Stop and think about your current customer service strategy.
Your team delivers excellent service in-person, online, and on the phone, but something’s missing.
Complimentary guest WiFi is a hidden customer service weapon, enticing customers to stay longer, visit more often, and purchase more items. This tactic is a great way to increase those average-sale-per-customer rates.
Follow these steps to get started, including essential tips for boosting business WiFi cybersecurity.
How to Install Wifi at Your Business
The primary way to set up a guest Wifi connection is through your current internet router. If you haven’t set up business internet yet, start by booking a service call to choose a fiber internet plan and install your hardware and cabling.
From there, a technician will help set up your internet, including password creation. You can also ask your technician about setting up a separate guest internet network on the spot, or you can add the additional connection later.
Setting Up Guest WiFi Yourself
Call or visit your local service provider when you’re ready to set up your guest network. You also need an internet router that allows separate guest networks. You can find out by going into your router admin settings; if you don’t see an option for setting up a guest network, you’ll need a new router.
Once you’re in your router settings, toggle the guest Wifi box to get started. From there, name your connection. This part is essential since several people will be accessing this network throughout the day.
Choose a simple and identifiable name for guests. Typically, your business name (or abbreviation) works best with the word “guest.”
You may choose to password-protect your guest connection. However, you’ll need clear signage that displays the password or further instructions for guests if your business gets heavy foot traffic. Otherwise, guests can ask for a password at the front desk or register.
You can also limit guest internet access to certain websites while prohibiting access to social media, inappropriate websites, spam sites, and other high-risk sites. Like every other internet connection, guest networks are also targets for cybercrime. Limited web access is just one way to decrease risk.
Again, ensure your admin settings have such content controls.
Blocking social media and chat apps, in general, may also prevent guests from sharing sensitive information on your guest network. Keeping your network free from high-risk sites is vital for family-friendly establishments.
One standout example is guest internet at airports.
Most airlines provide complimentary yet limited internet access to travelers. Travelers can only log in through the airport’s internet homepage, allowing access in short intervals of 30 minutes or less. After which, guests are prompted to input their credentials again to unlock access; this protocol increases cybersecurity.
Airports also block access to specific websites and social networks to improve security. Travelers may also be prohibited from downloading files from the website.
How to Set Up a Guest Wifi Password
It’s always good practice to create a guest internet password.
Follow the same steps as you would for any other password. Create a unique combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
Don’t use the same password as your primary internet network. However, the guest password doesn’t have to be as complex or as long as your primary network’s passcode.
Large establishments may display the guest Wifi password on visible signage or provide further instruction from their guest internet portal. This step is fine as long as your network is incredibly secure. Some businesses only limit their guest internet to the company’s homepage or coupon page.
Change the network’s password immediately if you suspect cybersecurity issues.
More Cybersecurity Tips for Small Business Wifi
Another way to decrease cyberthreat risks is to limit the number of people who can access the network at any given time. You can set this minimum number in your router’s admin settings.
Internet encryption is also crucial for small businesses. Your internet technician can explain and ensure your network is encrypted if you’re unfamiliar with encryption. Internet encryption is done through SSL certificates, which you can find in your admin settings.
You can choose whether or not the guest network appears on the available networks list from your settings. If you’re worried about passersby logging onto the web, you may want to hide your network.
You can also implement internet behavior rules to prevent any issues on the guest network. For example, you could prohibit guests from downloading, visiting illegal sites, or engaging in online harassment on the web.
Turn Guest WiFi Into Sales!
Attracting customers with free internet alone is just one perk of small business guest WiFi.
Customers can also retrieve exclusive online coupons over the network while checking out. You could simplify it by adding QR codes to coupons, allowing customers to scan their codes at self-checkout.
Does your small business have a Google Business page?
Google’s free marketing products help businesses build search engine visibility. Now, customers can receive smartphone alerts encouraging them to leave reviews on Google or upload their own photos of your business; these features increase word-of-mouth marketing and a sense of community around your establishment.
Do you plan on creating an online guest portal for customers?
Like the earlier airport internet example, small businesses can direct customers to visit a guest Wifi login page. You can advertise current specials, services, charitable causes, or anything else you want to promote.
Guest Wifi can help you supercharge those hyperlocal marketing efforts to capture and convert leads. For example, you could advertise coupons and sales through push notifications as customers browse the aisles.
Enjoy the Benefits of a Guest Network
Do you want to optimize your customer service strategy and boost those conversion rates?
Set up a guest Wifi network today to see the difference.
Remember to stay one step ahead when it comes to guest Wifi cybersecurity. Contact one of our experts today to set up a guest network right away.