It’s the simple things in life that matter. This is a very common expression and is quite dead on. It’s a concept that you should also take into consideration when thinking about your customers. What is a simple to offer them that will help my business? I’ll tell you…free Wi-Fi.
We are in a state of need to be constantly connected through our devices. I need to be able to upload my picture to Instagram instantly (how most think). But the thing is that data chargers are eating away at people. So they want to be able to connect to Wi-Fi to avoid being billed while still being connected. So simple enough, you can offer your customers a way to meet their need for connectivity that is relatively cheap. But by offering this free service, your potentially increasing business. In fact, it has been statistically proven that businesses that provide free Wi-Fi see multiple benefits that have helped their overall business.
So let’s dive into a few reasons as to why you should be offering free Wi-Fi at your establishment. I’m also sure after reading this you will be thinking in favor of setting up a hotspot.
Foot Traffic
Offering customers free Wi-Fi gives incentives to enter your store. While it might not be your primary reason such as to make a purchase. But you’re getting people in your store none the less and this is half the battle. The more people that enter your doors the more potential business you will gain.
Time Spent On-Premise
According to a survey conducted by Devicescape of 400 U.S. small businesses, 62% said that customers spent more time in their establishment because they are offered free Wi-Fi. This goes into the same concept behind the increased foot traffic. With customers spending more time in your establishment the more time they have to decide on whether to purchase something. The longer they are there, the increased chance they are going to buy something.
Advertising Opportunities
When you offer free Wi-Fi to your customers, they have to log into it somehow to gain access. This allows you a perfect time to talk about your latest sales, discounts, events, etc.. Wireless providers such as Ruckus Wireless offer solutions where you are able to place advertisements during this log in process. You are now adding further value to your free Wi-Fi by giving more incentives for customers to make a purchase.
Customer Loyalty
We all get into our routines and establish our preferences. This is done naturally with everyone. So like we discussed earlier, it has been shown that by offering free Wi-Fi you are going to increase foot traffic and time spent on-premise. With both of these increasing means that people are going to become more loyal to your establishment. They are going to visit more and stay longer, which is exactly what you need to increase sales.
Increase Sales
We’ve been talking about how all of the reasons above will lead to increased sales. But why is this exactly? By offering free Wi-Fi to customers you are initiating what is called the “Principle of Reciprocity”. This compliance technique explains that when you offer something to a person, they will feel obligated to do something for you. So by offering them this free service, they are going to feel obligated to do something for you which in most terms would equal into a sale. So now you are making your customers feel subconsciously obligated to buy something from you. Did I also mentioned that according to the study we talked about earlier, that 72% said they saw improvement in sales?