Everything you need to know about virtual tours and Google My Business optimization
What is a 360° virtual tour?
A 360° virtual tour is an immersive, interactive experience that allows viewers to explore your business space as if they were physically there. Using specialized 360-degree cameras, we capture every angle of your location and stitch them together to create a seamless virtual experience. These tours can be embedded directly into your Google My Business profile, website, and social media, giving potential customers a realistic preview of your space.
How do virtual tours help my Google My Business ranking?
Virtual tours significantly boost your Google My Business performance in several ways: they increase engagement time (a key ranking factor), they improve click-through rates, and they signal to Google that your business provides comprehensive, high-quality information. Businesses with virtual tours receive 2x more interest than those without, and Google prioritizes listings with rich media content in local search results.
How long does the virtual tour creation process take?
The typical timeline is 7-10 business days from start to finish. This includes: initial consultation and planning (1 day), on-site photography session (2-4 hours depending on space size), post-processing and stitching (3-5 days), review and revisions (1-2 days), and final publishing to Google My Business and your website. We can expedite this process for urgent projects with our rush service.
Do I need special equipment or technical knowledge?
Not at all! We handle everything from A to Z. We bring all professional equipment, including specialized 360° cameras, lighting equipment, and post-processing software. All you need to do is prepare your space to look its best on the day of photography. After we create the tour, we handle all technical aspects of uploading and integrating it with your Google My Business profile and website.
What types of businesses benefit most from virtual tours?
Virtually any business with a physical location can benefit, but they're especially powerful for: hotels and vacation rentals, restaurants and cafes, retail stores and boutiques, gyms and fitness centers, spas and salons, medical and dental offices, real estate properties, event venues, museums and galleries, and educational facilities. If your physical space is a selling point for your business, a virtual tour is essential.
How much does a virtual tour cost?
Pricing varies based on the size of your space and complexity of the project. Small spaces (under 100m²) typically start at €299, medium spaces (100-300m²) at €499, and larger spaces are quoted individually. This includes professional photography, post-processing, Google My Business integration, and website embedding. We also offer package deals that include ongoing GMB optimization services. Book a free consultation to get a precise quote for your business.
Can I update my virtual tour later?
Yes! We recommend updating your virtual tour every 1-2 years or whenever you make significant changes to your space. This keeps your online presence fresh and accurate. We offer discounted rates for existing clients who need updates. You can also add new rooms or areas to an existing tour without having to redo the entire project.
What is the difference between a virtual tour and regular photos?
While regular photos show individual views of your space, virtual tours provide an immersive, interactive experience where viewers can navigate through your entire location at their own pace. They can look up, down, and around—just like being there in person. This creates a much stronger emotional connection and gives potential customers confidence in choosing your business. Studies show that virtual tours increase conversion rates by up to 67% compared to static photos alone.
Will the virtual tour work on mobile devices?
Absolutely! All our virtual tours are fully responsive and optimized for mobile devices, tablets, and desktops. On mobile devices, users can even use gyroscope functionality to look around by moving their phone, creating an even more immersive experience. Since most Google searches happen on mobile devices, this mobile optimization is crucial for maximizing your tour's impact.
How do I prepare my space for the virtual tour photography?
We'll provide you with a detailed preparation checklist, but the basics include: thorough cleaning and decluttering, ensuring good lighting (open curtains, turn on lights), removing personal items and excess branding, staging key areas to look inviting, and ensuring staff are aware of the photography schedule. We recommend scheduling the shoot during slower business hours to minimize disruption. Don't worry—we'll guide you through the entire preparation process.
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