In today’s digital age, virtual tours and property videos have become powerful marketing tools used to showcase properties for sale. These innovative tools have become “must haves” for competitive Estate Agents, helping to enhance property listings and offering a unique way to engage potential buyers both local and those from further afield.
- Property videos
Property videos can be made up from a combination of video and still photos. They are an effective marketing tool in that they can be used to generate interest from prospective buyers. They are more impactful than still images to emphasise the unique features and benefits of each property. Leveraging property videos saves time in that these allow a potential buyer to get more comprehensive first look at a property without having to schedule an in-person showing.
- Virtual tours
Virtual property tours allow potential buyers to narrow down their search by experiencing the layout, size and features of a property from their own laptop. They are an ideal way to communicate the dimensions and features of a physical space, allowing an Estate Agent to showcase 3-dimensional indoor and outdoor spaces in a way stills photography cannot accomplish. They also allow clients to better envisage renovations and upgrades as they get a sense of a home’s space and flow. They expand Estate Agents’ reach, allowing them to showcase properties to remote clients. If a prospective client calls to schedule a viewing after seeing your virtual tour, they have already shortlisted the property and have a genuine interest in putting in an offer.
Yes, there is upfront financial outlay to be made when launching into creating virtual property tours. But the return on investment has been proven1 to be well worth it. One way of making the creation of virtual tours more affordable is (rather than using an external service provider) to take on a Virtual Assistant who understands the technical ins and outs of creating property videos and virtual tours. This can greatly enhance your ability to showcase your properties in a more budget efficient way.
Here is how the right Virtual Assistant can be invaluable in creating virtual property tours and videos:
- They have the right technical know-how
To create effective virtual tours, it is essential to be confident in using the right technology and tools. A good working knowledge of software platforms like CloudPano, My360 and Zillow 3D Home are essential for creating and hosting virtual property tours, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience. It is also important to use high-quality cameras as well as drones to capture detailed indoor and outdoor footage.
- They have digital marketing expertise
Leveraging virtual tours within their marketing strategy has become essential for Estate Agents who want to stay competitive in the UK property industry. For example, adding a virtual tour feature to a website is a valuable strategy for attracting buyers and showcasing properties. By investing in virtual tour technology and leveraging the support of a Virtual Assistant who is experienced at Digital Marketing, Estate Agents can save money while standing out from the competition, elevating property listings, attracting more potential buyers, and driving sales.
In conclusion
Virtual tours have emerged as a game-changer in the property industry, offering benefits that translate into quicker sales and higher prices for properties, thus saving time and growing turnover while ensuring that clients are more than satisfied with the result. It is this level of service that warrants doubling your commission for offering an elevated service. Taking on a Virtual Assistant who understands the technology and process of creating virtual tours – and how to use them as a part of your marketing strategy – is the most cost-effective way to make the jump into providing virtual tours and property videos and will provide an extra-ordinary return on investment.
1 Harvard Business School: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=64371