Should Your Business Offer Free Public WiFi?

There’s always a significant divide when it comes to the issue of offering free public WiFi in small businesses. Some owners are entirely against it, some humorously putting up signs encouraging patrons to speak to each other instead. Other companies consider free WiFi crucial for their customers. Studies are divided as well. Although many of them state that free WiFi does make customers stay longer, other studies suggest that this is a waste.

At the end of the day, it comes down to you and your business. No two companies are precisely the same, and only you know your customers well enough to know what would work.

Benefits of Your Business Offering Free WiFi

The internet age is upon us, and it’s not going anywhere. You’ll likely notice your customers are going online for absolutely everything – likely that’s how they found your company or initiated communication.

One study by Devicescape found that small businesses offering WiFi had more returning customers. After surveying more than 400 rural local shops, the study concluded that companies offering free WiFi have increased foot traffic, clients spend more time in the location, and they tend to spend more money.

More and more small companies are providing free internet at the door, and that trend isn’t going anywhere. Many small businesses choose to have WiFi simply to compete. Within the next 30 years, all institutions will likely be offering internet.

Another good way to increase your online traffic is to offer free internet and set your homepage as the default so that every time clients log in, they see your website. It’s a great way to promote new offers and products and will increase your Google rankings.

The Downside of Offering Free WiFi

One big downside of offering free WiFi is security. Many businesses are cautious about opening up their networks to clients. There is always a chance that your business can get hacked, especially in this day and age. No matter how cautious you are, there are always risks. Luckily, there are ways to prevent hacking and still give your customers this benefit.

If you open up your business’ WiFi to the public, there’s a more significant chance you can get hacked. If you want to offer internet to your customers, you will have to create a separate network for them. This is an extra cost, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Make sure your company’s WiFi is set up by professionals to ensure the utmost security. Keep your information safe and keep your customer’s data secure by contacting an IT firm before deciding to install public WiFi.

Local IT in Richmond

Offering free public WiFi at your business can be a great idea to improve traffic and ROI. The important thing is to do it right and contact a local IT firm to help make sure your networks are secure. If you’re thinking about installing a public system, call Internal Computer Services 804-672-1057 for a free consultation. Protecting your information is incredibly important in an age where companies are being compromised daily. With a professional IT team setting up your WiFi, you can feel safe giving your customers your internet password.

Sources:

http://www.devicescape.com/press-release/survey-quantifies-business-benefits-of-amenity-wi-fi/
https://smallbiztrends.com/2014/06/benefits-of-offering-free-wifi.html
https://smallbiztrends.com/2015/11/small-businesses-need-offer-free-wifi-customers.html
https://www.webstaurantstore.com/article/148/should-your-business-offer-free-wifi.html