More on Foursquare's Growth

Foursquare, one of the most well-known of the location-based social networks has announced plans to experiment with tying into brand loyalty programs. Foursquare, which encourages users to check in from various locations to let their friends know what they're doing, has already incorporated some promotions with various brands. For example, the Foursquare "mayor" of a particular venue may be offered a discount or even free services.

Users can also earn badges by achieving certain milestones (holding multiple mayorships, checking in to a designated number of different venues, etc.). Now the company is considering expanding its use of badges <http://social.venturebeat.com/2010/06/08/foursquare-announces-world-cup-badges-with-cnn-testing-badge-rewards> . Recently, at Internet Week in New York, users could earn an Internet Week badge merely by checking in from the event. That badge then gave users access to special VIP parties. Other badges let them earn bottles of wine and other perks.