Case Study: Central Coast Car Dealership Virtual Tour
Lexus of Central Coast, Kariong NSW
The team at Lexus of Central Coast in Kariong, NSW had just finished putting the final touches on their new premises, so it was time to create a high-quality Central Coast car dealership virtual tour for them.. This was primarily to help optimise their Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) and enhance their digital presence. This case study highlights the strategic approach taken to showcase the dealership and improve customer engagement.
The Goal: A Realistic and Immersive Virtual Experience
The primary objective of this Google Street View virtual tour was to provide potential customers with a realistic preview of the dealership, helping them visualise what they would experience in person. To achieve this, the tour featured live-action elements, including people, to create a dynamic and welcoming environment.
Innovative Approach: Elevated Views Without a Drone
Some images in the virtual tour were shot from an elevated perspective to provide a bird’s-eye view of the dealership. An extremely tall camera stand which goes up to 7 metres, (see video demo on my videos page and look for Manfrotto overlook stand)was employed instead of using drone photography, which may not be practical in certain areas,. This method enabled elevated shots in spaces where drones cannot operate, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive Coverage of the Dealership
The virtual tour covered every critical area of the dealership, ensuring potential customers could fully explore the premises, including:
- Driveway entrances and outdoor car areas.
- Indoor car showroom and sales offices.
- Meeting room and service bay access.
- Service garage and disability access points.
A total of 33 high-resolution 360° photos were taken to create a seamless and immersive experience.
Publication and Visibility
The completed virtual tour was published directly to the Lexus of Central Coast’s Google Business Profile, making it accessible on:
- Google Search.
- Google Maps.
- Google Street View.
- Google Earth.
This integration ensures maximum visibility across all key Google platforms, helping the dealership stand out in search results and attract more local customers.
Impressive Results Since Launch
Since its publication in June 2019, the virtual tour has delivered remarkable results:
- 75,000+ views to date (Dec 2024)
- A average weekly view count of 260+ views.
- Improved customer enquiries and engagement, contributing to a boost in showroom visits and sales.
Why Virtual Tours Matter for Car Dealerships
Including people and showcasing essential features like accessibility points, parking, and indoor spaces adds authenticity and trustworthiness to a business’s online presence. This virtual tour demonstrates how tailored, high-quality content can drive visibility and engagement. A Central Coast car dealership virtual tour, in my view should be standard practice. If you’re proud of your business premises, then show it off in 360!
Explore the Virtual Tour
View the Lexus of Central Coast virtual tour below to see how this project brought the dealership to life online.