The Benefits of WiFi As a Service for Small Business Owners

A reliable, seamless wireless network is critical for most smaller businesses. Forget clumps of tangled cables and replace them with WiFi that offers customer and employee access.

Customers will stay longer and spend more at your laundromat, auto shop, or medical clinic when you offer free WiFi. Plus, you can use your WiFi network to promote your brand and gain valuable customer data.

Reduced Downtime

A business needs fast and reliable Internet to stay competitive. Employees depend on it to access servers and shared devices like printer networks, while customers expect high-speed connections to stream videos, check email, and browse social media sites. Small businesses that don’t have the resources to invest in traditional network infrastructure can benefit from Wi-Fi as a service (WaaS).

When WiFi first entered the commercial market, it was a technology that required an IT department to manage and maintain. But today, the equipment is cheaper and easier to set up than ever before. And integrated software with the network infrastructure collects valuable user analytics that a business can use to improve operations.

As a result, more and more small businesses are embracing wireless networking to connect their operations and boost productivity. It’s also ideal for supporting bring-your-own-device (BYOD) strategies and saving on costs associated with wiring and complicated network infrastructure.

While some small business owners remain wary of offering WiFi to their customers, research shows it can be a great way to attract people and increase sales. For example, Bredin found that restaurants with free WiFi attract more than two additional customers per month and generate more sales than those without the service. In addition, the monthly payments for a managed WiFi solution typically offset the cost of the service and provide a profit.

Increased Customer Satisfaction

Providing WiFi access for customers increases customer satisfaction and can also be an effective marketing tool. Business owners can create an eye-catching splash page where customers log in to the network and can use it to advertise special offers or discounts, email newsletters, social media updates, and more. More than 62% of businesses report that customers spend more time at their facilities or shops if they offer free WiFi. One latte and a snack or water bottle may turn into two or three. Customers are more likely to recommend businesses that have WiFi to their friends and acquaintances. Employees also need a fast, reliable Internet connection for work. They want to stay connected in the office, on the road, or at a client’s site. A reliable, cost-effective WiFi service keeps employees productive and happy.

Increased Productivity

Up to 62% of business owners report that customers spend more time in their business facility when free WiFi is offered. That’s a huge advantage over businesses that don’t offer this perk. In today’s workplace, employees are expected to stay connected while working from home, at coffee shops, and on the go — reliable Internet is crucial. Fortunately, modern wireless networks are faster, smarter and can support separate, secure connections for guests and staff. With that, small-business owners can give their workers the connectivity they need to get more done from anywhere while ensuring that important client or customer data stays private. Employees can take care of research, invoicing, and project development from any location, which enables them to work efficiently without having to travel back to the office for a desktop computer or find an open public network.

Additionally, a fast and reliable WiFi connection helps customers stay productive while waiting for services, which is vital to creating a positive in-store experience. That boosts customer loyalty and can lead to word-of-mouth marketing for the company. A robust WiFi solution can bolster productivity by allowing users to connect to business cloud apps and work across devices. This makes it easy for teams to schedule impromptu meetings, quickly call up files, or brainstorm on the fly.

Increased Sales

Providing complimentary WiFi is a customer-facing amenity that boosts sales. Up to 62% of business owners report that customers spend more time at their facility when free WiFi is available, which increases the chances of closing a sale. This is especially true in restaurants, where customers can easily check-in and share photos of their meals or products on social media, further promoting your brand.

Unlike the wireless solutions of yesteryear that were limited in bandwidth and security, today’s wireless hardware, including access points supplied by this Hummingbird Meraki Partner, is typically more affordable for small business owners and provides better performance than ever before. Wireless devices also now include software that makes them easier to set up and manage, enabling businesses to offer secure, fast, and reliable WiFi access.

Small business owners can also set up a separate public-facing network with their own Service Set Identifier (SSID) for guest access, so they can keep their internal systems private. This means they can also track real-time and historical data to see what guests are doing on their networks, allowing them to optimize their guest experience with a customizable dashboard. With these benefits in mind, it’s no wonder that most businesses believe WiFi is an important amenity. In addition, a managed WiFi solution eliminates significant capital expenses and reduces the need for costly hardware upgrades.