If you manage a business that caters to its clients or customers onsite – including a hotel, a salon, or perhaps even a hardware store – there are numerous reasons to consider providing your guests with Wi-Fi access. Not only is it incredibly convenient, but it may even help you get ahead of your competitors. Here’s what you need to know.
People Always Love to Get Something for Nothing
If you’ve ever given away a free gift with a purchase or provided a free continental breakfast with a stay, then you already understand the power of the word “free”. One of the best and simplest reasons to offer your customers or guests free onsite Wi-Fi access is because it’s free. In fact, your customers may choose to do business with you over your competitors if you are the only one offering free Wi-Fi.
It Reduces Congestion on Your Corporate Network
Giving your customers access to your corporate network so they can do their work while they are onsite is generous, but it can present several problems for your company. For instance, having 15 people on your network reading their emails may barely be noticeable, but if there are 15 people streaming Netflix, then you may start to feel the effects of the limited bandwidth. Giving people access to free guest Wi-Fi can reduce this congestion and keep your network running far more smoothly.
It Reduces the Chances of Being Hacked
Though allowing someone to access the internet via your corporate network may not seem like a big deal, it certainly can be if you give that access to the wrong person. There’s a reason why your network is password-protected; it’s to keep people with bad intentions out. In some cases, all a hacker needs is access to your network to shut down your entire operation, wipe out your company data, or plant a nasty virus that affects not only you, but also others in your network – vendors, customers, and more. Guest Wi-Fi access drastically reduces this risk and lets you breathe easier when you see people connected to the web.
It Builds Customer Relationships
Finally, providing free guest Wi-Fi for customers and visitors is one of the best ways to show people that you truly care about them. Today’s world is fast-paced, and people always have something to do online, whether they’re catching up on their homework, writing a report for work, or even creating a speech for a major event. They need access to the internet to continue living their lives and doing the things they need to do, and when you can provide it to them free of charge, it shows that you are on their side – something they are sure to appreciate.
Guest Wi-Fi access is just one of many ways to help make your clients and customers happy, but it is also one of the most important. After all, in today’s day and age, we rely on the internet to live our lives. It’s where we shop. It’s where we work. It’s where we go to school. It’s even where we connect with our families. When you give this to people for free, they will be thankful.