Last week I was attempting to use my back-up phone to make changes to the live video Kelly and I were making for What’s Up Peoria, but nothing was loading. That’s when I realized my backup phone didn’t have the venue’s Wi-Fi password saved in it and that corner of that venue is a 4G deadzone.
Thankfully, it only took me a few steps to get it working again, but it wasn’t the first time I’d been in a venue with no Wi-Fi access, and often there isn’t an answer a few steps away.
As much as some people wish it wasn’t true… having Wi-Fi available in a bar, restaurant, or music venue can be an important part of bringing people in, keeping people there longer, and making them come back these days, especially when live music is happening.
Smoker’s Blues Band is one of many that I’ve posted videos of and gotten comments and private messages that said something like, “I didn’t know they were playing. I’m on my way!”
(Smoker’s Blues Band at Twisted Spoke Saloon)
On a practical level people who can’t be reached when they are at a certain venue will be less likely to stay there long. But more importantly, the ability of musicians and guests to post live videos, upload photos, and send Facebook messages helps create that free cloud of FOMO (fear of missing out) that works in your favor.
If you have Wi-Fi for your guests already, I have to ask… what if you never had to answer the question, “What’s your Wi-Fi password?” ever again?
Facebook has come up with a solution that not only gives people password-less access to your internet while keeping your router more secure, but also helps you with marketing at the same time.
Facebook Wi-Fi is a portal you set up on your regular router that allows people to sign into your business Wi-Fi by signing into Facebook. The customers are then directed to your Facebook page and encouraged to check in and/or liking and interact with your business Facebook and Instagram page. In addition to the social media engagement you get from that, Facebook actually lists businesses with FB Wi-Fi on their “Find Free Wi-Fi” map on the app… potentially bringing in more customers.
And if you need a little more incentive: as a Facebook WiFi provider, you’ll be given access to demographics and stats of customers accessing your WiFi.
Not all routers are equipped with this capability, but more are being updated with the firmware to handle it regularly. So it’s definitely worth checking out.
Interested in learning more? Read more here: Set Up Facebook Wi-Fi for your Business