Virtual Tour Basics
By definition, a virtual tour is a digitally rendered walk-through of a rental property. In contrast with photographs, which depict the property based on the photographer’s point of view, virtual tours can offer an in-depth view into each room of a property. Virtual tours can furthermore get potential renters to measure spaces and areas of the home and even digitally situate their furnishings to see how they would fit.
Current studies have proven that renters prefer virtual tours of rental properties. According to results compiled by Zumper, exceeding 70% of renters say they would be delighted to rent an apartment without seeing it in person if they could look at it through a 3D virtual tour.
Types of Virtual Tours
Virtual tours are an immersive way for prospective tenants to view your rental properties. They give a chance for potential renters to get a feel for the space and examine if it meets their needs without having to pay a visit to the property physically.
There are three main types of virtual tours: a 360 virtual tour, a 3D virtual tour, and a virtual reality tour.
- 360 Virtual Tour. A 360 virtual tour is a single panoramic image joined together from a whole lot of photographs. These tours enable probable tenants to take a look at an entire room in one image, then click and drag to look around. 360 virtual tours are easy and trouble-free as well as cheaper to bring about, making them a perfect option for King of Prussia property managers just starting with virtual tours.
- 3D Virtual Tour. A more immersive alternative than a 360 virtual tour, a three-dimensional (or “true”) virtual tour gets possible tenants to walk through the property as if they were there. These tours are developed by taking several photographs of a rental property and then piecing them together opting for special software. Owing to the time and effort needed in bringing them about, high-end rental properties usually only use three-dimensional virtual tours.
- Virtual Reality Tour. The most updated and most immersive type of virtual tour is the virtual reality (VR) tour. These tours enable possible tenants to put on a VR headset and explore the property as if they were actually walking through it. While VR tours are still rather uncommon, they are showing up more and more popular as VR technology becomes more accessible.
What are the benefits of virtual tours?
- Convenience. Probably the main advantage of virtual tours is that they are extremely convenient. Prospective tenants can tour your rental properties without having to leave their homes or work schedules. This is, in particular, advantageous for out-of-state or international renters who might have trouble arranging a time to tour the property physically.
- 24/Hour Availability. Virtual tours are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This implies would-be tenants can tour your rental properties on their own schedule, without having to work around your availability.
- Increased Engagement. Virtual tours are also proven to increase engagement. A study by Inman News has seen that properties with virtual tours receive, on average, 42% more website views than those without virtual tours.
- Improved SEO. Along with much greater engagement, virtual tours can equally greatly improve your rental property’s SEO. Google likes original content, and including a virtual tour on your property listing is an appropriate way to attach new content and boost your ranking in search results.
How to Optimize Your Virtual Tours
Quality Matters. Make sure to use high-quality images and videos, and evade using low-resolution or blurry photos. You prefer potential tenants to acquire a clear sense of your rental properties, so see to it using quality virtual tour content.
Include a Call to Action. Be certain to include a call to action (CTA) at the end of your virtual tour. A CTA is a statement or button prodding potential tenants to take the next step, like scheduling a showing or contacting you for more information. By attaching a CTA, probable tenants are more likely to rent from you.
Virtual tours are the best approach to offer prospective tenants a feel for your rental properties without having to physically visit the property. If you’re not already benefiting from virtual tours in your rental property marketing, now is the best time to start. Ready to learn more regarding how to integrate virtual tours into your rental property marketing? Contact us online today!