Facebook is testing a new feature to help companies better understand their customers through their smart phones. The idea is that customers in-store log on their WiFi connection and thus gain free internet access. Automatically, the first visit will lead them to the Facebook page of the company where they will be motivated to tell their friends where they are and what they are doing. Page may leave at any time and use connections according to their needs.
The new feature will work in stores that use Meraki routers. They offer a free feature called Presence, by which they collect information from smart mobile devices nearby. The stores will then learn information such as the average time of visit, frequency of visits, and the total number of customers present in a shop, etc.
With the new feature, customers in many places will be able to enjoy free internet access while businesses obtain information about their shopping behavior and can improve their marketing communication accordingly.
The project is now being tested near San Francisco and has not yet been officially announced.
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