Social Media Firm Celebrates Foursquare Day With "Square Up," Other Activities

CHARLESTON, S.C. - It's hip to be square -- at least around the offices of Step Ahead, Inc., a local marketing firm that offers social media management. The company is celebrating Foursquare Day, April 16, in an effort to promote the use of the popular location-based smart phone application, Foursquare.

From 5:30-7:30 p.m., locals are invited to the company's offices at the Charleston Digital Corridor Flagship, 475-A East Bay Street, for a "square up" and a chance to win an iPod touch. There, guests can learn about Foursquare, get help signing up for the free service, or mingle with others who are regular Foursquare users while enjoying free drinks and appetizers.

Foursquare lets users "check in" at different locations to win points and see where their friends are. Users who frequent a particular spot more than anyone else in a particular week become the mayor, and users also have the opportunity to earn fun "badges" for various activities. Step Ahead, Inc., which creates and manages innovative social media campaigns for businesses, recently added Foursquare management to its line-up of services.

For every place an attendee to the event has "checked in" using Foursquare that day (up to five) they will be entered to win a new iPod Touch. Everyone gets one entry just for attending, so even those who have never used Foursquare can still win. Step Ahead will also be giving away some fun awards, such as the Mayor of the Most Charleston Locations and Who Frequents Starbucks the Most, etc.

"I believe Foursquare and similar location-based services are the next big thing in social media," says Lyn Mettler, founder and co-owner of Step Ahead. "As this continues to grow in popularity, it's going to have huge implications for businesses, many of whom are starting to offer discounts and specials if you 'check in' at their establishment or are the mayor. It's a very powerful way to directly connect to your consumer and encourage repeat visits."

Foursquare Day (4/16), so chosen because 4 squared = 16, is a national initiative to promote the use of Foursquare. Step Ahead is also encouraging local businesses to offer a Foursquare Day special to Foursquare users. For more information about the free event, visit www.stepaheadinc.com or call (843) 606-0226.

About Step Ahead Inc. Step Ahead, Inc. is a Charleston, S.C.-based company that combines the best of traditional public relations with social media and Internet marketing to help maximize visibility for clients both online and off. The company's clients include Spirit Telecom of Columbia, Myrtle Beach National resorts, Charming Inns of Charleston, Charleston Parks Conservancy, Golf Island of Hilton Head, Sunset Rentals of Hilton Head, SpiritLine Cruises and others. The company has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Entrepreneur magazine, as well as on MSNBC.com and SmartMoney.com. Visit www.stepaheadinc.com or call (843) 606-0226 for more information.