Congratulations on choosing to elevate your business with a Google Street View virtual tour! Your commitment to enhancing your online presence is a strategic move, and preparation plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of your 360 virtual tour. Here’s a guide tailored to make your Google Street View shoot a seamless and rewarding experience:
Embrace the Power of Preparation
Never underestimate the impact of preparation, and let’s make sure your virtual tour photographer doesn’t have to address avoidable distractions. To maintain customer privacy, rest assured that faces in your virtual tour will be blurred.
Essential Preliminary Steps
- Verify Your Business on Google Maps:
Ensure your business is verified on Google Maps to facilitate the seamless upload of your virtual tour. Search for your business name, and check your “Knowledge Panel”. Verified business will display “Suggest an edit” – An unverified business will provide the option to “Claim the business”. If your business is not Google verified, reach out, and we’ll guide you through the process.
- Walk Through Your Business:
Adopt a fresh perspective by walking through your business as if you were a first-time customer or invite a friend for feedback. Identify areas that capture attention positively and those that may need a bit of sprucing up.
Exterior Evaluation – Start With the Parking Lot:
Assess the exterior from a customer’s viewpoint. Address any issues like overflowing trash cans, debris, or faded stickers on windows. Schedule landscaping maintenance and clear the parking area for an optimal first impression.
- Seasonal Cleanup:
Tailor your preparations to the season. For fall, clear leaves, and for snow, ensure the parking lot is shoveled. If the holidays are approaching, decide whether to keep or remove decorations.
- Consider Surrounding Events:
Check for events in neighboring businesses that may impact your virtual tour. Ensure your business remains the focal point.
Inside Preparation Tips
Small details matter inside your business, and the camera eye captures it all. Ensure your business reflects its best self.
- Cleaning and Organization:
Consider professional cleaning for your work area. Tidy up surfaces, declutter, and organize spaces. Add appealing decorations if necessary.
- Highlight Points of Interest:
Showcase key aspects like awards, business cards, endorsements, menus, and hours of operation. If you teach yoga or offer dental services, stage areas accordingly.
- Staff Presence:
Decide whether to include or exclude staff in the virtual tour based on your industry. Staff faces will be blurred for privacy.
- Point of Interest Photos:
Prepare items representing your company for point-of-interest photos: business cards, awards, menus, and more.
- Staff Photography (Optional):
If interested, discuss with us in advance to capture bio shots of you and/or your staff during the visit.
For Restaurants:
Be ready to showcase your culinary delights as part of the Point of Interest photos.
- Culinary Presentation:
Prepare three food dishes for inclusion in the virtual tour. Ensure restaurant tables are set, televisions are on, and business cards and menus are well-lit.
- Call for Additional Tips:
Reach out for specific tips tailored to your business, and we’ll be glad to assist.
Conclusion
Preparation is the key to a successful Google Street View shoot. We’ve covered a range of scenarios, but if you have any questions or specific concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re excited to collaborate and create an immersive virtual tour that truly showcases the best of your business!