All About Google Maps Business View: Your Questions Answered
What is Google Maps Business View (GMBV)?
GMBV is a 360° virtual tour of your business, appearing on Google Search and Maps. It uses professional photos and Google Street View technology to showcase your space. You can only get GMBV through certified Google Trusted Independent Photographers.
How is it different from a video?
Videos are linear, while GMBV is interactive. You control the tour, exploring your business at your own pace and focusing on what interests you most. It provides a more immersive experience.
Is it for online shopping?
No. GMBV highlights your atmosphere and decor. Online shopping requires an e-commerce website.
How can I use it to promote my business?
Embed it on your website, share it on social media, or include a QR code in print ads. It’s a great way to showcase your space remotely.
What areas are covered?
GMBV covers all customer-accessible areas like dining rooms in restaurants or showrooms in stores. Staff-only areas are excluded.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary based on size and layout (typically $600-$3,000+). More photospheres are needed for intricate spaces like retail stores compared to open areas like gyms.
Are there hidden fees?
No. You pay a one-time fee for creation and publishing the tour and stills. Customized, menu-driven tours might have separate pricing.
Who owns the tour and rights?
Google owns the tour, while Online Business Tours owns the stills. You have unlimited usage rights for marketing and advertising. Online Business Tours retains the right to use them for promotion.
Where does it show up?
The tour and stills appear on Google Maps, linked to your business’s Knowledge Graph and Information frame. They’re accessible on various browsers.
Why is GMBV better than other virtual tours?
GMBV ensures quality through photographer training and equipment approval. It’s also hosted on Google Maps and appears in Google Search, unlike other options.
What about free virtual tours from Yellow Pages?
YP tours require a monthly subscription for other services, making them not truly free. GMBV offers higher resolution, brighter visuals, and more intuitive navigation. Plus, GMBV reaches a wider audience due to Google’s dominance in online searches.
What happens if I remodel or redecorate?
Online Business Tours offers a discount for reshoots due to seasonal changes or remodeling.
Does it improve my search engine ranking?
Yes, GMBV adds rich visual content to your online presence, potentially boosting your search ranking. Sharing it online further increases activity, another factor in search ranking.
How can I track the return on investment (ROI)?
Track increased traffic from Google Search to your website after adding the tour. Embedding it allows you to track page views and user engagement. Social media sharing lets you track follower response. Many customers might tell you they visited after experiencing the virtual tour. Since it’s a one-time expense, your ROI will continue to grow overtime.
Are there plugins or enhancements for GMBV?
Third-party GMBV plugins exist, but they may have bugs. Online Business Tours offers additional services when user experience is guaranteed.
What locations can use GMBV?
Many businesses are eligible, including restaurants, salons, stores, offices, and more. Check the provided list and gallery for examples. However, some restrictions exist for specific locations like schools or mental health clinics.
How is the tour created?
Google Trusted Independent Photographers use approved DSLR cameras and fisheye lenses to capture High Dynamic Range (HDR) photographs.
Can I do it myself?
No. Only these photographers have access to the software and portal for uploading directly to Google Maps. While others can create virtual tours, they lack the benefits of Google hosting and visibility.
Can you help fix my Google listing or update Street View?
Yes, we can often submit corrections to your Google business information. These updates usually appear within 72 hours. Unfortunately, Google controls Street View updates, which typically occur every few years.
Who are you and how do you get paid?
We are visual content providers for Google. Clients pay us to create the 360° tour, still photos, process images, and update your Google Maps and Search listing information.
Are those Google calls about updates real?
No. Google doesn’t cold-call to update your information or offer SEO services. These calls are often from companies impersonating Google to sell their services.
What about “Free” GMBV tours?
Beware of scammers offering “free” GMBV tours. These usually have limitations like minimal coverage or hidden monthly fees.