A few days ago I read an article about why offering unreliable WiFi as a business is worse than no WiFi at all. I couldn’t agree more. In fact, small businesses like coffee shops and cafes should be doubling down on offering a great WiFi experience for their patrons.
The good news is – most are.
We are all connected, like it or not
A recent study found that US households have over 500 million connected devices. The study was done in early 2013; the number has undoubtedly grown since. For business owners, this means the likelihood a patron will walk through your doors toting a few devices that connect to your WiFi network is pretty high.
We are using these devices for communication, navigation, research, work, play and commerce. Creating an environment that supports our intrinsically connected nature makes our lives easier, and that means you stand a good chance of gaining us as repeat customers. Knowing I can sit down at one of your tables, enjoy some coffee and quiche while I continue working on my latest web project, sure has me favor you over a nearby business that doesn’t afford me that opportunity.
It’s a very WiFi future
Let’s fast forward maybe just a few years. There’s a great chance I’ll be paying for your products and services over your WiFi network using my phone or another connected device. At this point your WiFi network has become a payment network, and one your business will rely on more and more. You’ll want your WiFi experience to be super fast, secure and always available.
The technology and cost behind offering increasingly faster and more secure WiFi is dropping. As a business owner, understanding the ways people use your WiFi today and in the future, puts you in a great position to leverage our connected world.
Double down on offering great WiFi for your patrons and it will pay off.
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