Now that social media has become the popular way to market your business, social media sites are popping up around every corner. Foursquare, a business-centered social media site, stands out from the crowd with its unique user interaction. When a Foursquare user visits a business location, he or she “checks in” via a mobile application. Each check-in earns the visitor points and badges that signify a certain status. The person with the most points at a location earns the title “Mayor.”

In order to check in, the visitor must actually be present at your business. This encourages frequent visits to your business for those trying to earn the status of Mayor. In order to get the most out of Foursquare, your business may want to offer a special deal to the Mayor. Those visitors trying to earn this deal will visit more often, and create some friendly competition based on frequenting your business.

Don’t forget, perks don’t have to be limited to the Mayor. Maybe your business can offer a deal to repeat customers, such as a free gift every tenth visit. Not everyone will be trying to achieve the title of Mayor, so this gives an opportunity for other loyal customers to benefit from using Foursquare.

So how do you take advantage of this application? First, check out Foursquare.com to see if you already have a Foursquare presence. If you do, you will find a link to “claim” your business. You can set up user specials on the site, and order official window clings to display at your business.

Foursquare is already being used on the Wall Street Journal’s website, and Twitter’s new application, Twitter Places, can be integrated with Foursquare. Get involved in this rapidly-growing marketing opportunity soon!