Google Inside Premises

Google Street View, first launched in the US in 2007, revolutionised how we plan trips by allowing users to see their destinations before even leaving home. With the addition of Google Inside Premises Mapping, the experience has evolved further, enabling users to explore a bar, hotel or restaurant before booking, tour a prospective supplier’s office, or even get a feel for a company’s atmosphere before applying for a job.

This virtual tour of your business premises involves a series of 360-degree images stitched together, giving viewers the option to explore your space in detail. It’s an excellent way to showcase your business, providing an immersive experience that could be the deciding factor in a customer choosing your services over a competitor’s. You might be concerned about areas of your premises that aren’t suitable for public view—like toilets or storage areas—but don’t worry, you have control over which areas are included in the tour. Google doesn’t require unrestricted access.

Google Inside Premises – What You Need to Know

Google’s Inside Premises Mapping is integrated with your Google My Business profile, sitting alongside your existing Street View. This allows users to view both the exterior and the interior of your premises, offering a comprehensive experience.

Key Points to Consider:

• Hire a Google Trusted Photographer: Only certified photographers approved by Google can conduct these 360-degree tours to ensure quality and consistency.
• Privacy Matters: If people are visible in the images, their faces must be blurred to protect their privacy.
• Preparation is Essential: Before the shoot, consider which areas will be most valuable to showcase. The tour should start at the main entrance and flow naturally through your premises. Make sure to tidy up, removing any sensitive data such as whiteboards with notes or Wi-Fi passwords.
• Cross-Promote: The 360-degree images can be shared on social media platforms like Facebook and embedded on your website, expanding their reach and enhancing your digital presence.

Why Invest in Google Inside Premises?

A virtual tour can add significant value to your business’s online presence. It goes beyond the static images typically found on websites, offering a unique, interactive experience that can increase user engagement. Here’s why you should consider adding this feature:

• Enhanced Customer Experience: A virtual tour provides potential customers with a better understanding of your environment, helping them feel more familiar and comfortable before visiting.
• Competitive Edge: Offering this level of transparency can set your business apart. Whether you run a restaurant, hotel, event space or corporate office, showing your premises can be the deciding factor for potential customers.
• Improved SEO: Google rewards businesses that use its features to improve user experience. Adding a 360-degree tour could positively impact your search rankings.
• Stronger First Impressions: As the saying goes, “A picture paints a thousand words.” A virtual tour allows you to present your business in the best light possible, engaging visitors from the moment they find you online.

Making the Most of Your Virtual Tour

To get the most out of your Google Inside Premises feature, consider the following tips:

• Think Like a Customer: Before planning your tour, walk through your premises from a visitor’s perspective. What would they want to see? Highlight areas that showcase your unique offerings.
• Professional Staging: Ensure your space is clean, tidy and well-lit. This simple preparation step can make a significant difference in the overall quality and appeal of your tour.
• Embed and Share: Don’t limit your tour to just your Google My Business profile. Embed the virtual tour on your website’s contact or gallery page and share it on social media to maximise visibility and engagement.

Google Inside Premises

Whether you want to showcase your chic hotel interiors, highlight the welcoming atmosphere of your restaurant or provide a virtual walkthrough of your corporate office, Google Inside Premises can help potential visitors feel more connected to your business before they even step through the door. It’s an investment that can significantly enhance how people perceive and interact with your brand online.

If you need assistance setting up Google Inside Premises or have any other digital marketing queries, contact The Last Hurdle’s specialists on 01604 654545 or email hello@thelasthurdle.co.uk.