We’re all guilty of playing a little foursquare on our iPhones throughout the day. We “checkin” to various locations with hopes of gaining badges or mayorships, but the checkin is rapidly becoming an important tool for many businesses. While the checkin feature on an app provides information about the location to users, it also allows the business, or checkpoint, to offer a special promotion or even track which of its most loyal fans visit. While some protest the idea.The possibility for promotions and interactive advertising are endless.

Ever participated in a "Dot Race" when you were younger at a sporting event? A sports venue could do you one better by allowing a checkin before the game letting you interact with other fans via fantasy leagues, team trivia, or even a little friendly trash talking. Concert and movie venues can also benefit from the checkin tool by offering discounts on merch and concessions in exchange for opinions, ratings or even participation in trivia. Venues could also benefit from sending users info about upcoming tours based on past shows they have attended. Although the checkin tool is still being molded and slowly integrated, it seems that interactive advertising is about to take it to the paint.