Four square business model

We learned four square in our information system class. Before the class, I did not know that service, so, after the class, I immediately accessed to the site and used it. I think it was really impressive and fantastic service!! So, from my short experience of four square, I would like to describe about 1) why four square become so popular 2) four square’s business model, from my viewpoint.

1) Why four square become so popular

-Advanced SNS function-

We can communicate with our friends about “what restaurants are best”, “what restaurants are not so good” etc…

We can know someone who often goes to restaurants in which we are interested and make friends with them. We can trace what and where restaurants our friends have been.

-High Game nature-

Every time we go to some restaurants and check in Four square, we can get a variety of titles according to the number of check in. These titles are called “Badge” and the most check in users are given “mayor” title – the best title. Many users are motivated to get high “Badge”.

-High usability-

We can register user and the location of restaurants, and write any comments so easily.

-Providing API -

Since four square provides API, it can cooperate with various application/web services. For example, now, four square can cooperate with twitter and Yelp, so we can read some reviews about shops which are written in Tweet or Yelp around them.

2) four square’s business model

-Advertisement revenue-

Four square can get revenue from local advertisement. For example, some restaurants put up an ad about “Today, we serve drink for free for the first 10 customers”, then, they can get more customers by advertising in four square.

-Providing value-add services by connecting with local restaurants-

Four square and local restaurants connect together and provide value-add services to customers. For example, if customer goes to some restaurants by way of four square, they can get some discount service or some coupon tickets or some special services. If customer gets more value, they are willing to go to some restaurants and restaurants get more profits.