Maximize local visibility with a Foursquare business listing

While it might not be the popular check-in app it used to be, Foursquare still boasts 55 million active users. Following a reinvention without the social element, Foursquare now specializes in providing local information, particularly on dining and lodging.

The platform has also become an impactful tool for businesses to establish local prominence and credibility. Engaging on Foursquare can boost local SEO and put your business at the forefront of potential customers’ minds. And now it’s easier than ever to create an attractive Foursquare business listing that captures the essence of what you do.

Why list your business on Foursquare?

Foursquare has evolved from a social app to a tool for local discovery. Businesses listed on Foursquare gain access to a vast network of potential customers (remember: 55 million users!) actively looking for recommendations. The platform is especially effective for restaurants and hotels, where customers often make decisions on the go.

The Foursquare homepage

Foursquare users often leave detailed reviews and tips, influencing the choices of other locals and tourists. There are also special features such as its Swarm app, which provides unique ways of sharing locations with friends. A positive presence on Foursquare can lead to increased foot traffic and, ultimately, higher revenues.

Listing your business on Foursquare is also free, and provides you with customer insights that you can use to better your performance on the platform. Needless to say, as a widely used platform, Foursquare also offers location-based paid ads for those businesses that wish to explore non-organic avenues. 

How to list your business on Foursquare

Listing your business on Foursquare is quite straightforward. The first step towards making your business visible to millions of potential customers is creating a Foursquare account.

Create an account: Visit the Foursquare website and select the option to create a business account. You will need to provide some basic information, such as your email address and a password, before you can create a listing.

The Foursquare business listing sign-up page

Add your business details: Once you open your account, you can claim or add your business. Include other essential information like business hours and a description of your services.

Verify your business: Foursquare free business listings require verification by mail to ensure they’re authentic. This can take three to four weeks, or you can get instant verification for a $20 fee.

Best practices for optimizing your Foursquare free business listing

To maximize the impact of your Foursquare business listing, consider the following best practices:

Accurate information: Ensure that all details are correct and consistent with other online listings. This includes your business name, address, and phone number (NAP).

Local business results on Foursquare

Engaging description: Write a compelling description that highlights what makes your business unique. Use relevant keywords that potential customers might use to find services like yours.

High-quality photos: Include clear images of your business to show users what they can expect when they visit. Pictures of the interior, exterior, and offered products or services can significantly enhance your profile’s appeal.

The challenges of manual Foursquare business listing management

Adding Foursquare to your listings portfolio makes the overall management more complex to handle manually. It requires constant attention to ensure all information is up to date and consistent across different platforms. Common challenges faced by businesses include:

Time consumption: Editing business name, location, phone number or opening hours across all listings takes a long time.

Inconsistent information: Data that doesn’t match across platforms can confuse potential customers and harm your local SEO.

Monitoring reviews: Keeping track of customer feedback on multiple directories requires continuous monitoring. This can quickly become overwhelming for business owners.
 

Accurate and consistent business information is what maintains a trustworthy online presence. It impacts how potential customers perceive your business and affects your search engine rankings.

Results displayed on a map on Foursquare

In control: Semrush Local simplifies these challenges by updating and syncing your business listings automatically.