Virtual tours are no longer just a fancy add-on; they’re becoming a game-changer for customer experience across various industries. From estate agents to museums, businesses are leveraging this technology to provide immersive experiences that wow customers and drive engagement. Let’s dive into five industries that are leading the virtual tour revolution in the UK.
1. Real Estate: Viewing Homes from Your Sofa
Estate agents were early adopters of virtual tour technology and the digital customer experience, and for good reason!
How They’re Using It for Customer Experience:
- Offering 24/7 property viewings
- Showcasing properties to overseas buyers
- Filtering out non-serious viewers
The Impact:
- Properties with virtual tours receive 87% more views than those without
- 54% of buyers say they won’t look at a property without a virtual tour
Real-World Example:
Imagine a London-based estate agent showcasing a penthouse to a buyer in Dubai, all without anyone boarding a plane. That’s the power of virtual tours in real estate!
2. Hospitality and Customer Experience: Try Before You Fly
Hotels and resorts are using virtual tours to give guests a taste of luxury before they book. Enhancing the customer experience ten fold.
How They’re Using It:
- Showcasing rooms, amenities, and views
- Highlighting unique features like spa facilities or restaurants
- Providing virtual site visits for event planners
The Impact:
- 67% of travellers are more likely to book with a hotel that has virtual tours
- Virtual tours can increase bookings by up to 16%
Real-World Example:
A boutique hotel in the Scottish Highlands uses virtual tours to show off its stunning views and cosy interiors, attracting guests who might otherwise overlook this hidden gem.
3. Education and Customer Experience: Campus Tours Without the Travel
Universities and schools are embracing virtual tours to attract students from across the globe.
How They’re Using It:
- Offering virtual campus tours
- Showcasing facilities like libraries, labs, and dorms
- Providing tours of student accommodations
The Impact:
- 80% of students find virtual tours useful in their decision-making process
- Universities report increased international applications after implementing virtual tours
Real-World Example:
The University of Oxford offers detailed virtual tours of its colleges, allowing prospective students from around the world to explore this historic institution from afar.
4. Retail: The Future of Shopping and Customer Experience
Retailers are using virtual tours to bridge the gap between online and in-store experiences.
How They’re Using It:
- Creating virtual showrooms
- Offering ‘try before you buy’ experiences for furniture and decor
- Showcasing store layouts and product ranges
The Impact:
- Virtual tours can increase in-store foot traffic by up to 30%
- 32% of consumers say they’re more likely to buy from a store with a virtual tour
Real-World Example:
A high-end furniture store in Manchester uses virtual tours to let customers see how pieces would look in various room settings, boosting confidence in online purchases.
5. Cultural Institutions: Bringing Art to the Masses
Museums and galleries are democratising access to culture through virtual tours.
How They’re Using It:
- Offering virtual exhibitions
- Providing accessible experiences for those unable to visit in person
- Showcasing behind-the-scenes areas usually off-limits to visitors
The Impact:
- Virtual museum tours saw a 2000% increase in popularity during the pandemic
- 75% of people say virtual tours make them more likely to visit in person
Real-World Example:
The British Museum offers virtual tours of its galleries, allowing art enthusiasts from Blackpool to Bangladesh to explore its vast collections.
The Virtual Tour Revolution: Are You On Board?
These five industries are just the tip of the iceberg. From healthcare facilities showcasing their state-of-the-art equipment to restaurants giving virtual peeks at their ambiance, businesses across the board are finding innovative ways to use virtual tours.
Why It Works:
- Convenience: Customers can explore at their own pace, anytime, anywhere.
- Transparency: Virtual tours build trust by showing exactly what to expect.
- Engagement: Interactive experiences keep potential customers interested for longer.
- Accessibility: Virtual tours make your business accessible to a global audience.
- Competitive Edge: Offering virtual tours sets you apart from competitors who don’t.
FAQs
Q: Are virtual tours only for large businesses?
A: Not at all! Businesses of all sizes can benefit from virtual tours.
Q: How often should I update my virtual tour?
A: It’s best to update your tour whenever you make significant changes to your space.
Q: Can virtual tours replace in-person experiences entirely?
A: While virtual tours are powerful, they’re best used to complement rather than replace in-person experiences.
Ready to join the virtual tour revolution? At Trusted Photography, we specialise in creating stunning virtual tours for businesses across industries. Whether you’re a cosy B&B in Bath or a cutting-edge tech company in London, we can help you showcase your space in all its glory. Get in touch today, and let’s enhance your customer experience and bring your business into the virtual age!