Guest wifi: why is it important for your business?

Published on 4/1/2024

In today’s digital age, access to the Internet has become a fundamental need. For companies, offering Wi-Fi to their customers has become standard practice. But have you ever stopped to think about how this service can positively impact your visitors’ experience? In this article, we’ll explore the importance of guest Wi-Fi and how it can be a powerful tool to boost your business.

What is Guest Wi-Fi and How Does It Work?

To begin with, you should understand what guest Wi-Fi is and how it works. Basically, this is an additional Wi-Fi network with a different password than the main one. This feature is especially useful when you want to provide Internet access to a guest, visitor, or customer at a specific location, such as a business, hotel, restaurant, or event, without having to share your main network password or giving full access to your local network. Guest Wi-Fi only provides Internet access, without allowing you to connect to your business devices.

In a nutshell: guest Wi-Fi is a secure way to connect your guests to the Internet. By keeping guests separate from your main network, you can protect your devices and personal data from malware or other cyberattacks. For example, guests may accidentally download a malicious program or connect an already infected mobile phone or laptop to your network. Many malwares are capable of spreading themselves across the local network and, if an infected device connects to your Wi-Fi, it will try to contaminate everything in its reach.

In addition, guest Wi-Fi can help you boost your business in multiple ways:

1. Improve the customer experience: Providing fast and reliable connectivity allows your customers to enjoy a more comfortable and pleasant experience, which translates into increased satisfaction and loyalty.

2. Build customer loyalty: When customers enjoy a positive experience with your guest Wi-Fi network, they’re much more likely to return, according to a study published in “Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing.” This research highlights the importance of customer satisfaction as a fundamental element in fostering loyalty. Providing reliable Internet service stands as a crucial step in this direction.

   In the words of the study, “Wi-Fi networks play an essential role in promoting customer loyalty. In addition, it is essential to highlight the mediating effect of wireless communications and Wi-Fi networks on the relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty, making Wi-Fi and wireless communications key factors that influence customer satisfaction and purchase intention.”

3. Increase time spent: Customers who can browse the web, check emails or work online while enjoying your services are more likely to stay longer, which translates into greater sales opportunities and increased average spending. Different studies have shown that in an establishment with Wi-Fi, a customer can increase their consumption by up to 70%. However, it is important to note that 50% of users will not return if the connection is not stable or does not offer an adequate service.

4. Data collection: Guest Wi-Fi can help companies collect contact data and user behavior, which can help you better understand your audience, adapt your services, discounts or promotions more effectively, facilitating the personalization of offers and marketing strategies.

5. Improve social media presence: Encouraging customers to register, post images or leave comments online can improve your social media presence and generate positive word-of-mouth advertising.

How to effectively implement a guest Wi-Fi network?

To ensure that implementing a guest Wi-Fi network has a positive impact on your business, we recommend following these practical tips:

• Ensure that guest Wi-Fi is fast and reliable to avoid frustration.
• Establish clear rules of use to prevent network abuse and ensure security.
• Simplify the authentication process for users, such as a simple click on “Accept” on a login page.
• Respect the privacy of users and complies with data protection regulations when collecting information.
• Check that the network has enough bandwidth to handle the number of simultaneous users.
• Make sure that the guest Wi-Fi network is configured correctly and that it is completely separate from the internal network. This will help protect your internal network from external threats. If you want to know how to set up a guest Wi-Fi network, click on this link.

In short, guest Wi-Fi isn’t just a convenience; it’s an invaluable tool for improving the customer experience, gathering valuable data and encouraging loyalty. However, its implementation must be carried out with special attention to the security and privacy of users. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-managed Wi-Fi network in the digital age!

Manage your guest network with WiLake

WiLake is the ultimate solution for a secure and robust Wi-Fi network that allows you to manage all your devices from a single place. Our intuitive dashboard provides you with real-time information about your Wi-Fi network, giving you a complete and up-to-date view.

If your business or customer is ready to take the leap to a cloud Wi-Fi solution, don’t hesitate to contact our product experts or request a demonstration.