We’re all familiar with free guest Wi-Fi offered by places like Starbucks and McDonald’s, but you may not be aware of all the reasons they offer this service to customers. Hint: It’s not just to give them a freebie.

While hotels and restaurants have understood the sales benefits of installing a guest Wi-Fi for a while now, there are many other businesses out there that could also benefit. However, they might not be thinking about one because they’re not in retail or don’t have a lot of customers coming to their business each day.

But even if you have limited guest traffic, you could still benefit from offering a wireless internet connection just for guests.

One of our services at SchrankLABS is setting up wired and wireless networks in Burlington, Rochester, and the surrounding areas. Whether someone has multiple office locations to connect, remote workers, or would like to enable a guest Wi-Fi, we help them do it affordably and effectively.

We also let our clients know about ways to maximize the benefits of a customer-facing Wi-Fi for advertising and more.

If you’re curious about how a guest Wi-Fi could benefit your small or medium-sized business, read on for compelling reasons you’ll want to know about.

Increase Sales and More by Adding a Guest Wi-Fi

A guest Wi-Fi isn’t only about giving patrons a free pass to the internet, it’s an advertising platform, can reach beyond your four walls, and can increase security even if you don’t have a lot of guests coming to your business.

50% of businesses offering guest Wi-Fi said customers spend more money. (Small Business Trends)

For retailers, the benefits are easily found in longer time spent in their establishment by clients (62% of retailers made this connection) and more money spent while there.

At all types of businesses, retail or non-retail, cyber security is of the utmost importance. One of the suggestions our SchrankLABS team makes when securing a company’s network is a separate Wi-Fi for guests. This benefits any business type because you’re not having to give out your company password to visitors that ask to connect while there. It can also easily be changed at any time.

If you’re interested in the sales boost, here’s 5 ways a guest Wi-Fi can do that.

Connection Screen Advertisement

If you’ve ever connected to an airport Wi-Fi, then you know many typically have some type of advertisement on the screen you go to in order to connect. That connection portal screen gives you a prime place to advertise things like:

• Your business services
• Daily or weekly specials
• Discounts for particular services
• Signing up for your email newsletter

And most Wi-Fi signals can reach beyond your physical building, so you could easily be advertising to passers-by and could entice them to check out your products and services.

Customer Loyalty & Engagement

As the earlier statistics show, guests that stay around longer tend to buy more items, and offering a free Wi-Fi service keeps your customers engaged and in your shop.

For businesses that are more service-based establishments rather than retail, such as a contractor or dentist office, there is a benefit in customer loyalty, keeping your clients coming back, and standing out from your competition.

Get Noticed Through Wi-Fi Availability Maps/Lists

Just having a complimentary guest Wi-Fi can get you free advertising on multiple “Wi-Fi Hot Spot” maps. With 77% of Americans owning a smartphone, the search for Wi-Fi hotspots has become commonplace.

Your business can reach more people by being included on Wi-Fi availability lists and maps, such as wifispc.com, wigle.net, or one of multiple Wi-Fi finder mobile apps.

Gain a Competitive Edge

Customers look favorably upon things that make their lives easier, like a free Wi-Fi connection when they need it. They also look favorably upon the companies offering it. By hosting guest Wi-Fi, you set yourself apart from your competition and give customers another reason to choose you over someone else in your industry.

More Money Spent at Your Business

Advertising, engagement, and loyalty all translate into more business and more sales. This is true whether you’re doing it “the old-fashioned way” through print advertisements or engaging customers through guest Wi-Fi advertising.

The point is that guest Wi-Fi can be a low-cost way to benefit you on multiple fronts, ultimately driving more sales in the process.

How Can I Get a Guest Wi-Fi Set Up?

SchrankLABS can quickly and easily set up a guess wireless network for your business that benefits you and your customers. We can also show you how to change the advertising message on the portal connection screen and get you set up to be listed on multiple Wi-Fi hot spot maps.

Learn More About Adding Free Wi-Fi Today

Do you have questions about setting up a guest Wi-Fi? Are already convinced and want to get started?

Just give SchrankLABS a call today at 262-347-3199 or book an appointment for guest Wi-Fi installation online.