Google is reportedly distributing 8 million custom mobile devices to U.S. small businesses. These devices, which can be used by customers to check in to, rate and write reviews of businesses, are designed to contend with popular check-in services on Foursquare, Yelp and Facebook.

A growing number of businesses around the country are using the burgeoning industry of location-based social media in their online promotions. McDonalds recently attributed a one-day 33 percent swell in foot traffic to a Foursquare campaign that cost the corporation less than $1,000 to put in place, according to eConsultancy.

The mobile devices to be dispensed by Google will not cost the businesses that receive them any money initially, according to a source close to the project. But there’s no word on whether businesses will be charged for the devices later on.

Keep up with the latest Internet marketing trends, tips and strategies by following CyberMark on: