Using 360 Photos in Real Estate – An Insightful Guide
If you’ve ever used Google Street View to get directions, scout out a new neighborhood, or find the nearest grocery store, you know how cool 360° photography can be. These images add a whole new dimension to our online world. They let us look in any direction and see exactly what’s there. These photos are called 360° or spherical photos because they capture everything around the subject in every direction—up, down, left, right, and even behind them. You may also see these referred to as immersive or 3D photos. Whatever you call them, these types of images are an amazing way to showcase real estate on websites or with virtual tours. Let’s dive into why that is and how your real estate business can benefit from using them as well.
What Are 360 Photos and Why Are They Important?
In the realm of photography, 360° images are like panoramic photos on steroids. Rather than just capturing a wide view, these images show everything in all directions. Depending on the type of camera used, you may be able to zoom in as well. In this way, these images have many of the same benefits as videos, but in a different format that can be used in different ways. These images are often used in real estate marketing. Sometimes they are used in place of or in addition to a video tour, and they can be featured on websites or in listings. 360° photos allow prospective home buyers to explore a space from any direction and from any viewing point. They can change the view to see what it looks like from their kitchen table or the couch in their living room. They can even look straight up at the ceiling to see the light fixtures. These images are more engaging than a still photo and allow buyers to have a more personal experience. For real estate agents, 360° photos offer an opportunity to stand out in a very crowded space. As the world of online marketing becomes increasingly visual, it’s important to be able to show off your listings in a way that sets them apart. 360° photos allow agents to explore each property from the inside out, giving their audience a truly immersive experience.
How to Create a 360 Photo for Real Estate
The first step in creating a 360 photo is to find a suitable location. Ideally, the space has enough open floor space to walk around and move your camera freely. You’ll also want to make sure there are no low-hanging lights or other obstructions that could get in the way of the shot. When you have your space picked out, you can set up your camera. There are a few different types of cameras used to create these images, but most fall into one of three categories: Rotating cameras, fish eye cameras, or 360-degree cameras. Rotating cameras look like giant turntables and have several sensors around the turntable that capture a complete image. This is often a more expensive option, but it yields very high-quality results. Fish eye cameras are less expensive and achieve similar results, but they can also be used with larger areas with the help of an extension rod. 360-degree cameras are newer but are quickly gaining popularity because they’re much less expensive than the other options and can be used with larger areas. Once you have your camera set up, you can begin shooting your 360 photo.
Where to Place 360 Photos in Real Estate
The best place to place a 360 photo is in a prominent place on the listing or on the agent’s website. You can also place it on social media to build interest and generate leads. For listings, the best placement will vary from site to site, but it’s a good rule of thumb to put it somewhere that’s eye-level for visitors who are scrolling through the site. You don’t want to put it somewhere that it might get cropped out if someone has a smaller monitor. This is especially important for mobile users; if your 360 photo is cropped out, it’s not adding any value to the user experience. For websites, you can add a 360 photo to the homepage, a listing page, or a property details page. The best place will depend on the type of real estate you specialize in as well as the site you’re using.
Is There a Downside?
For the most part, 360 photos are a great way to add more value to your real estate listings. However, there are a few things to keep in mind as you’re shooting: Make sure to clean up the space before you start shooting. You don’t want debris or items lying around in the photo that might detract from your listing. Also, keep in mind that the photos will likely show people walking through the space or looking into rooms from the outside view. You don’t want to show off anything that would make it obvious that the photo has been staged.
Why Real Estate Agents Should Use VR & 360 Photos
As we mentioned before, these types of images are more engaging than a still photo. Customers can explore the space from any direction and from any point of view, giving them a more personal experience. This increased engagement is important for a couple reasons: If someone is more engaged with your listing, they are more likely to visit it in-person. Engagement could also lead to more sales. A Nielsen report found that user-generated content is the most trusted type of content in advertising. This is a powerful marketing tool that can be leveraged to help your clients sell their properties. A 360 photo can help homebuyers envision themselves living in or visiting a space before they even visit the property. It’s a great tool to keep in mind, especially if you’re marketing to a wide or international audience.
Bottom line
Real estate is one industry where visual content is incredibly important, and 360 photos provide a way to really show off a property. They let users explore the space from any angle, seeing what it would be like to walk through a room or sit on the couch. This is a more engaging experience that can help sell a property and make a real estate listing more appealing. 360 photos are a great way to add more value to your online listings and help your clients sell their properties.