How to Start a Virtual Tour Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
Starting a Virtual Tour Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hey there! Virtual tours are exploding in popularity as an awesome way to show off properties online. With virtual reality tech getting better every day, demand for virtual tours will keep growing. So if you’re into real estate, tech, marketing, or creating cool content, starting a virtual tour business could be an amazing opportunity.
Let me walk you through how to launch a successful virtual tour company step-by-step:
Do Your Homework
First things first — learn everything you can about the virtual tour industry. Look at what kinds of services and prices existing companies are offering. Check out their websites and marketing materials. Ask local real estate agencies what they want from a virtual tour provider. This’ll help you spot gaps in the market to position your business.
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Build Your Skillset
You’ll need the right mix of talents to produce awesome virtual tours, including photography, videography, editing software skills, and maybe even 3D modeling. Take classes to get better in these areas if you need to. Platforms like Matterport and Cupix have great tutorials to start with. And fully vet any contractors’ portfolios if outsourcing work. Tour quality will make or break gaining clients.
Gear Up
At the very least, you’ll need a DSLR camera and tripod to photograph spaces. But investing in a 360-degree camera like the Insta360 ONE X2 can seriously streamline things and make more immersive tours. A computer that can handle intensive editing programs is a must too. Other helpful gear: lenses, lighting, mics, stabilizers like gimbals. Set aside enough budget for pro-quality equipment that’ll create next-level tours.
Build Your Website
Your website will be your digital storefront and portfolio. For best results, use Squarespace, Wix, or something similar to make a site that looks amazing and is easy to navigate. Show off samples of your top-notch tours. Add an About page to introduce yourself. Make it super simple for visitors to find and understand your services, pricing, and how to contact you. Use SEO strategies like keywords and metadata to drive traffic.
Price Your Services
Look at what other virtual tour pros charge for similar offerings. Factor in your costs and time/effort needed. Depending on scope, tours can range from $150 for basic residential spaces up to $3,000+ for huge commercial spaces, aerials, HD video, interactive elements, custom branding, and other fancy features. Provide different packages at different price points. Be open to negotiating for bigger projects. You can adjust pricing as demand evolves.
Spread the Word
Some effective ways to market a virtual tour biz:
- Partner with local real estate agencies to offer discounted tours of their listings. Give agents branded tours to share.
- Network with photographers, videographers, architects, contractors to offer your services to their clients.
- Reach out to hotels, venues, museums, tourism boards to create virtual experiences of their spaces.
- Build an engaging social media presence with beautiful visuals and behind-the-scenes peeks.
- Offer select nonprofits, historical sites, or community centers free basic tours to generate goodwill.
- Attend real estate and tech conferences and trade shows to connect with potential clients.
Wow Your Clients
The best marketing is providing 5-star client experiences. Be super responsive in communicating and collaborating. Ask questions to totally understand their needs and goals. Go the extra mile touring their space, capturing awesome photos/videos, editing it all together seamlessly, and delivering an amazing, polished virtual experience on time and on budget. Follow up for testimonials and referrals.
If you follow these steps while continuously improving your skills and offerings, you can build an incredibly successful virtual tour business. Stay on top of new tech advances and get creative expanding your services. With passion, persistence, and an entrepreneurial spirit, the possibilities are endless!
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Virtual Tour Financial Forecasts
Startup Expenses
Monthly Operating Expenses
Revenue Forecast
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment do I need to start a virtual tour business?
At minimum, you’ll need a DSLR camera and tripod to photograph spaces. Investing in a 360-degree camera like the Insta360 ONE X2 allows you to create more immersive, interactive tours. Other essential gear includes lenses, lighting, microphones, stabilizers, and a high-powered computer capable of running editing software.
What software is best for creating virtual tours?
Popular options include Matterport, Cupix, iStaging, and 3DVista. Each platform has its own strengths and tools for assembling photos and video into seamless virtual tour experiences. Study your options to pick the solution that best fits your business needs and budget.
How much does it cost to have a virtual tour created?
Cost will vary based on the size and complexity of the space, features included, and provider rates. Typical price range is $150 — $3000+. Offer different packages at different price points. Be open to negotiating project rates.
How long does it take to create a virtual tour?
A basic tour of a single residential space can be shot and edited in a few days. Larger commercial spaces with custom features may take 1–2 weeks. Time also depends on your proficiency and any outsourcing needs. Manage client expectations by providing accurate time estimates.
What types of clients use virtual tour services?
Top clients include real estate agencies, hotels, event venues, restaurants, retail stores, offices, museums, tourism organizations, schools, and industrial facilities. With virtual tours so versatile, there are many industries you can market to.
Should I focus on a niche area or service?
It can be beneficial when starting out to develop specialized expertise in a certain market like real estate, hospitality, or commercial spaces. You can still serve a wide range of clients while showcasing a niche specialty.
How can I market my virtual tour business effectively?
Leverage social media, SEO, Google Ads, real estate partnerships, vendor relationships, networking, trade shows, and delivering an amazing client experience. Focus on converting leads to sales with effective sales strategies.
What are some virtual tour best practices?
Use high-quality gear, master the software, showcase spaces in the best light, tell a compelling story, and design an intuitive, visually stunning experience. Go above-and-beyond for clients. Stay on top of emerging tech. Continuously improve and expand your offerings.
