Do not index
Do not index
Running a business with guest WiFi? You're sitting on a goldmine of potential leads. Every time someone connects to your network, that's an opportunity to capture valuable contact information. In this guide, I'll show you exactly how to set up an automated email collection system using your UniFi network and Spotipo.
What You'll Accomplish
By the end of this setup, every guest who connects to your WiFi will be prompted to enter their email address (and any other information you want to collect) before gaining internet access. This happens automatically through a captive portal that seamlessly integrates with your existing UniFi infrastructure.
How It Works
The process is elegantly simple:
- Guest connects to your WiFi network
- UniFi access point redirects them to Spotipo's captive portal
- Guest enters their email and name on your custom splash page
- Spotipo authenticates the user with your UniFi controller
- Guest gains internet access and you capture their information
What You'll Need
Before diving in, make sure you have:
- UniFi network controller (physical device or software-based)
- Internet-accessible controller (must be online 24/7)
- Admin access to your UniFi controller
- Spotipo account (14-day free trial available)
The controller requirement is crucial—if it goes offline, your hotspot functionality stops working.
Step-by-Step Setup
1. Create Your Spotipo Account
Sign up for the free trial and you'll be guided through a location setup wizard. Spotipo will attempt to automatically find your business and create a branded splash page using your logo and colors.
2. Customize Your Data Collection
By default, Spotipo collects email addresses, but you can easily add additional fields like names, phone numbers, or custom questions. The more information you collect, the more valuable your lead database becomes.
3. Connect Your UniFi Controller
This is where the magic happens. Spotipo offers two connection methods:
- Self-installed software: For controllers running on your own servers or cloud providers
- UniFi OS devices: For UDM, UDM Pro, and similar hardware
Choose direct connection if your controller has a public IP address, or use the reverse proxy option for situations like Starlink connections without static IPs.
4. Configure Authentication
Input your controller's hostname/IP address and create dedicated login credentials. I recommend setting up a specific local admin user just for Spotipo rather than using your main admin account.
5. Select Your Network
Choose which UniFi site and network you want to enable the captive portal on. Spotipo will automatically configure all the necessary settings on your controller.
Testing Your Setup
Once configured, test the system by connecting a device to your guest network. You should immediately see your custom splash page, and after entering the required information, gain internet access within a few seconds.
The Business Impact
This simple setup transforms your guest WiFi from a cost center into a lead generation machine. Every coffee shop visitor, conference attendee, or office guest becomes a potential customer in your email database.
The best part? It's completely automated. Set it up once, and it works 24/7 without any manual intervention.
Ready to Get Started?
Spotipo offers a 14-day free trial with no strings attached, making it risk-free to test this system in your environment. Whether you're running a small café or managing WiFi for a large venue, this solution scales to meet your needs.
Your guest network is already there—why not make it work harder for your business?
Questions about setting up Spotipo with your UniFi network? Feel free to reach out through our website or leave a comment below.
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