If I ran an establishment with wifi, I’d use it as an opportunity to do one of the following (integrated somehow so you had to do something before you could get online):
* Register with an email or phone and let people opt-in to your mailing list for specials
* Create a community: Let people submit a link/post to a community Tumblr. It could be like a super-local MeFi. I could link to my twitter, or a song I’m currently digging, or something I wanted community feedback on (like my taco stand!).
* Educate Them: People are creatures of habit and like to order the same thing. When they are logging in why not explain to them the benefits of Matcha or a short review of your latest dish.
* Educate Yourself: Before users login they have to take a survey. Something as simple as “What would you change about this place”, “What do you wish was on the menu”, “Would you order tofu?”
Other ideas that have been running around my head:
* Use iTunes DJ / iPhone feature to let users control the music overhead (Volta plans on doing this soon I believe)
* Retweet contests: If 20 people retweet a promotion everybody in the shop gets a free iced teaWhat do you think?
Great ideas!
Interesting idea for all of you innkeepers out there. Build lasting relationships with your guests and create a community online. Happy to chat more if you’d like more details or explanation.
