Just like the military uses badges to display rank, and scouts use them to honor accomplishments, a news site or mobile app can award digital badges to users who complete tasks or reach certain levels of engagement. The Huffington Post offers badges for connecting with other users, moderating comments and other useful behaviors. The Huffington Post uses badges in its “social news” system to encourage users to follow each other, share stories and flag inappropriate comments. Mashable awards badges to users who share content and subscribe to news topics. MORE >>

Foursquare awards points and badges when users check-in at locations (check-ins can be done via a mobile phone with internet access or a computer). Businesses can engage and reward consumers by providing deals and discounts to Foursquare users that hold certain badges for checking in and patronizing their business. Enticing specials such as these are offered to keep bringing people back to “oust&# the Mayor so that they may benefit from these exclusive deals.  You will also notice that uploading a photo is an option. But, fear not! There is a solution! Get creative! MORE >>

I have often envisioned the need of QR Codes on mobile phones with QR Readers and built in online coupons as ways to harness real time data, store it in a easy to read format and act on it. This system requires people to carry around a card with an RFID chip (such as on an employee badge) that a scanner can then read and automatically check a person in someplace. Joe, the owner, has leveraged foursquare in other innovative ways to drive foot traffic – he was the first to hold “ Swarm Badge ” and “ I’m on a boat ” parties for customers! and mayor offer (free burger!). MORE >>

If you’re using social media to address customer service issues, a reactive strategy might be best unless you’re incorporating a loyalty or rewards program into the strategy. This is the place to identify specific tactics i.e. a Facebook page, a blog, a branded community, an ambassador program for influential bloggers, a Twitter profile, Foursquare loyalty program, etc. don’t forget about mobile compatibility) Do you have in-house resources or will you need to put together an RFP? This is going to be a long post, so let’s get started! The Foundation. MORE >>

Premium services like Webtrends build in sophisticated behavioral and sentiment analysis and can track offsite activity such as a prospect’s comments on Twitter or use of a mobile application. These include factors like customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, brand reputation and market influence. Customer loyalty. For example, you can calculate the business value of customer loyalty by comparing the revenue derived from customers at different longevity levels, such as five-plus years, three to five years and less than three years. They include Indium Corp., Annual. MORE >>