Whrrl is a 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. You can use its storytelling features to record events held at your business.

• Before You Start: You have a business that relies on walk-in business.
• Learning Level: 2 | Getting Started
• Article Last Updated: Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Note: On April 18, 2011, Pelago announced that they would discontinue the Whrrl check-in service on April 29, 2011. They were purchased by Groupon. This article remains on the site for historical purpose.

Whrrl Basics

Whrrl is one of the geolocation services that combines social networking and location-based services. Launched in October 2007 by Pelago, Inc., it was revamped and re-released in spring 2010.  What makes Whrrl different from the other check-in services is its emphasis on storytelling. Whrrl is designed to record different people’s experience of the same location or event through uploaded photos and notes.

As users check-in, they join or become eligible for membership in societies. Societies form around business locations, and private societies can be defined and created by users. This builds a sense of community around a business, event, or a shared interest or activity.

Whrrl allows iPhone and Android phone users to check-in when they arrive at your business. It also can be used through text messages (SMS).

Whrrl has a unique place in the check-in services realm. They recently partnered with St. Edward’s University (Austin, TX) for the 2010 graduation. Whrrl provided a way for graduates to record and share their commencement experiences with the group. Imagine the power of this feature for promoting an event at your business.

Your Business Details And Activity

You don’t need a Whrrl account to access information about check-ins at your business. On the home page, do a search on your business name. In the search results page, add your city and state (near box) to narrow down the results. 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, along with visit statistics. You can also click to see information about the society forming around your business.

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 Whrrl customers when they arrive.

If your business details are not correct, you can email Whrrl (feedback@whrrl.com) with the updated details. Whrrl also lets you add specials for your visitors through the Whrrl Merchant Program.

The search shows only businesses with check-ins. If no one has checked in at your business yet, you may find your business details through the directory of places listed in the footer. The larger metro areas are listed, but you can also see a list of more places that is broken out by state and then by city.

Your turn: Have you been monitoring customer check-ins at your business through Whrrl? Have you created a special for your customers? Share your experience.

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