Social Media for Actors: Foursquare

As is probably pretty apparent from my online presence, I'm a big advocate of using social media to further your career. Twitter and Facebook are pretty universally-used at this point... but do you use any additional platforms? I'm going to suggest one right now: Foursquare. 

Foursquare, if you're not familiar with it, is a social media platform that allows users to "check-in" to their current locations. Often there are special discounts at retails stores, or fun awards that can be won through the check-in process. 

Many people use this service for its basic function: to let other people know what they're up to. This can be fun in and of itself... but not all of us want the world to know our whereabouts 24/7. For those who don't want to shout their location from the rooftops, Foursquare also allows you to check into locations privately, or with a limited number of followers that can be controlled. 

  How is this specifically helpful as an actor? Well, on the most surface level, it can make networking easier. Checking into a location like a film screening or event lets people know that you're actively involved in the industry. This is especially helpful when the screening is for a film you're in, or is any other event that could help get your work out there. You can attach notes to your Foursquare check in for others to read as well---anything from your website's URL to a compliment to the director of a film you saw and loved. 

I've also always been the type of person who likes to keep track of my recent auditions, to remember what offices I'm getting in for, callbacks, dates of auditions, et cetera. For years, I kept this kind of information in a handwritten notebook... effecive enough, but not really convienent and easy to slack off on. I can check into any casting office (privately) through Foursquare right on my phone, in about ten seconds. This leaves me a permanent digital record of career happenings that I can refer to whenever I need to. It really comes in handy. 

Are you using Foursquare, or a similar program now?

--Laura Hunter