forward.
Your account is now ready to go.
You can either use Foursquare’s website to check in or you can download a mobile app for your phone to get started. Utilizing their on your phone is the way to get the most out of the social network.
Foursquare will ask your permission to track your location through your browser. Click “Allow” to let it do that or “Deny” to not.
On the main screen from your browser, you will see a search bar.
On the left, you can see your Activity, Explore, Lists and go through your settings for the social network.
Click on the drop-down menu next to your name to get to the more advanced settings.
In the search bar, search for a location to get started. In this example, I will use Taco Bell.
If you click on one of the locations, you will be given all sorts of information on that place.
You can even leave what Foursquare calls a tip to those visiting the same location.
This can be a short review, including links or pictures.
Now, we will show you how to use Foursquare on your mobile phone so you can get started on the go.
How to use Foursquare on your Android
You want to download their app on your phone. Open the Google Play Store, then search for Foursquare.
You want to accept and download the app after reviewing what permissions it will have over your phone.
Once installed, you can login with your account details.
From the main Foursquare screen, you can quickly add friends should you choose to.
You can also begin checking in by clicking “Check In.”
The app will begin to pull up locations near your phone. You can select one from the list if you are there or you can click the “Magnifying Glass icon” to search for a location.
Once you click on the location, you can slick “Check In Here” to check in.
You can add some text about the location, add a picture, share with friends and choose where you want to share the check in.
Click “Check In Here” to check in.
Foursquare will confirm your check in and it is that simple to let people know where you are and what you are up to.
There is more you can do with the Foursquare app, click “Explore” from the main screen.
Explore lets you find new places, locations and businesses in your area. You can view reviews, tips and more to find the right locale for you.
Click “Lists.”
Lists allow you to create places you want to go and you can also see other user’s lists to get ideas of what to do.
Then, click “Me.”
Me if your profile area on the Foursquare app. You can add friends, see your stats and access more about your account.
If you click the “Home button,” you can open up the settings. Click “Settings.”
From here, you can manage how their app works on your mobile phone.
These instructions are easy to follow on an Android, Blackberry or iPhone. Now, you know everything you need to get started and get the most out of Foursquare.
What’s the point of checking in?
Foursquare allows users and locations to get the most from positive buzz. By checking in, you not only connect with family and friends but you let local businesses know what you think of them. This in turn helps them get more visitors and business which can make all the difference in today’s world.
If you are interested in seeing what Foursquare can do for you, sign up for an account and give it a try. Take a few seconds out of the day when you visit places you enjoy and “check in” to show your appreciation.
Join Foursquare.
