During my recent trip to NYC, I couldn’t help but notice how much more mainstream Social Media is in the USA. As Adam pointed out in his recent 10 Foursquare secrets worth making public post, Foursquare [and other services] is much advanced than it is in London.

Here are a few interesting things I spotted out and about…

1) Foursquare

Businesses in NYC have completely embraced Foursquare and are being innovative with badges and offers.

NBC Studio are luring passers by into checking out The Toyota Concert Series by offering a limited edition badge -  as Adam, highlighted, businesses are doing their bit, creating reasons to check-in.

Foursquare offers feel personable, thus creating consumer loyalty… Both independent bars/cafes and restaurants as well as larger chains such as Starbucks, are using Foursquare (click images to enlarge).


2) Facebook

Corporate websites, to me anyway, are dead. Facebook Fan Page, offer much more valuable information about products and services enabling conversations. I purchased a copy of People magazine and spotted two ads that really caught my eye.

Motorola included a QR code on their ad, thus prompting consumers to find out more about their product.

LG, with the use of celebrity endorsements are redirecting consumers to their  Facebook Fan Page for more information about the handsets.

3) Twitter

As I was wandering the streets of SoHo, I walked into a random pub and started discussing Twitter strategy with the owner. The Red Lion, is an independent pub on Bleecker Street, and the owner explained to me that Social Media is nowadays a necessity to survive in a city where a new bar/restaurant opens each week.

If you’ve recently been to states, I would really appreciated your thoughts on these observations :)

Further reading: Cool things spotted in NY – June 2009