7 common Wi-Fi mistakes that could be holding your trade business back
For modern tradespeople, broadband is becoming just as important as the tools in their van, with almost 70% of builders, electricians and plumbers using digital tools every day.
But simple broadband mistakes can create unnecessary disruption and cost tradespeople valuable time during the workday.
From responding to customer enquiries and sending quotes to taking payments and keeping on top of admin, many aspects of running a trade business rely on staying well connected. Even small connectivity issues can lead to lost time, missed messages or frustrated customers.
To help tradespeople get the most from their connection, Uswitch business broadband expert, Max Beckett, shares seven common Wi-Fi mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
1. Selecting the wrong type of broadband package: If you run your trade from home, don’t assume your home broadband is automatically suitable for business use. Some providers’ terms restrict residential broadband from being used for business purposes, so it’s worth checking what your package allows.
Self-employed tradespeople and sole traders can take out business broadband and benefit from extras such as dedicated customer support, a static IP address, and service guarantees. However, these features won’t be essential for everyone, so it’s worth weighing up whether the additional cost is justified for your business.
If you mainly use your connection for emails, browsing, sending quotes, and taking payments, a standard residential package may be all you need, given your provider allows business use. But if being offline would have a significant impact on your work, or you’d benefit from the additional support and features offered by a business package, the extra cost could be worthwhile.
2. Opting for an older broadband connection: The type of broadband connection you have can also make a difference to your internet experience. Part-fibre, part-copper broadband is available nationwide, but it’s slower and less reliable than other types of internet as it relies on copper cabling.
Full fibre, however, doesn’t need any copper cabling, connecting fibre-optic broadband directly to your address. This can provide a huge boost to internet speed, with many of the fastest full fibre connections supplying 1Gbps and above. For tradespeople, upgrading to full fibre could provide a faster and more reliable connection.
3. Choosing broadband based on download speed alone: Fast download speeds don’t necessarily mean a better connection. Tradespeople should consider both download and upload speeds, reliability, and the number of devices they’ll have connected at home when choosing a broadband package. While download speeds affect how quickly information is received, upload speeds and broadband reliability can be important when sending quotes, plans, photos, or other large files on time to customers.
4. Putting your router in the wrong place: Your Wi-Fi signal can be weakened if your router is placed behind furniture, in a cupboard, or near other electronic devices. Keeping your router in a central, clear, and elevated location in your home can help ensure the signal reaches the areas where it’s needed most, particularly if you work from a home office, garage, or workshop.
If you still struggle with weak Wi-Fi in certain areas, a mesh Wi-Fi system could also help extend coverage by using additional connected devices, known as ‘nodes’, to boost the signal.
5. Ignoring recurring connection problems: Occasional connectivity issues can happen, but frequent dropouts shouldn’t be overlooked. Repeated problems could interrupt calls, delay customer response time, or make it harder to access important information while working. Regularly check your router and connection, and run speed tests to identify potential issues. If problems become persistent, contact your provider for support.
6. Neglecting Wi-Fi security: An unsecured network can leave connected devices and sensitive business information vulnerable. Tradespeople may use their connection to access customer details, payment information, and business accounts, so protecting the network with a strong password and keeping router software up to date can help reduce unnecessary security risks.
7. Not having a backup connection: A potential broadband outage doesn’t necessarily have to bring work to a standstill. If your broadband connection goes down, you may be able to use your phone’s mobile data to connect your laptop or other devices, depending on your mobile plan. For extra peace of mind, some broadband providers also offer 4G or 5G backup options, which can keep you online by switching to a mobile network if your main connection fails.
Uswitch business broadband expert, Max Beckett, also comments on the importance of reliable connectivity for tradespeople: “For tradespeople, a good broadband connection can play an important role in keeping a business running smoothly, from swiftly responding to new enquiries and sending quotes to managing bookings and taking payments.
“When connectivity issues start to affect these everyday tasks, there can be a knock-on effect for customers too. A missed enquiry could mean a delayed response, while problems processing payments or accessing information will impact your customer’s experience.
“Taking a few simple steps to make sure your home broadband setup is optimal for the way you work can help minimise these disruptions, allowing tradespeople to spend less time dealing with connectivity problems and more time focusing on their customers.”
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