How to Create a Virtual Tour

People have grown accustomed to digitally previewing places they are considering visiting, whether it’s a hotel, an assisted living community, a senior center, a restaurant, or a potential daycare center. Most company and organization websites have photos, menus, calendars, and more. Some have also learned the value of posting a virtual tour.

But what can you do if your budget and technology skills are limited? Is it still possible to create a virtual tour for site visitors?

Fortunately, there are a variety of solutions even for those who don’t consider themselves to be masters of technology. Most require only a 360-degree camera and a little bit of creativity.

Note: If we're already a step ahead of you here, and you are still stuck on how to even create the best website for your organization, our website services can give you the lift you need!

Apps to Help You Create an Inexpensive Virtual Tour

Here are a few free or inexpensive options you can explore for putting together your own virtual tour:

• My360: This software allows you to take pictures with your 360° camera and turn them into a virtual tour. Then you can embed the tour on your website. Sign up for a free trial to see if this option is a good fit for you.
• Kuula: Another easy-to-use virtual tour app to consider is Kuula. You can do everything from including floor plans to adding audio in the background.
• DiveIn Studio: The good reviews this virtual tour platform receives make it another one to consider. One bonus feature is that it allows you to provide an interactive tour experience for visitors.

As you are exploring options, it’s also a good idea to give some thought to how you can put your best virtual foot forward.

Tips for Creating a Positive Virtual Tour for Your Organization

A few other tips that will help you develop a virtual tour that connects and engages visitors are:

• Conduct a walk-through: Start by walking through the space you want to highlight. Take an objective look around. Do windows need cleaning? Are the blinds broken? What would a new visitor take away from viewing these rooms? If you don’t think you can be objective, enlist a few friends to do the walk-through. Be sure to choose people who aren’t as emotionally invested as you are.
• Make a punch list: Builders often use what is called a punch list to record the details needed to finish up a project. Add even the little things, like dusting the lamps or changing a burned-out light bulb. This document can help you work your way through the tasks that need to be completed.
• Stage the rooms thoughtfully: While you don’t want to give an inaccurate impression of your community or business, it’s important to showcase what you offer in the best possible light. Depending on your type of organization, these staging tips may be helpful.
• Create a list of needed shots: Finally, before you start the video, make a list of rooms and the spaces within them that you’d like to capture. It might be helpful to put them in the order you want to film them. That way, you won’t forget something important and have to start over or do extensive editing afterward.

Updated on 03-19-2024