Virtual Tours Still Bring Real Customers in 2023

Google Business View for your Minneapolis Business

I firmly believe there are two types of people: those who don’t care that people hear them ask where the bathroom is located, and those who do. I fall into the latter grouping, so if I have a chance to get my bearings in a new place without stepping foot in there, I consider that a win for me and introverts everywhere!

Now you may think giving a window into your location is a big deal, but giving your potential customers an actual look into your storefront or office helps them actually step foot in your facility.

Plus, it helps your Google listing.

How’s that, you ask?

Google Street View is not a new service anymore, but it is a growing must-have for your online marketing mix. Rather than phasing out virtual tours, many businesses are embracing them, incorporating their tour on their website and social media. Google Street View is a great asset for businesses with a physical location, especially as customers seek real-life connections from online visits. Google Street View takes web visitors on a virtual tour of your business, showing them what the interior is like while they sit happily on their couch, coffee shop stool, or wherever they may be.

The time it takes to figure out the ins and outs of your virtual tour and post it on the web is well worth the payoff. With Google Street View, you’ll benefit from more engaged website visitors converting into fans of your business. If you still aren’t convinced…

Five quick reasons your physical business location should have a Google Maps Business View:

Say goodbye to the guessing games

First impressions are huge. We aren’t supposed to judge a book by its cover, but we all do it! In the same way, a customer’s experience with your business may be limited to their first virtual impression. Google Business View takes the first impression from a physical foot in the door to an online adventure through your store or office. When customers know what to expect prior to their first visit, they are less likely to leave bad reviews due to unmet expectations. For businesses with great interiors hidden behind dated exteriors, offering a virtual tour can "wow" potential clients who might otherwise pass by on the street. This can be an especially helpful tool for churches, retail stores, restaurants, and medical services/offices.

Say hello to increased customer engagement

Invite casual website visitors to get comfortable and stay a while with Google Business View. Customers are enticed to click the “see inside” button and therefore spend more time perusing your website and digging into your business. The longer customers linger on your website, the more likely they are to take action. Google reports that, “listings with photos and a virtual tour are twice as likely to generate interest.” (https://www.google.com/streetview/hire/ )

Rise above your competitors

With a 360-degree virtual tour, your business will rise over and above competitors whose websites only display static images. Believe it or not, a peek inside your business with a virtual tour can be the deciding factor in choosing your business over your competitors’. By taking the virtual tour, your customers are engaged with your company longer. The longer customers engage with your business, the more likely they are to remember your business name as opposed to that of your competitor. More engagement equals more conversions.

Share the love

When you take the time to create a virtual tour, you need the world to see it. Google Business View makes it easy to share your virtual tour anywhere you’d like, so you can embed your business’ tour on your website, Facebook and other social media channels.

Express your business’ creativity

A virtual tour can show off your creativity. One business used Google Business view to create a scavenger hunt for its customers. Prospective job seekers can get an idea of your business before their first interview. Sometimes, your business is easier to show than to tell. Google Business View can communicate to newcomers what your business is all about: how you operate, what you offer, and why they should walk through your door.

So, take a little time to record your virtual tour and see the many ways Google Business View can start working for you. Don’t have the time and need help making a virtual tour of your business? We can help!