Since millions of people are using Foursquare every day, it’s time to unleash some ideas and see what other people doing to promote their businesses.

It’s okay to play the check in game and you should consider a special deal for the different types, such as a newbie check in, a customer loyalty check in and don’t forget about the Mayor.

If you really want to see Foursquare become a viral lead generator for your business, consider adding one or more of the ideas below.

1. Target Trending Spots

If there are businesses near you that get lots of check in activity—hotels, conference centers, sporting arenas—consider adding tips to these venues that point people to your business or special. Foursquare has a feature that will point to nearby specials, but why not write a great tip (be outrageous to get some attention) and attract even more of those large numbers of people checking in?

2. Make referrals

You can take this last point up a notch by collaborating with strategic partners to make referrals all over town at a multitude of locations. This can take a little time, but if you place check in tips referring your team of business partners to dozens of sites—and your partners do the same—you’ll gain lots of exposure. Make sure you’re not placing tips on competitors’ sites, as that will likely backfire.

3. Flash specials

Foursquare recently add a few new kinds of specials that offer much potential. A flash special is something you can offer to a certain number of people that act fast—this is a great way to create a buzz and get people promoting for you. Let’s say someone checks in and learns that the first 50 people that check in that day get a cool offer… this kind of special really gets people reacting and sharing.

4. Friend specials

Another new special type is the friend special that allows someone to check in and get a great deal only if, say, they get three friends to check in as well. This one is nice because you can limit it and offer something really great for someone that goes to the effort of getting his or her friends into your store. The game and sharing aspect of this one offers lots of fun potential.

5. Create a swarm

In Foursquare terms a swarm is when a lot people check in at one place. This is a great one for events and could even make a neat little fundraiser kind of thing for an organization. Imagine hosting a sports team or a club and offering them a special gift/donation for everyone that visits your business and checks in on Foursquare creating a custom swarm.

6. Reward your Mayor

Foursquare has tapped into a sweet spot for customer rewards and loyalty by allowing the person who frequents your establishment with the title of Mayor.  It is way more than bragging rights and should be treated as an coveted accomplishment. Not because the Mayor has the ability to check-in more than others, but purely because this person is so dedicated to your business that they come in weekly and some times daily.  This type of loyalty certainly deserves a hefty reward.  Consider offering the Mayor of your venue something like;  A Free (insert item here) once a day when you purchase XYZ.  You are creating a buzz and rewarding the Mayor.  It’s a win win for sure.

Here is an example …

One of the things that Foursquare offers small businesses is the technology to track customer behavior. Use your creativity and you may find even more ways to tap this tool to grow your business and community.

You can find out more about various forms of special at the Foursquare for Business support forums.