What’s happened to FourSquare? Today people have reported on Twitter losing followers and badges.
I blogged back in March 2010 about how the network needed stronger rules and administration. As the network has become increasingly popular the situation appears to have got progressively worse.
Here are examples of some of the issues that I’ve spotted in the last week.
Duplication of venues: four references for the same locations spotted on Saturday
Spam entries: It is far too easy to create a new location. Here are examples of cars, homes and plain spam entries spotted on Sunday
Location errors: Either something has gone wrong with the mapping database or the UK’s rail network has been dramatically re-organised. Spotted on Tuesday
Foursquare is a great tool and has attracted significant commercial interest. However, separate from the points above, I’m still not convinced it’s the best channel for businesses to utilise when you compare it to Gowalla.
Why? Well, it’s too easy for users to check-in to a location without actually being there. Okay, that’s going to be an issue with most location-based networks – mobile GPS isn’t that accurate. However, users can check-in to a location in London with Foursquare when they’re sat on the top of a hill in Mid Wales. I could become the Mayor of a coffee shop in Manchester without ever purchasing an Americano there.
Whereas with networks like Gowalla, you actually have to be in, or at least within striking distance, of the venue before being able to check-in. From a marketing perspective, these mayorships are potentially more valuable compared to those using Foursquare or Facebook’s Places.
Foursquare has taken the lead, rightly so, but I’m putting my money on some new commercial/marketing pushes from Gowalla in the not too distant future.
Never really got foursquare..just wanted to say next time you are in Leeds give me a shout and you can become mayor of the Weatherspoons in the train station
Apart from all the ‘check ins’ etc, you can use Foursquare for other great uses too. This is my favourite one, it’s really useful, and gives you a link to Time Out’s deals page. Have a look to see for yourself other ways to take advantage of Foursquare…
https://foursquare.com/timeoutdeals