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| | The Un-Marketing Network is not currently active and cannot accept new posts | | Seeking Feedback on Splash Pages for WiFi Hot Spots | Views: 1094 | | Dec 27, 2007 3:19 am | | Seeking Feedback on Splash Pages for WiFi Hot Spots | # | 
Lamar Morgan 954-603-7901 | | Is anyone on this network currently spreading their business message as a "splash page" for entry into a WiFi hot spot? If so, I would like to know how it is working for you.
As VOIP technology becomes increasingly popular, the popularity of WiFi hot spots also seems to be on the rise as well. Where once WiFi hot spots were all fee-based, now the trend seems to be having them made available for free at places you might not expect - like doctors offices, marinas and car repair shops. Just about anywhere people tend to congregate is a good place for a WiFi hot spot.
While not every business has a storefront, just about any business could have its own splash page. All you would really need to do is make the proper arrangements with the owner of the hot spot.
Let me give you an example of how beneficial a WiFi hot spot splash page could be. When you advertise in the newspaper, on radio or TV, how do you know if folks are paying attention. Unless you have a toll-free number for folks to call, chances are you are really clueless. But, with a WiFi hot spot, you can know exactly who accessed your site and for how long. Why? Because no one gets access to the Internet without acknowledging the fact they saw your ad. And, since they obviously want the no-free access, they will gladly comply with your requirement. Keep in mind also, that not only is the hot spot providing a community service that most people both want and need, but it is doing it 24/7.
No print, radio or TV medium can deliver an audience to you in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.
Lamar Morgan
CDMM
http://www.squidoo.com/CDMM
Attract more customers! Private Reply to Lamar Morgan 954-603-7901 | | Dec 28, 2007 11:46 pm | | re: Seeking Feedback on Splash Pages for WiFi Hot Spots | # | 
Angelo Cerase | | While I don't advertise on WiFi flash pages, I would still like to comment.
First off, I think selling advertising on WiFi flash pages would make a lot of money... for the person selling the advertising that is!
As a stand-alone ad, I think it would flop. Think of how many ads you see on a computer screen each day. Now think of how many you actually remember.
Mind you, if the ad was targeted to users of the WiFi spot AND was something that compelled me to want to click on their webpage for more info, then maybe you'll get some clicks.
Or if it was part of a much MUCH larger ad campaign targeted to "get the brand out" or "improve brand image" or something, then sure, maybe it may help, along with posters in the WiFi hotspot, the billboard across the street, the TV commercials during prime time tv, the radio ad during rush hour, etc etc. People might then pause and think when they see the flashpage and say "Hey, that's the 10th time today I saw the new Chevy Malibu, that's a good looking car, maybe I'll click here for more pics/info."
Or if it was something new regarding the community, such as an upcoming festival in your town. But, like the above example, that would be alongside posters in the Wifi spot and across town, on the radio during rushhour, etc etc.
So, either get REALLY REALLY REALLY target ads, or hook up with some billboard advertising company so they can sell this "mini-billboard" along with their regular billboard advertisements. Or perhaps hookup with some PR company that has clients with deep pockets who need to increase "brand awareness".
Personally, I think it would be a great idea for the seller of the ads and the Wifi host. You just need to find clients with more money than they know what to do with.
Personally, I wouldn't advertise this way, because I wouldn't buy anything just because I saw it on a flashpage.
Private Reply to Angelo Cerase | | Dec 29, 2007 2:52 am | | re: re: Seeking Feedback on Splash Pages for WiFi Hot Spots | # | 
Scott Stratten | | I agree with Angelo,
Lamar, you said "No print, radio or TV medium can deliver an audience to you in a more efficient and cost-effective manner."
I don't think you can call it cost-effective or even efficient until you determine what the cost would be a show it works.
I don't think an untargetted "splash" page, or anything else you call it is effective at all. This type of thing has been going on for years with traffic sharing/surf programs and old-style "free" internet access, you just had to view and ad or multiple ads.
Instead, why not target the spots you think will be your market and team up with the location, for example:
A local chain of coffee pubs here is Williams, famous for Wifi and business owners who use it and meet there. Instead of an ad they see as they login to the wireless, team-up with the coffee joint and do an early morning seminar on how to use the web to grow your business.
Makes sense for the coffee place, brings in people, ties in with them offering wifi, and puts you in front of clients.
AS a matter of fact, I think i'll go mention that this week to a few places :-)
Scott
Private Reply to Scott Stratten | | Dec 29, 2007 9:11 am | | re: re: re: Seeking Feedback on Splash Pages for WiFi Hot Spots | # |
Lamar Morgan 954-603-7901 | | Scott,
I like your idea. In fact, this whole WiFi deal stems from wanting to do breakfast meetings at a local restaurant and conducting Skype conferences. The restaurant in question has cable, but not WiFi. Their IT person is reluctant to go the WiFi route because it would require him to set up a secure monitoring system and he does not want the hassle. In my opinion, what he should do is allow an outside contractor to do it. There are companies that do nothing but set up WiFi hot spots and provide 24/7 monitoring service to make sure everything stays secure.
Searching on the Net, what I have discovered is that even unattractive splash pages can be effective. The attraction is not so much the ad as it is the free WiFi service. While Toronto may not have problems with cell phone service, out here in Northern California, the cell phone service is horrible. Being able to go into a restaurant that has good high-speed wireless service that is free is rare indeed. And, that is why I think the local folks would be attracted to it if it was made available to them.
Subway sandwiches uses free WiFi at their restaurants. And no, there aren't any near where I live. Anyway, I don't think you would be too impressed with Subway's splash page. But, it works. Why? I don't think the ad content is the issue. I think the FREE WiFi access is the attraction.
Here's the link. Let me know what you think?
Lamar Morgan
CDMM
http://www.squidoo.com/CDMM
Attract more customers! Private Reply to Lamar Morgan 954-603-7901 | | |
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