Foursquare Rewards How Check-Ins Can Unlock Discounts And Freebies In Las Vegas

Foursquare has evolved from a simple check-in app to a platform that offers tangible benefits to users who actively engage with businesses. The company's Swarm application has introduced a "Perks" feature that allows users to receive discounts and special offers at participating venues simply by checking in. This revival of the original Foursquare's "specials" concept aims to recapture the "magical experience" of receiving freebies or discounts when visiting businesses. The program is particularly relevant in destinations like Las Vegas, where visitors can maximize their experiences through strategic check-ins at various venues and resorts.

Understanding Foursquare's Perks Program

Foursquare's Perks program represents a modern approach to location-based rewards. When users check in at venues that participate in the program, the app automatically notifies them of available offers, which can then be redeemed directly from the app's inbox. The system generates a barcode that can be scanned at checkout, eliminating much of the confusion that existed with earlier redemption methods. This streamlined process ensures that both users and businesses can benefit from the program without unnecessary complications.

The concept behind Perks is straightforward: businesses offer incentives to encourage check-ins, while users receive tangible benefits for their patronage. These benefits can range from small discounts to free items, depending on the establishment's participation level. The program is designed to be mutually beneficial, driving foot traffic for businesses while providing value to consumers.

The Evolution of Foursquare's Reward System

The introduction of Perks in Swarm is part of Foursquare's broader strategy to bring back game mechanics that were popular in the original app. After initially separating check-ins into a dedicated app called Swarm, Foursquare recognized that check-ins remain central to the company's long-term success. The ecosystem of both the flagship app and the places data used by other companies relies on check-in data from Swarm.

To enhance user engagement, Foursquare has also introduced "challenges" alongside Perks. Unlike automatic rewards from check-ins, challenges are contests that encourage users to complete specific goals, such as checking in at multiple ice cream shops within a week. These gamification elements aim to increase user participation while making the experience more enjoyable.

Foursquare has also brought back badges and mayorships, which were popular features in the original app. These virtual recognitions reward users for their loyalty and frequency at specific venues, potentially unlocking additional benefits from participating businesses.

Las Vegas: A Hotspot for Check-in Rewards

Las Vegas stands out as a destination where check-in rewards can significantly enhance the visitor experience. The city's numerous resorts, restaurants, and entertainment venues offer ample opportunities for users to benefit from location-based rewards. The combination of high traffic and business competition makes Las Vegas particularly conducive to programs like Foursquare's Perks.

According to available information, Las Vegas visitors can maximize their rewards through strategic check-ins at various MGM properties. The M loyalty program allows members to earn substantial points through social media check-ins. Specifically, checking in at all 12 MGM resorts daily can earn 6,000 credits, with potential earnings reaching up to 30,000 points in a year through consistent social media updates. These points contribute to tier status, with members advancing to higher levels at 25,000 points.

MGM Resorts' Social Rewards Program

The M life loyalty program at MGM Resorts incorporates social check-ins as a key component of its rewards structure. The program is powered by Top Guest, a technology platform also used by companies like United Airlines, Virgin America, Best Western, and Hilton Hotels. This integration allows MGM to offer a comprehensive rewards system that extends beyond traditional gaming activities.

Members of the M life program can link their rewards to Visa credit cards, enabling them to receive text messages for related offers. This connectivity creates a seamless experience where purchases at one location can trigger discount offers at nearby stores or venues. For example, a purchase at an Aria retail shop might result in a discount offer from a neighboring store, while buying show tickets could lead to special dining offers at the same resort.

The VP Pocket Concierge app, designed for the Venetian and Palazzo resorts, further enhances the visitor experience by providing turn-by-turn guidance to restaurants, nightclubs, ATMs, and restrooms within the 16 million square feet of these properties. This app complements the social rewards program by helping visitors navigate the vast resort spaces efficiently.

Maximizing Benefits Through Strategic Check-ins

To fully capitalize on Foursquare's Perks program and similar rewards systems in Las Vegas, users should adopt a strategic approach to their check-ins. The following practices can help maximize the value received:

1. Research participating venues: Before visiting, users can check which venues offer Perks or participate in reward programs. This information may be available through the Foursquare app or the venues' own promotional materials.

2. Focus on high-participation areas: Las Vegas, with its numerous resorts and entertainment venues, offers particularly rich opportunities for check-in rewards. MGM Resorts properties, in particular, have integrated social check-ins into their loyalty programs.

3. Complete challenges: In addition to automatic Perks, users can participate in challenges to earn additional rewards. These might include checking in at multiple locations within a specific timeframe or exploring different types of venues.

4. Link loyalty programs: When available, linking multiple loyalty programs and payment methods can create additional opportunities for rewards. For example, M life members can connect their accounts to credit cards to receive location-based offers.

5. Maintain consistent activity: Regular check-ins at the same venues can lead to mayorship status, which may unlock additional benefits from participating businesses.

The Technology Behind Location-Based Rewards

The infrastructure supporting location-based rewards like Foursquare's Perks involves sophisticated technology that tracks user activity and delivers relevant offers. The system relies on precise location data to determine when a user has checked in at a participating venue.

For MGM Resorts' program, the Top Guest platform processes social media check-ins and converts them into tangible rewards. This technology integrates with the resorts' existing loyalty systems to ensure that points are properly tracked and applied to member accounts.

The redemption process is equally important. Foursquare's approach of generating a barcode within the app simplifies the transaction, allowing staff to quickly verify and apply the discount or offer. This efficiency benefits both businesses and consumers by reducing friction in the redemption process.

Benefits for Businesses

From a business perspective, location-based reward programs offer several advantages:

1. Increased foot traffic: Rewards incentivize customers to visit participating venues, potentially increasing overall business.

2. Enhanced customer engagement: Programs like Perks encourage repeat visits and deeper engagement with the brand.

3. Valuable data collection: Businesses gain insights into customer behavior and preferences through check-in data.

4. Competitive differentiation: In crowded markets like Las Vegas, reward programs can help businesses stand out from competitors.

5. Cost-effective marketing: Digital rewards programs often provide a more affordable alternative to traditional advertising methods.

The Future of Location-Based Rewards

As technology continues to evolve, location-based reward programs are likely to become more sophisticated and integrated into everyday consumer experiences. Foursquare's development of Perks and challenges suggests that the company sees significant potential in this space.

The integration of social media with loyalty programs, as demonstrated by MGM Resorts, represents a growing trend in the industry. Future developments may include more personalized offers based on detailed user preferences, real-time location tracking, and seamless integration with payment systems.

Conclusion

Foursquare's Perks program and similar location-based reward systems offer tangible benefits to consumers who actively engage with businesses through check-ins. In destinations like Las Vegas, these programs can significantly enhance the visitor experience by providing discounts, free items, and other incentives at participating venues. MGM Resorts has particularly embraced this approach, integrating social check-ins into their M loyalty program and offering substantial rewards for consistent engagement.

The combination of gamification elements like challenges and badges with practical benefits creates an appealing value proposition for both consumers and businesses. As technology continues to advance, location-based rewards are likely to become an increasingly important component of the consumer experience, particularly in tourist destinations with high concentrations of competing businesses.

Sources

1. Foursquare Swarm Perks
2. Foursquare Helps Tech Savvy Foodies
3. Vegas Apps
4. MGM Resorts Loyalty Points