WiFi Myth

The Free WiFi Myths Debunked

Myth #1: With 4G and LTE, nobody uses Free WiFi!

We all know that statistics speak louder than words:

“80% of mobile consumers are influenced by the availability of in-store Wi-Fi when deciding where to shop” – NinthDecimal.

And that number is only climbing!

Studies also reveal that:

“shoppers are primarily using in-store connectivity to enhance their shopping experience” -NinthDecimal.

Furthermore,

“⅔ of US consumers prefer WiFi to cellular” – Deloitte.

Which means that your location should not only offer connectivity, but make it easy for your guests to make use of this service.

Myth #2: Offering free WiFi will make my network vulnerable

“A WiFi attack in an open network can take less than 2 seconds” – Extreme Networks

Notice the word “open” in the previous sentence? With so many cyber-attackers out there, you should take no risk at your establishment. That’s why it’s very important to protect your network by prohibiting access to public users to your POS and merchant transactions. In fact, we can help you with that.

Myth #3: Offering public WiFi will slow down connectivity

Not if you have control over the bandwidth and session limits on your network. Data will flow easily in your network once you set these limits, and yes, we can help with that too!

Myth #4: WiFi is expensive and I don’t get anything for it

Think twice about this one. Have you ever thought of giving away WiFi in exchange for something from your clients? What about getting their contact information so you can invite them to come back in the future? A Facebook like or check-in in exchange of WiFi promises your brand to be seen in the newsfeed of hundreds of Facebook users. If this sounds good, keep reading on!

Myth#5: Free WiFi just causes table parking and doesn’t attract people nearby

On Myth #3 we addressed session limits, which you can set to 15, 30, 90 minutes or anything you want. This will avoid people from staying connected too long when your tables need to be turned over.

Our clients get a completely *free* ad that appears in the devices of people connected to our network in locations situated around your venue. This makes people who are conveniently located nearby more likely to pop in your store to check it out!

As free WiFi continues to become the expected amenity at retail locations and consumers are highly engaged with brands on their mobile devices, businesses are encouraged to embrace the world of possibilities that come with guest WiFi. One thing to keep in mind is to always make sure your free WiFi does not become a burden but a way to nurture your relationship with your guests and attract more business. Order a Smart WiFi plan now or speak with a representative today (888) 360-8420 

We will leave you with a quote from Kevin McKeand, VP and general manager the hospitality, healthcare and retail divisions at Wayport*:

“Don’t give it away for free without trading off some kind of value because it’s not free to the property. We think they should get something in return for it.”

*Wayport is the third-party infrastructure and applications provider of McDonald’s Wi-Fi service

Sources:

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Custom Splash Page Builder

A custom splash page helps give a captive portal the branded look it needs to stand out from the crowd and give guests the peace of mind they’re accessing the network associated with the venue they’re visiting.

WiFi Payments and Vouchers

Offer premium guest WiFi access and promote WiFi upgrades with comprehensive payment and voucher modules. Payments can be used to offer guests varying speeds of WiFi access, while vouchers are great for venues that want to utilize a captive portal that also requires a voucher code for WiFi access.
WiFi payments and vouchers

Guest Plans

Venues can now offer multiple levels of guest WiFi access with our Guest Plan feature. Guest Plans are defined by specific upload and download speeds and session time limits. Brick-and-mortar businesses can offer guest WiFi access and promote WiFi upgrades with our new payment and voucher modules.

Versatile Form Builder

Create and display custom guest surveys on any splash page of your guest flow. Collect feedback and gather additional data points to create smarter marketing.

Enhanced Guest Flow

Guest flow gives venues complete control over the guest WiFi experience. Guest flows help keep a visually pleasing captive portal experience by preventing clutter of multiple marketing assets. Keep it simple, or turn your WiFi into a digital billboard.
WiFi splash page with survey social login

Integrated Ad Spaces

Ad Space Integrations is a powerful feature for venues who want to promote products, deals and specials, online shopping, loyalty programs and other signups, or third-party advertisers all on a pre-authenticated Splash Page.

Increase impressions and clicks for advertising opportunities by showcasing AdSpaces before requiring a guest to connect to WiFi.

Have an app that needs more downloads? The URL redirect function will navigate guests to the app store specific to their device as soon as they click on the advertisement/call-to-action button.

No more will guests have to wait to connect to WiFi to reach interactive ads. Ad Space Integrations takes Ads4WiFi smart advertising tools and places it our smart marketing environment powered by Marketing4WiFi.

Hotspot Scheduler

Determine the specific days and times that WiFi is available to guests. Hotspot Scheduler offers smarter WiFi control by allowing venues to run their guest WiFi during business hours.