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How To Start A Virtual Tour Business [Complete Guide]

START YOUR VIRTUAL TOUR BUSINESS

This is a guide on how to start a virtual tour business. this guide presented by the hustle’s library team will introduce you to the virtual tour industry, so you can start going down the right path. we will tell you about market research, building a website, equipment, and software. The virtual tour industry, valued at USD 340.7 million in 2022, is projected to grow to USD 941.3 million by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.7% during the forecast period​  This growth is driven in part by the benefits businesses see when they leverage virtual tours.

Why business should consider a virtual tour?

In today’s competitive digital landscape, getting customers to engage with your website is more important than ever. A virtual tour can significantly enhance a business. It gives a sense of luxury, builds more trust with customers, and increases engagement with the brand’s website​. 

 According to digitalintheround.com Websites with virtual tours receive 5 to 10 times longer views than those without, largely because the interactive nature of virtual tours makes customers feel like they’re walking through the actual experience, leading them to spend more time exploring until they are satisfied with their research.

MARKET RESEARCH

Virtual tours are not just limited to a specific industry. In fact, a variety of businesses can leverage this technology to their advantage. From showcasing property listings to offering a sneak peek into exclusive services, the possibilities are immense. In the upcoming section, we will delve into the broad spectrum of businesses that can benefit from virtual tours. So, let’s begin our exploration!

What Business You Can Sell To?

Virtual tours allow potential buyers or renters to view properties at their convenience, reducing the number of physical showings required and saving time for both parties. This can increase efficiency, attract a wider audience, including out-of-town or international prospects, and give the property a competitive edge in a crowded market.

A virtual tour can showcase the facilities, equipment, and layout of a gym, helping potential members to visualize the space and the experience of working out there. This can help in customer acquisition and membership retention, and it also allows people to see if the gym meets their specific needs and preferences, such as equipment types or class spaces.
Virtual tours can help convey the ambiance and tranquility of a spa, enticing potential customers with a glimpse of the relaxing experience they can expect. This can enhance the spa’s online presence, increase bookings, and create a sense of anticipation that can boost customer satisfaction and referrals.

Virtual tours can make art and exhibits accessible to a global audience, extending the reach of the museum beyond its physical location. This can increase visibility, attract donations, and enhance educational outreach programs. Moreover, it can make the museum more inclusive, allowing people who are unable to visit in person to still enjoy and learn from the collections.

Virtual tours can showcase the beauty and diversity of national parks, encouraging tourism and promoting conservation efforts. They can also serve as an educational tool, providing information about flora, fauna, and geological features. This can expand the park’s audience, reaching not only potential visitors but also students, researchers, and nature enthusiasts worldwide.

Virtual tours can provide parents with a detailed look at the daycare’s facilities, activities, and safety measures. This can reassure parents, build trust, and help them make an informed decision about where to enroll their child. It also offers a level of transparency that can enhance the daycare’s reputation and foster strong relationships with families.

Virtual tours can showcase the luxury and amenities of a yacht, making it more appealing to potential renters or buyers. This can enhance marketing efforts and increase bookings or sales. It also provides an opportunity to highlight unique features or services that set the yacht apart, such as crew expertise, onboard dining, or special event capabilities.

irtual tours can give potential guests a feel for the accommodations, dining options, and other amenities. This can enhance the guest experience, increase bookings, and help the establishment stand out in a competitive market. For hotels, it can also assist in room selection, while for restaurants, it can showcase ambiance and layout, complementing the menu to provide a comprehensive preview of the dining experience.

Virtual tours can provide a welcoming glimpse into the church community, the architectural beauty of the building, and the services offered. This can engage current members, attract new attendees, and provide a resource for those unable to attend in person. It can also help the church reach out to the wider community, showcasing events, initiatives, or resources that go beyond regular services.

Virtual tours can highlight the grandeur of a theater’s architecture and show potential patrons the view from various seating sections. This can enhance ticket sales, attract event bookings, and increase overall interest in the theater. It also provides a unique marketing tool for attracting productions, demonstrating the theater’s facilities and atmosphere to promoters and performers.

Virtual tours offer a comprehensive view of commercial properties, enabling potential investors, tenants, or buyers to thoroughly explore spaces without scheduling in-person visits. This not only broadens the scope of prospective clients – including those from different states or countries – but also accelerates the decision-making process by providing a detailed visual insight into the property’s layout, features, and surrounding environment.

BUILDING A WEBSITE

Your website is often the first point of contact potential clients have with your business. With our professional help in web design and marketing, you ensure a professional, well-branded website that creates a strong first impression, signaling to visitors that you’re serious about your work and capable of delivering high-quality services. It’s your opportunity to demonstrate your brand’s values, aesthetics, and promises to clients.

Why is Including a portfolio of past virtual tours you've done important?

A portfolio allows you to demonstrate your capabilities in creating engaging and high-quality virtual tours. By showcasing your best work, you can give potential clients a clear idea of the quality they can expect when working with you. the following information is important for you to Start A Virtual Tour Business. 

Displaying your past work builds trust with potential clients. It shows that you’ve been entrusted by other businesses to create their virtual tours, and it allows visitors to your website to see the results of those partnerships.

If you’ve worked with a variety of clients, showcasing these different virtual tours can demonstrate your versatility and adaptability. It can also make your services more relatable to businesses in different sectors who can see that you’ve successfully created virtual tours for businesses like theirs.  Keep in mind to Start A Virtual Tour Business you want to offer different niches, therefore you can see what industry is best for you to start off in. 

Having a variety of virtual tours on your website can help improve your site’s search engine optimization (SEO). Google and other search engines favor websites with rich, engaging content. By hosting virtual tours on your website, you can enhance your online visibility and attract more potential clients.

SOFTWARE & EQUIPMENT

As we delve deeper into the world of virtual tours, it’s vital to consider the tools we use. In this section, we’ll discuss various virtual tour software, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. We’ve crafted a pros and cons list to help you find the perfect fit for your needs. Beyond that, we’ll also shed light on the essential equipment needed  To Start A Virtual Tour Business. So, let’s dive in and explore our options.

Software Pros & Cons To Start A Virtual Tour Business

Matterport

Pros: Firstly, Matterport excels in quality. It provides high-resolution 3D tours. Secondly, it’s intuitive, making it easy to navigate for users.

Cons: However, Matterport’s cost can be high. Also, it requires specific hardware for full functionality.

Kuula

Pros: For one, Kuula offers a user-friendly interface. Additionally, it supports virtual reality (VR) content.

Cons: On the downside, Kuula lacks some advanced editing features. Moreover, high-resolution tours may require a paid plan.

 

Zillow 3D Home

Pros: Notably, Zillow 3D Home is free to use. Also, it integrates well with Zillow’s platform.

Cons: However, it has limited customization options. Additionally, it doesn’t support VR content.

Roundme

Pros: Roundme allows users to create panoramic tours. Also, it supports VR content.

Cons: Yet, its interface can be complex for new users. Furthermore, some features require a paid plan.

3DVista

Pros: 3DVista offers a wide range of advanced features. Plus, it supports VR content.

Cons: But, it can be pricey. Additionally, it has a steep learning curve for beginners.

Garden Gnome Software Pano2VR

Pros: Pano2VR supports a variety of image formats. Also, it offers a range of customization options.

Cons: However, its interface can be complex. Also, it lacks an inbuilt hosting option.

Easypano Tourweaver

Pros: Tourweaver supports a variety of media types. Plus, it offers extensive customization options.

Cons: Yet, its interface can feel outdated. Additionally, it requires a one-time purchase, which may be costly.

 

RTV Fusion

Pros: Fusion offers a robust set of features. It also provides excellent customer support.

Cons: However, it requires a monthly subscription. Moreover, it may be complex for beginners.

EyeSpy360

Pros: EyeSpy360 supports live video viewing. It also offers a user-friendly interface.

Cons: Yet, it lacks some advanced features. Furthermore, high-quality tours may require a premium plan.

NEED A NEW WEB DESIGNER & MARKTER?

Equipment needed To Start A Virtual Tour Business

Digital Camera

A high-quality digital camera is crucial. It captures the images you’ll stitch together for your tours.

Insta360 ONE RS 1
$600-$800
Insta360 X3
$400-$500
Insta360 ONE X2
$300-$400
GoPro MAX
$300-$400

Tripod

Stability is key in taking consistent shots. Hence, a reliable tripod is a must-have.

SIRUI P-325FL Carbon Fiber Monopod
$100-$150
Manfrotto Element MII
$50-$100

Matterport Essentials

Matterport is an independent tour company that requires you to use certain equipment to produce top quality tours from them. Here is a list of the equipment that is needed at all price point ranges.  

Matterport Pro3 3D Lidar Scanner Digital Camera Tripod Bundle
$5,500-$6,000
Matterport Pro2 3D Camera and Tripod Bundle
$2,500-$3,000
Insta360 One X2 with Matterport Tripod & Starter Plan Bundle
$400-$500
Asteroom 360 Camera 3D Virtual Tour Real Estate Kit (compatible with Matterport
$100-$150

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