FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions On Virtual Tours

How do I determine which package suits my business?

The package size is determined by the size of your business, the number of separate room, aisles, etc.

This in conjunction with what you’d like to highlight to potential customers.

Line of sight and emptiness or otherwise of spaces also comes into it, here are some fundamentals.

A relatively empty layout – images closer around doorways ( 1m ) but each space covered adequately by a central 360º image.

We would price this as a Microsite (<5 Panos) and not charge for connecting shots.

The same layout with furnishings, displays or other obstacles – here the images are taken 1 – 2 m apart to allow seamless navigation and highlight the elements in the spaces.

We would again price down as a Minisite (<10 panos).

The context and customers’ “hover behaviour” is also important – venue hire, real estate and hotel booking applications, for example, are generally constructed to allow customers to see as much of the setting as possible. Thereby prompting confidence in them “taking the next step” such as booking online, so a larger package is well worth the investment.

There are private areas of the business, Do these areas need to be included?

No.  You can show as much or as little of the business as you desire.  Keep in mind, your tour should have viewpoints from all areas that customers are allowed with the exception of bathrooms or private spaces.

I have multiple properties, is there a discount?

There is a special rate for multiple location shoots as we can work at scale in our workflows.

Contact us to let us know how many locations so we can customize a plan for your business/businesses.

How long is the entire process?

The photo shoot itself, for a regular size business can take 1-2 hours to complete.

With consistency of lighting and general control of the environment it can be less.

Imagery will be active on Google within approximately 7-10 days from the shoot date, we are currently getting imagery (post processing) posted on the same day.

How do Analytics come into it?

We first publish some “markers” on Google Maps – linked to the client’s business listing if active, and initially simply feedback on clicks once posted.

These improve local SEO (Search Engine Optimization), as rich media content in fact generally does.

We consider our rich content as part of what’s termed “Holistic SEO” – ie the Google algorithyms’ evolution to rank sites with better content higher.

We generally advise clients on the trends within these rankings, can monitor site users’ behaviours and also refer to a specialist partner for full ongoing Analytics and Search Engine Optimization services.

Who owns the photos?

Ownership rights are transferred to the business owner, but Arena will retain the right to use imagery for promotional use.

What if I remodel or change my decor?

Following a re-model or major decor change, we can re-shoot your business for half the price of the original shoot. If you change your decor seasonally and would like your Google Street View to reflect your current look,  contact us too so we can customize a discounted rate.

My business has an old Street View, can it be replaced?

Yes, we can shoot your business and help claim your listing on Google, as listing owner you instruct Google.  Arena works very hard to ensure customer satisfaction, Google Street View Trusted Photographers are independent contractors who are approved by Google.

Please allow us to remedy any problems with a previous shoot – EVEN if were are not the original photographers.

Can I embed Street View on my website or social media platform?

Yes, Google provides simple and shareable ‘code snippets.’  But if you’re still having trouble, we’re happy to help you get your Street View where you want it.

Can customers be present during the photo shoot? When is the best time?

Yes, customers can be present during the photo shoot.  But keep in mind according to Google’s image standards we may have to blur faces.

We can also supply model release advice and documentation.

We recommend either shooting prior to the business being open for regular hours or asking permission from anyone present.

How do I prepare my business for a photo shoot?

Clean and organize the space the way you want it to appear to your customers online.

Take care to remove any personal information or items that are in site of customer spaces.Please prepare any dishes/cocktails/products for close up photography as apart of your professional stills and point of interest photos.