FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about virtual tours. If you have a question that has not been answered here, please get in touch!
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What is a virtual tour?
A virtual tour lets you explore a real-world location from the comfort of your own home. You can look around in every direction and move between different spots, just as if you were there in person.
These tours are made using specialised cameras and software that capture and stitch together panoramic images, creating a smooth and interactive experience for you to enjoy.
What is the difference between a video tour and a 360 virtual tour?
The main difference between a video and a virtual tour is interactivity. A video is a fixed sequence of filmed images that you watch from start to finish at a pace set by the creator.
In contrast, a virtual tour lets you explore a space freely. You can move around, zoom in on points of interest, and interact with different elements, making the experience far more immersive than a traditional video.
What is a Google virtual tour?
Google virtual tours, also known as Google Street View or Google Maps tours, are interactive 360-degree panoramic images of indoor and outdoor spaces captured using Google’s Street View technology.
These tours let users explore businesses, landmarks, museums, and other points of interest virtually, directly through Google Maps or Google Search. We can capture your business space and upload it to Google Maps for you.
How much does a virtual tour cost?
Our bespoke, high-quality virtual tours are competitively priced, and we’re happy to provide a quote on request—you might be pleasantly surprised! Tell us about your project, and we’ll be glad to help.
Our tours typically start at around £450, and we offer both a one-off payment option and a flexible subscription plan. Plus, we’re happy to price-match tours that offer a similar level of quality and features.
How long does it take to shoot and be able to view online?
Capturing each image for a virtual tour usually takes a few minutes. The larger the property, the more images are needed, which means the process will take longer. We take the time to ensure the highest quality, continuing to shoot until we’re confident we have the best possible images.
Some shots may take extra time, depending on the lighting conditions on the day. For example, photographing a typical three-bedroom home may take between 30 and 90 minutes, while a university campus could take several days.
Once we’ve captured the virtual tour photographs, smaller tours are usually ready within a day or two, while larger tours may take a week or more to complete. If you have a specific deadline, let us know, and we’ll do our best to meet your timeframe.
Which areas of my business will be scanned?
You can let us know exactly what you’d like to highlight and what you’d prefer to keep private. Generally, if it’s an area that your customers or clients see when they visit, we’d recommend including it in the tour.
Spaces like unorganised offices, storage areas, or bathrooms can easily be left out – no problem at all! Our photographers are happy to chat through these details with you, either before or during the shoot, to make sure everything’s just right.
Do you ensure privacy and legal compliance?
Our photographers will always let customers and employees know before taking any photos to ensure their privacy is respected. Following Google’s guidelines, all faces in the tour will be blurred.
The panoramic images are processed using advanced blurring technology, which automatically blurs the faces of any employees or customers who appear in the footage. This way, everyone’s privacy is protected while still showcasing your space beautifully.
When should I book a time for the photoshoot?
We can arrange a photoshoot whenever one of our photographers is available. To make things as smooth as possible, we recommend scheduling either before your store opens or after closing for the day.
That way, it won’t disrupt your usual routine, and our photographers won’t need to worry about blurring faces or getting in anyone’s way. It’s all about keeping things hassle-free for you!
Can your virtual tour images be edited?
We’re happy to help with any cosmetic touch-ups, like fixing discoloured paintwork or removing small objects from the scene. If you need more extensive edits, such as taking out vehicles or people, just let us know—we’re here to make your photos look perfect!
We can also blur sensitive details, like important documents or people’s faces, to ensure your privacy is protected. Just ask, and we’ll take care of the rest!
What is wrong with just my photo I have already of my business?
These days, website visitors expect to see them. Chances are, your competitors either already have one or are thinking about getting one. While static photos can look amazing, they don’t quite capture what it’s like to actually be there. A virtual tour lets people look around, interact, and engage with your space in a way that photos or videos simply can’t match.
Additionally, websites with virtual tours tend to keep visitors exploring for longer. You’ve put so much time, effort, and passion into your business – a virtual tour is the perfect way to showcase it online. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best ways to promote your venue, property, or business to potential customers.
Can people be in a virtual tour?
Yes, you can definitely include people in your virtual tour, though in some cases, their permission might be needed. If you’re using Google virtual tours, they’ll automatically blur faces for privacy.
If you’d prefer, we can also manually blur faces or other details for you. We’re here to guide you every step of the way and can offer tailored advice to suit your venue or specific needs – just let us know how we can help!
How do I view my new virtual tour on my website?
There are a few different ways to add your virtual tour to your website, and we’ll be happy to guide you or your web developer on the best option for your site. We’ll make sure it’s seamless and works perfectly for you!
What quality are the virtual tours photographs?
We generate high-resolution images to ensure your virtual tour looks sharp, professional, and visually stunning. Typically, our panoramic images are captured and processed at resolutions that meet industry standards, often ranging from 4K to 8K resolution depending on the equipment and requirements.
This ensures every detail of your space is crystal clear, whether viewed on a desktop, mobile device, or even in full-screen mode. If you have specific resolution needs, just let us know, and we’ll tailor the output to suit your preferences!
Can I update or edit the virtual tour after it’s been created?
Absolutely! We understand that your space or business might change over time, and we’re happy to help you keep your virtual tour up to date.
If you need to make edits—like adding new areas, removing outdated nsections, or updating branding—we can either guide you on how to do it yourself (if you’re comfortable) or handle the updates for you.
Just let us know what you need, and we’ll make sure your tour stays fresh and accurate!
Can you work around my business hours to avoid disruption?
Of course! We completely understand that your business hours are important, and we’ll do everything we can to work around your schedule.
To minimise disruption, we typically recommend scheduling the photoshoot before your business opens or after it closes for the day. This way, we can capture your space without getting in the way of your customers or team.
If those times don’t work for you, just let us know your preferences, and we’ll do our best to find a time that suits you perfectly!
What’s the best way to prepare my space for the photoshoot?
Preparing your space for a photoshoot is easier than you might think! Here are some simple tips to help you get ready and ensure your virtual tour looks its absolute best:
- Tidy up - Clear away any clutter, like paperwork, cables, or personal items, to keep the space looking clean and professional.
- Lighting - Open blinds or curtains to let in natural light, and make sure all indoor lights are turned on. Bright, well-lit spaces look more inviting.
- Furniture Arrangement - Arrange furniture and decor neatly. If there are any items you’d prefer not to be in the tour, just let us know, and we can work around them.
- Branding - If you have signage, menus, or promotional materials, make sure they’re visible and well-presented.
- Staff Awareness - Let your team know about the photoshoot so they can help keep the space tidy and avoid walking into shots.
- Special Features - Highlight any unique areas or features you’d like to showcase, such as a display, product range, or seating area.
- Access - Ensure all areas you want included in the tour are accessible and ready to be photographed.
Don’t worry if you’re unsure about anything—our photographers will guide you on the day and can make adjustments as needed. The goal is to make this as stress-free as possible for you while capturing your space at its best!