Offering free WiFi has become standard practice in so many places—cafés, salons, hotels, even doctor’s waiting rooms. It’s often seen as just another box to tick. A cost of doing business.
But what if it could actually do something for your business in return?
That little login screen—what we call the WiFi splash page—is something that every single customer sees. It’s a moment. A guaranteed few seconds of attention that, frankly, most businesses don’t make the most of.
And that’s a bit of a missed opportunity.
Your Splash Page: The Most Overlooked Digital Real Estate
So, what exactly is a branded splash page?
It’s the screen that pops up when someone tries to connect to your guest WiFi. Usually, it asks for an email address, or maybe just a click to accept your terms and conditions. It can be basic—or it can be branded, informative, and surprisingly useful.
It can carry your logo, your colours, a message, or even an offer. It’s the first digital impression you make inside your physical space. Which is sort of rare. And sort of powerful, when you think about it.
A Simple Way to Do More With What You Already Have
Let’s be honest. Most of the time, guest WiFi is just… there. A silent utility. But that doesn’t mean it has to be passive.
Here’s where branded login pages come in. They let you:
- Promote what you’re already doing
- Build your marketing list
- Encourage social engagement
- Or even generate revenue by… selling a bit of space
And no, we’re not talking about spammy ads or annoying popups. Just tasteful, well-placed messaging that serves a purpose—for you, your customers, or someone else local.
Let’s break it down.
1. Promote Your Own Products or Services
This is probably the simplest way to start. Instead of showing a generic “Welcome to the internet” message, show something that’s actually useful. Like:
- Today’s lunch special
- A discount for signing up to your mailing list
- A QR code for your loyalty card
It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just something that nudges the customer slightly deeper into your world. You’ve got their attention—briefly. In today’s attention economy, even a few seconds of undivided attention can be priceless if you know how to take advantage of it.
2. Capture Customer Data (Gently)
If your business could benefit from having a few more email addresses or insights into who your customers are, this is one of the least intrusive ways to collect that.
Offer WiFi in exchange for a quick form. Just a name and email is usually enough. People are generally willing—especially if they are getting free WiFi.
Once they’re in your system, you can follow up. With offers. With birthday messages. With a “hey, you haven’t visited in a while” nudge.
It’s soft-touch marketing. But it works.
3. Sell Advertising Space to Other Local Businesses
This one’s often overlooked—but it has real potential, especially if you have a steady stream of footfall.
You can rent space on your login page—either as a banner, a sidebar, or even a full-screen promotion—to other businesses in your area. Think:
- A local hairdresser offering a discount to your customers
- An estate agent targeting people new to the area
- A nearby gym advertising their new class schedule
It doesn’t have to feel corporate. In fact, it’s better when it doesn’t. It’s just one local business helping another get seen. And you get paid for it.
You’re not trying to become a media company. But if you’ve got eyes on a screen every day, why not make that screen earn its keep?
4. Encourage Social Media Engagement
This one’s more indirect, but still valuable.
Use the login page to encourage customers to follow your Instagram. Or leave a review. Or check in. Sometimes a small ask goes a long way, especially if they’ve just had a good experience.
Even a simple “Tag us on social media and get 10% off next time” can start to build momentum.
Over time, that visibility compounds.
5. Use Data to Learn (And Improve)
This isn’t always talked about, but it’s worth mentioning. With a managed hotspot, you can see how many people connect. When. For how long. What kind of devices they use. Which promotions get clicked, and which ones don’t.
You don’t need to obsess over it—but that information can guide decisions. Like when to run offers. Or what kind of messages people respond to. Or even where your busiest WiFi zones are in the building.
It’s a light layer of intelligence that most people never tap into.
How Carden Hotspots Can Help
We build managed WiFi solutions that go beyond just plugging in a router.
With Carden Hotspots, your splash page can be fully branded, compliant with data privacy laws, and flexible enough to include whatever you’d like—ads, offers, forms, or just a bit of charm.
We’ll design it, host it, manage it, and even help you think through how to get the most value from it. No tech stress. No gimmicks.
Just a reliable way to make your WiFi… work a bit harder for you.
Final Thought
We’re not saying guest WiFi will replace your marketing team or become your biggest revenue stream. But it can become a helpful, low-maintenance tool. One that quietly brings value every time someone connects.
And in a world where attention is hard to get—why waste the few seconds you’re guaranteed?