You may or may not know about Google’s My Business virtual tour (GMBVT). Along with their Streetview venture, Google is working to digitize local businesses so people searching for new spots to eat, explore, and shop can have a better sense of the local businesses in their area. You may not see the benefits of a virtual tour now, but by the end of this article you'll be convinced.
So, what is a Google My Business virtual tour? A GMBVT is an interactive 360 degree imaging of a business, building, or home. You can look left, right, up, and down with full 360 degree freedom. By connecting multiple 360 panoramas you can "walk" through the business in the comfort of your own home. Try out the example below:
1. It Builds Trust
When customers are searching to a new business to spend their hard earned money, they are looking for well-established, transparent companies. By showcasing your business on a trusted platform like Google Maps, you build trust with them even before they set foot in your business. Adding a GMBVT adds to your social clout and social credibility as a business. Show potential customers you're a well-established, forward-thinking business that's here to stay.
2. It builds SEO
Because it's a Google product, the GMBVT helps to optimize your search engine ranking. Inline with building social credibility and clout, a GMBVT helps also to cement your business as a well established business in online search rankings. And in doing so, you help increase your visibility and online presence.
3. Show them what you got (as the Cromulons would say)
How do you ingratiate yourself with a customer that never sets foot in your shop? Show them what your business has to offer in the comfort of their own home. A picture is worth a thousand words, but an interactive tour of your business allows them to take in the atmosphere, decor/style, and feeling of your brand and business. This way, you'll gain a friend without even lifting a finger to welcome them. Take this charming little cafe in San Jose, California called the East Bay Cafe Depot. It's filled with nostalgia and americana, but you'd never know if you didn't walk in. Since I've captured it for Google maps, now the world has the chance to experience this warm little cafe.
4. You out pace your competition
Tech savvy customers are keen on whether or not businesses are on the latest social media. Like it or not, their judgement of whether or not to patronizes a business is tied heavily towards a businesses social clout. The more avenues you pursue, the higher the scales tip in your favor of being patonized. By being forward-thinking and accepting new technologies like GMBVT you show that you're ahead of the competition. You are keenly aware of a customer that does their research online before entering a shop.
5. Engage with customers without lifting a finger
Virtual tours can serve another purpose if customized to meet your needs. By having a standalone custome tour you can add newlayer of engagement for customers. Add interesting details about your business, add pricing for items show in your showroom or checkout counter. By capturing an online market through a customized virtual tour you can add a new stream of revenue along side Google pushing your GMBVT when you're searched online to obring more potential customers to your shop!
Now you know how a GMBVT can benefit your business and brand, let me take care of capturing your business in it's best light, and in the highest of quality. When you're ready to make the jump and have your business captured for Google's My Business Virtual Tour give me a ring at 916-832-7845, email me at: hello@georgemoua.com or commission me here.