In Store WIFI: Here’s Everything You Need To Know

How often has a customer approached your staff asking for the WiFi password? They may want to post about their visit on social media. Or they could just relax while browsing the internet. Regardless of the purpose, customers always want to stay connected. This is where in store WiFi comes into the picture.

With this network, you can conveniently provide your customers with internet access. This way, they won’t have to turn to their data for the connection. But offering a free internet connection is about more than just connectivity. It offers many other benefits for customers as well as business owners.

This article will discuss everything you need to know about in store WiFi. We’ve covered everything, from the definition and benefits to the best practices!

What Is in Store WIFI?

In store WiFi refers to a wireless connection within physical stores. Businesses use this to allow their customers to access the internet while they browse the store. These networks provide a seamless browsing experience to keep your customers satisfied.

Moreover, it allows live interaction between you and your customers. Offering free wifi to your customer can become one of the best marketing tools when tied with WiFi marketing software.

Some people think that giving free WiFi is unnecessary and costly. But the truth is, the benefits it provides to business owners are worth the investment. When your customers stay connected, you let them spread word of mouth about your business and products. This way, they are more likely to refer your business to others.

To reap these benefits, you have two options. You can share your primary network’s credentials or create a separate guest network. We’ll discuss which one is best later in the article.

In Store WiFi Tracking

In store WiFi tracking is the process of monitoring and analyzing customer data. If you have the right tools, you can collect customer data when people connect to your in store WiFi; this data enable you to create a better customer experience and improve your marketing results.

You can also gain valuable insights like the store’s most popular areas and products. Take this data into serious consideration to work on improving your products and services.

Tracking your store’s WiFi gives you access to customer data such as demographics, age, etc. For example, WiFi tracking may reveal that most of your customers are millennials. Analyzing this data allows you to create ad campaigns that attract this age group. You can create campaigns that include exciting events and encourage them to buy from you. This way, you can cater to your customer’s preferences and maximize your sales.

Tips for Placing WiFi Router in Store

You don’t need extensive technical knowledge to incorporate in-store WiFi. But you must be careful about the router’s placement to ensure optimal coverage and speed for customers and employees. So, here are some tips for placing a WiFi router in the store:

1. Central Location: Choose a location that is easily accessible and has a clear line of sight. Such a location will ensure the signals evenly reach all store corners and provide maximum coverage.
2. Elevate the Router: Place your router on a high shelf or mount it on a wall. This will provide an elevated position which minimizes the risk of signal blockage.
3. Avoid Interference: Keep the router away from other electronic devices. This includes microwaves, cordless phones, and other routers, as these devices can interfere with the WiFi signals.
4. Limit Obstacles: Obstacles such as thick walls and metal objects can weaken the WiFi signal. So, limit these around the router.
5. Use Multiple Routers or Extenders: Multiple routers would be best if you have a larger store with multiple floors. Place them consistently throughout the store for maximum coverage. Alternatively, use WiFi extenders.

It is important to note that all routers do not allow for a separate guest network. So, consider this aspect when choosing the right guest network router.

Benefits of In-store WiFi

Studies have revealed that 96% of people prefer businesses with free WiFi. With the increase in the usage of smartphones and portable devices, people’s shopping patterns are changing. Even when shopping in stores, they want to compare the features and prices of products. They want to post pictures and keep their friends and family, or followers in case of influencers, informed.

This has made in-store WiFi a vital part of modern shopping, providing numerous benefits for customers and retailers. Continue reading to discover how this powerful tool can help you and your business.

In Store WiFi Benefit #1: Increased Customer Dwell Time

Dwell time is the amount of time a customer spends in your store. With in store WiFi, you can encourage customers to stay longer and spend more time browsing your products. Remote workers like to work in areas with a solid and stable internet connection.

Provide them with a free solid WiFi connection, and they will be more likely to buy from you. This allows you to increase your business’s sales and generate more revenue.

While customers are in the store, you can present them with promotions and show off your exceptional customer service. Notice their interests while they shop so that you can provide them with targeted offers.

A higher customer dwell time means enhanced customer experience. By satisfying your visitors, you can gain new customers for your business and retain the old ones.

In Store WiFi Benefit #2: Improved Efficiency

Another benefit of in-store WiFi is improved business and employee efficiency. A happy employee will help you enhance your customers’ experience. If you connect the WiFi to your store’s POS system, you can gain even more benefits. With access to the store’s inventory through this WiFi, employees can better serve the customers, resulting in increased business efficiency.

You can also prompt your customers to leave feedback when they use the WiFi. When you pay attention to this feedback, you are more likely to make changes that resonate with your audience. This will result in products meeting customers’ needs and expectations, improving efficiency, and increasing revenue. However, implementing similar prompts can be tricky if you don’t have IT knowledge. Most social WiFi hotspots offer this feature in their plan.

In Store WiFi Benefit #3: Brand Loyalty

In-store WiFi can also help you build brand loyalty.

First, offering free wifi with a custom splash page is one of the best ways to build an email list. You can later use this list to send out tailored messages and offerings. This will make your customers feel connected to you and encourage them to become loyal.

After segmenting customers, you can launch various loyalty programs based on customer preferences. These programs increase customer retention and build brand loyalty.

If you customize the splash page to reflect your branding, it will be easier for customers to relate to your brand. This will help them recognize and build a strong relationship with you.

In Store WiFi Benefit #4: Economical Marketing

In store WiFi is an economical way of marketing your business and products. This is because, using customer data, you can create tailored marketing campaigns. When you know what your users like, you can increase the effectiveness of your marketing.

Your customers won’t be able to ignore your offer when it meets their preferences. You can solicit feedback through automated surveys or review requests. This way, you won’t have to conduct expensive surveys to get customers’ opinions.

Happy customers are more likely to recommend your business to others. This will get you new customers while retaining the old ones, increasing the effectiveness of your business operations.

How To Find the Best Internet Provider for in Store WIFI?

To find the best internet provider for in store WiFi, analyze your business. This is because your choice depends on your needs and the size of your business. Once you know your needs, here are some of the factors you need to keep in mind:

1. Reliability: One of the most important factors when choosing a provider is that you need a strong and consistent signal. With a reliable company, you can handle a large volume of visitors.
2. Scalability: Your ideal provider should be able to grow with your business and accommodate increasing needs for WiFi access. This means you must choose a company that can quickly scale up or down based on your needs.
3. Security: Connecting to the WiFi raises privacy concerns for visitors, so safety is crucial when selecting a provider. Ensure your provider uses the latest security protocols to protect you and your customers from cyber threats.
4. Support: WiFi may sometimes face technical issues. This means that your provider should offer excellent customer support and technical assistance. It should let you serve your customers without worrying about technicalities.
5. Pricing: The best provider for your business depends on your budget, so pricing is a key consideration. Choose a provider that offers competitive pricing that fits your budget.

Moreover, choose a router that allows you to setup guest WiFi networks. This way, you’ll keep the main network for you and your employees. Also, this will make both networks more performative and secure.

Best Practices for Incorporating WiFi in Store

In store WiFi is an efficient way to enhance customer experience and market your products. But to reap its benefits without any hurdles, there are some things you need to keep in mind. So, here are some of the best practices for incorporating WiFi in store:

1. Separate Guest Network: While sharing your primary network’s password is easy, you should create a distinct network for guests. Isolating the two networks helps you keep your data safe from prying eyes. A high volume of visitors will only affect your primary network’s speed and reliability. You can also set limits with a guest network.
2. Strong Password: Create a password that is at least eight characters long. This password should be a combination of symbols, letters, and numbers. A password that is easy to guess can put your data and network at risk of cyber threats.
3. Custom captive portal: Create a captive portal that reflects your branding. Place your logo, colors, and fonts. Create messaging in your brand’s verbal language. This will provide customers with a way to recognize you and give way to brand loyalty. Put clear and concise guest WiFi conditions to avoid inappropriate or illegal use of your store’s network.
4. Monitor and Improve: Monitor the usage to ensure visitors use it appropriately. Keep an eye on the time limits and bandwidth. If you find people exploiting the network, incorporate more vigorous limits and protocols for a seamless connection.

Conclusion

In store WiFi has become an essential element of the modern retail business. It benefits both customers and business owners. By providing customers with a reliable and secure WiFi connection, you can make their experience more enjoyable.

It also enhances customer engagement and encourages loyalty. But for this network to be successful, you need to consider your customers’ needs and choose the right provider.

It gives you valuable insights into customer behaviors and patterns which helps you create customer profiles. Using these profiles, you can come up with tailored messaging. This will ultimately improve your marketing efforts and generate more sales.

Are you looking for an easy and effective way to automate your marketing initiatives? Beambox’s WiFi marketing platform has got you covered!

With Beambox, you can easily leverage your in store WiFi to collect valuable customer data and automate your marketing initiatives. Try Beambox for free for thirty days and discover how it can help you take your marketing strategy to the next level!

---