Innovation

Some are calling it the next Twitter. Foursquare, the hot new friend-finding, business promoting social tool that's taking off across the country, is unlocking Pittsburgh thanks to Holly Maust.

A self described "social media ninja and geeky mom," Maust founded Pittsburgh Tweetup and works at BarkelyREI where she's the team lead for Social Media & Online Marketing. "I've always been a ringleader when it comes to new media toys," she says.

"Foursquare is a great tool for Pittsburgh in many ways. For friends it's a way to socialize and compete for mayorship. For businesses it's a chance to build loyalty."

New to Foursquare? You noob. The platform promotes exploration of the city. Check into a business, find your friends, earn points and badges and, if you're hot or adventuresome, you might be mayor, a nifty designation that nets you power and bragging rights.

This Friday is International Foursquare Day. Maust is hoping to attract at least 50 for a swarm party at Fuddruckers at the Waterfront from 6 to 8 p.m. Other businesses on board are the Mattress Factory, Bocktown and Affogato coffee shop.

"If every Pittsburgh business on Twitter created Foursquare offers, that would be awesome," Maust says. "It's a whole new loyalty program that can be tracked. Any place can be added, that's how it grows."

Foursquare is available on most mobile apps. You can play it privately or publically and it syncs with Facebook and Twitter.

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Writer: Deb Smit
Source: Holly Maust for Foursquare

Image courtesy of Foursquare