Geolocation services such as Foursquare, Facebook Places, and Gowalla promise to connect businesses with customers based on their location. This can be a big boon for small businesses as it offers a cost effective way to advertise directly to consumers and get people in the door.

“Location-based services can play many roles. They offer customer-relationship tools, rewards programs, social networks, games, business directories, city guidebooks and review sites. They help businesses present coupons, reward loyal clientele and gather valuable data about customers.” Says Kermit Pattison of The New York Times.

Chris Cummings, Smart Tan’s Internet Marketing and Communications Director, also endorses the benefits of not just geolocation services but all social media marketing to the tanning business community, “Social Media Marketing is an effective and inexpensive way for salons to promote their business.  This is where your market is, so this is where you want to be advertising.  There are actually a few opportunities to learn about utilizing Social Media Marketing in your salon at this year’s Smart Tan Downtown.”

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