When it comes to guest WiFi portals, you’ve got tons of options. The captive portal wave is definitely one you should ride; predictions say that markets will rise to 3,472.5 million by 2032. And out of all your options, Facebook WiFi is a smart one to consider. It’s great that you’re looking into this.
Facebook’s captive portal system works simply by redirecting guest WiFi users to your page. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the program and how it works.
Let’s decide if this WiFi tool is the best option for you!
What Is Facebook WiFi?
This WiFi tool is a simple addition to Meta Business and works alongside whichever internet service provider (ISP) you choose. Instead of being a Facebook local network, you plug it in as a captive portal system. When guests click to join your WiFi network, it whisks them away to your Facebook page.
Hopefully, that summarizes the main question of “What is Facebook WiFi?” for you. The primary benefit to remember is that this clever system drives social media engagement. Driving potential customers and customers immediately to your socials gives you a chance to retain them.
Is Facebook WiFi Free?
Yes, it is one of the best free marketing strategies, especially if you already use Facebook marketing. It’s a great complementary method to content creation and posting schedules.
So, is Facebook WiFi free? Absolutely. But will it require an initial budget? Yes. If you haven’t already, you must set up your WiFi and pay an ISP for an internet package.
If you only have a basic WiFi network, you may need to buy boosters to overcome walls and other barricades. It’s annoying how much strain a bit of extra traffic can add to your internet and its speed. Overall, Facebook WiFi is free, but be prepared to spend a little time getting it up and running properly.
How To Connect to Facebook WiFi
There are two ways for users to connect to this special WiFi: You can come across it organically as a customer or find it as one of your nearby hotspots on Facebook.
Knowing how to connect to Facebook WiFi when you’re already at the business is easy. You just ask staff for help or navigate the captive portal system yourself.
Finding it on Facebook as a hotspot is a little more niche knowledge. These are three steps you can take:
- In the mobile view on Facebook, click the three horizontal lines in the top right of your screen.
- Scroll to Settings and Privacy and click Find WiFi.
- Look at the suggestions of nearby WiFi hotspots. These are the businesses that offer you internet access for free.
How Does Facebook WiFi Work for Businesses?
Facebook social WiFi is fantastic for businesses that wish to drive engagement on this social media channel. A unique internet authentication method differs from traditional captive portals, which just send users to pop-up forms. So, how does Facebook WiFi work? It’s easy; it just sends users to your Facebook profile.
They can use the Facebook WiFi check-in service or click the skip check-in link. Ideally, you want them to click “check-in.” Doing so tells all their friends on the app that they’ve arrived and “checked in” at your business. This is fantastic marketing in an almost organic form; guests are sharing of their own accord.
It’s a strong way to build your online presence and reputation. It’s a savvy guest portal to complement social media marketing strategies. You set it up for free, customize your Facebook profile so it meets them efficiently, and watch engagement rack up.
How To Set Up Facebook WiFi
It’s an easy five-step process involving creating an account and nailing your Facebook business page. You shouldn’t have to spend too long setting up. Assuming you’ve already got a business page, we’d allow a couple of hours at maximum.
Learning how to set up Facebook WiFi is a breeze — just follow these five simple steps:
- If you haven’t already, create a Facebook business page and ensure you’ve inputted a business address. This will be how users can find you through the Find WiFi Facebook feature.
- Connect your Facebook or Instagram (ideally both) to your Meta Business Suite account.
- Open your Meta Business Suite settings and enable the Connect to WiFi via Facebook or Instagram option.
- Open your router settings and enable Facebook WiFi.
- Have a trial run and see if it works for you when joining.
Can’t Access Facebook WiFi? Try This
The process shouldn’t go wrong, but if it does, don’t flap. If you can’t access Facebook WiFi, there’s always an easy solution. Most of the time, it’s just a question of fiddling with permission settings.
First, always check that your router is actually compatible with Facebook WiFi. If you’re struggling in stage four of the steps above, you’ll notice this isn’t the case. You’ll have to contact your ISP and request a compatible replacement if it isn’t.
If Meta Business Suite won’t let you change permission settings, it’s likely because you aren’t admin. Speak to someone who is or contact support.
Perhaps it isn’t any of the above? Then, we’d suggest going back through the steps and ensuring you’ve pressed the necessary save or continue buttons. That’s a sneaky way that you can slip up.
Lastly, if you’re really unsure where it’s going wrong, contact a Meta Business Suite expert.
Beambox: Specialist WiFi You Need
Having specialist WiFi is a total game-changer. As mentioned, you can use Facebook WiFi and other captive portals. If Facebook’s version is too niche for you (everyone understandably has different marketing strategies), consider a customizable portal.
Captive portal software can help you, as instead of just directing you to Facebook, it allows you to collect marketing details.
For instance, when a guest clicks on your network, it takes them to a pop-up webpage form. On this form, you can choose what questions to ask. You could collect email addresses or phone numbers for SMS marketing.
At Beambox, we offer an entirely customizable captive portal tool.
Start your free Beambox trial today and begin collecting contact details, not just engagement, through Facebook WiFi!
