It’s no secret that traditional marketing techniques are becoming less and less effective. In order to stay ahead of the curve, businesses need to be constantly innovating and looking for new ways to engage with their customers.
360° Virtual Tours are proving to be an effective and innovative marketing tool that are quickly gaining popularity across a range of industries. And for good reason.
Feeling physically present
A 360° Virtual Tour comprises a collection of 360° panoramic images of a physical location using specialised cameras, lenses and software. On a basic level, they allow viewers to control their own viewing experiences within a ‘digital twin’ of an actual location without being there in person. Of course, 360° Virtual Tours can host a range of other media and functionality but for now, lets focus on the value of providing interactive and immersive 360° experiences to potential clients.
Among other challenges, arranging a physical visit of a location is time consuming for all parties involved. This has a knock-on effect for business owners who face the limitations associated with physical reachability. It means ‘brick and mortar’ locations are seeing less foot traffic and physical visits. 360° Virtual Tours offer a solid solution in providing a digital version of physical spaces. What’s more, they are scalable and highly democratised so almost anyone can access them.
Advanced design and functionality
In addition to viewing the location, 360° Virtual Tours can combine many forms of content and functionality in one convenient multimedia presentation. This could include menus, still photographs, videos, drawings, 3D models, Google Maps integration, floor plans, chat/contact us features, sounds or music, guided voiceovers to name a few.
Regardless of design or functionality, it does not affect the open nature in which they can be viewed e.g. on VR headsets, desktop or mobile.
As a business grows, new media or functionality can replace outdated media on the 360° Virtual Tour adding to its scalability. As the immersive technology develops, it is likely that we will see even more innovative and creative uses for it in the future. For now, though, brands are already using it to great effect and are reaping the rewards of doing so.
Inspiring trust
Exploring a brand independently offers businesses a unique and pervasive medium to communicate their story openly and honestly. By placing the visitor at the center of the action, an emotional connection between the brand and the consumer is naturally formed. Images and/or videos alone may not be enough to instill the same desired level of confidence in potential consumers to make informed decisions .
Customers value being in the driving seat and knowing what they’re truly getting for their money. Think of a ‘behind the scenes’ video showing how something is made. The user can decide to access it by clicking an information icon at a specific location on the tour and right there a deeper, more meaningful connection is made.
Are 360° Virtual Tours a good fit for my business?
Whether a 360° Virtual Tour suits your business is for you to decide. It will vary depending on the nature of the activity and the goals set. However, as a general rule, there are no limitations here. For the most part, businesses that are visually appealing or that offer something unique or exclusive are generally a good fit for virtual tours. For instance, luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, private schools, art galleries, and museums are all businesses that tend to do well with 360° Virtual Tours.
Immersive technologies is a rapidly growing industry with a wide range of potential applications. Businesses that are able to utilise this technology will be well-positioned to stay ahead of the competition and tap into a whole new market of potential customers.
