Gowalla is one of the popular location-based social networking services that allows customers to check-in at your business using a mobile device. It provides you with valuable information about your repeat customers.

• Before You Start: You have a business that relies on walk-in business.
• Learning Level: 2 | Getting Started
• Article Last Updated: Sunday, December 4, 2011

Note: Facebook purchased Gowalla on December 1, 2011. As more information becomes available, I’ll update this article.

Gowalla Basics

Gowalla is one of the up-and-coming services that combines social networking and location-based services. Launched in spring 2009, it includes businesses in more than 7,500 cities across the United States and around the world. Unlike some of the other similar services, Gowalla uses precise GPS positioning to locate users on the planet. Gowalla allows iPhone and Andorid phone users to check-in when they arrive at your business. By checking in, Gowalla stamps the user’s passport and provides them with rewards in the game. Gowalla’s game also includes a virtual geocaching where users can pick up items and leave items for others. In addition, users can create an itinerary of places for others to try that Gowalla calls trips.

Your Business Details And Activity

You don’t need a Gowalla account to access information about check-ins at your business. On the Spots tab, do a search on your business name (include your city and state). Skim through the search results to find your business. Click on your business name to display a page about your business. The page includes a list of the people who have checked in at your business, as well as the ten people who have checked in the most often. Your business listing also includes your web address and a shortened URL for your business page.

If your business isn’t listed in Gowalla, you need a free account to add it. If you want to check-in at your business and it isn’t listed, you can add it. The new business form is simple and  collects basic location information.

The most valuable information here are the check-ins that show you the number of people who have checked in at your business and the names of these users. Most people have a photograph avatar, so you can start to identify your Gowalla customers when they arrive.

Your turn: Have you been monitoring customer check-ins at your business through Gowalla? Share your experience.

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