Location-based services continue to be the hot topic of the marketing and tech space. New location-based apps are launching weekly and existing location based apps are growing their user base faster than you can check-in into to @starbucks. But with everyone checking into to what everyone is called the next big thing I think it’s time for some unofficial guidelines for checking in using a few of the popular location based services.
Below are a few guidelines for using location-based services.
Adding locations:
- Add real locations only
- Add as much information about the location as possible (address, phone, web, tags)
- You can add events/virtual locations if they have been approved by the organizer
- Don’t add fake mobile locations (someone’s boots, paints or computers)
- It’s ok to add a location that’s or check into a location that’s close to your home and check in there instead of your home.
When to check-in
- Walking or driving to a location if it’s in visible eye sight
- When you’re leaving location
- While at a location
- Don’t share too many check-ins with your other social networks or they will unfollow/friend you.
Places you should think twice about checking into:
- Banks
- Courts
- Jail
- Strip clubs
- Bathrooms
- Police Stations
- Day care centers
- Schools
- Your Home
Check-ins that shouldn’t count
- Walking by stores in the mall or at outside venues
- Driving by locations
- Parking lot check-ins where you don’t actually go into the location but you see it.
Adding Photos to locations:
- No porn photos using location-based apps
- Food photos are ok 95% of the time
- Post photos that can show where you’re at or what you’re doing
Leaving Reviews and tips:
- Leave honest reviews and tips about your experience
- Don’t spam by promoting another businesses in a review or tip
- Don’t insult people or leave private information in tips.
Adding Friends:
- Decide how you’re going to use location-based apps first
- Optional: Accept every friend request
- Optional: Block everyone except family members
- Optional: Only accept friend request form people who you know and trust
Choosing a Location-based service
- Pick one that works great with your mobile device
- Pick one that your local community uses
- Try them all at least once
- Pick one that rewards you for using the service.
Check-in Specials:
- Take advantage of as many check-in specials as possible before everyone else does
- Don’t over brag that you received a free cup of coffee for checking in or you’re on top of the leader-board or received a few badges. (most of your friends don’t care)
- It’s ok to let your social graph know that you received a check-in special
No stalking…. PERIOD!
Also see @Whrrl’s community guidelines
for digg: ab994cd58c0940429bd1b8cc2d4ecc74
Did I leave anything out? What are some rules/guildes you would like to see people implement using location-based services?
