In the age of technology and connectivity, a strong wifi connection is no longer just a convenience — it’s an expectation.
From cafes to hotels and restaurants to retail stores, offering wifi to guests has become almost obligatory.
But here’s the thing: simply providing wifi isn’t enough anymore.
With the rise of online reviews and social media, your guest wifi could be a crucial factor in determining whether your establishment receives a stellar five out of five review or a disappointing rating.
Think about it: how often have you visited a restaurant or hotel, eagerly connected to their guest wifi network, only to be met with slow speeds, unreliable connections, or complicated login processes?
It’s frustrating, to say the least, and it can significantly impact your overall experience as a guest.
In today’s digital age, where online reviews carry immense weight, a subpar wifi experience can spell disaster for your business’s reputation and return bookings.
Here are a few reasons why your guest wifi might be hindering your chances of receiving that coveted 5-star review:
Slow speeds: In a world where we’re accustomed to lightning fast internet connections at home and at work, encountering sluggish wifi speeds when we’re holidaying or working away from home can be incredibly frustrating. Whether it’s due to insufficient bandwidth or outdated equipment, slow guest wifi can quickly sour a guest’s experience. If guests have to wait ages for a webpage to load or struggle to stream a video, they’re unlikely to leave a glowing review of your establishment.
Unreliable connection: Nothing is more infuriating than a wifi connection that constantly drops out or fluctuates in strength. Whether it’s caused by interference from other devices, poor signal coverage, or technical issues with your router, an unreliable connection can leave guests feeling frustrated and dissatisfied. If your wifi cuts out in the middle of an important video call or online transaction, it’s sure to leave a negative impression.
Complicated login processes: Gone are the days when guests were willing to jump through hoops just to connect to wifi. If your establishment requires guests to jump through multiple authentication hoops, enter lengthy passwords, or fill out tedious forms just to get online, you’re likely deterring them from using your wifi altogether.
Keep it simple and streamlined, and you’ll earn major brownie points with your guests.
Lack of security: With cyber threats on the rise, guests are more concerned than ever about the security of their personal information when using public wifi networks. If your guest wifi network lacks proper encryption or other security measures, you’re putting your customers at risk of falling victim to hackers or identity thieves. A secure wifi network not only protects your guests’ data but also helps to build trust and confidence in your establishment.
Poor coverage: Ensuring adequate wifi coverage throughout your complex is essential. There’s nothing worse than finding yourself in a wifi dead zone, unable to get online when you need it most. Invest in your guest wifi throughout your establishment to ensure seamless coverage everywhere your guests roam.
What can you do to ensure that your guest wifi is up to par and deserving of that five out of five review?
First and foremost, invest in a stable and reliable internet service. A fast and stable fibre connection is the foundation of a positive wifi experience for your guests. It is the engine to your guest wifi system. Fibre connections and faster internet alternatives are becoming more cost-effective.
Speak to your guest wifi provider about what is suitable and available for your complex.
Your guest wifi provider should be regularly monitoring your guest wifi network and addressing any issues that may arise promptly. They should also be guiding you as to the next evolution in guest wifi for your site. Whether that is upgrading your routers to faster devices or a newer technology suitable for your site.
By prioritising the quality and reliability of your guest wifi, you can ensure that your establishment leaves a positive impression on every guest who walks through your doors.
With a stellar guest wifi experience, you might just find yourself inundated with 5 out of 5 reviews from satisfied customers.
Judy Senn Director, Time Out Internet www.timeoutinternet.com
Author Bio – Judy Senn’s wealth of knowledge covers hardware and software distribution, sales and business development. She is a regular contributor to Accom Management magazine and stays up-to-date with upcoming trends and technology.
Her extensive and diverse customer service, sales and IT background give her the expertise to know what your customers need and how best to deliver it in the best way for your business.
