Should You Wait or Upgrade Your Virtual Tour?
So you’ve decided to get a virtual tour shot for your business. Then you start to wonder—what about that new paint job you plan to do in two years? Or maybe you want to install new signage in six months. Should you wait before getting started, or jump in and have the whole virtual tour shot now?
Why People Put Off Their Virtual Tour
Many people delay their virtual tour because they know a business upgrade or makeover is coming. That’s a common concern. Sometimes, waiting does make sense. However, you need to weigh what you will gain or lose by waiting.
The good news is you do not need to wait long. If you change one area or just update part of your premises, you can upgrade your virtual tour later. You won’t always need to redo the entire tour unless major changes affect multiple sections.
Here’s a Real Example
One of my clients is an RSL club. They have several meeting rooms, a few cafes, and a variety of entertainment spaces. When I first photographed their virtual tour, I noticed one cafe’s furniture looked worn out. The club told me they planned to refurbish that area in about 18 months.
After they finished the refurb, I came back and re-photographed only the updated cafe. Out of 65 tour images, I had to retake just 12. The new images matched the exact spots as the originals, so navigation remained consistent. I swapped out the old for the new, updated the menu signs and hotspots, and made sure the virtual tour never needed to go offline.
Should You Wait Before Upgrading?
Usually, you don’t need to wait. The only time I suggest delaying a virtual tour is if you know major upgrades will happen in the next three to five months. If not, you might lose valuable exposure by holding off too long.
Often, you can even use your virtual tour as a marketing tool before those upgrades happen. For instance, one client shared the current tour and gathered customer feedback about proposed renovations. They ended up saving money by dropping features clients didn’t want.
Get Advice Before You Decide
If you’re unsure when to schedule your virtual tour, have me come in for a look. We can talk through your options and make sure you invest wisely in digital content that showcases your business. My goal is to help you present your business in its best light and give customers a real sense of your space.
Why Upgrade Your Virtual Tour?
A virtual tour lets viewers control the experience. Updates are fast and create instant impact. In most cases, it’s better to go ahead now, gain more online exposure, and simply schedule an update when your business changes.