Google 360 business tour FAQ

Can a Google Tour help my business?

When potential customers find your business on Google, they will see images including the virtual tour displayed immediately adjacent to search results. The tour gives customers a better sense of the layout, decor and beauty of your business interior. For more details, Click HERE >> With easy-to-use html snippets or Maps APIs, you also can embed the tour into your own business’s website and Facebook page.

Why can’t I just do it myself?

You can do this on your own using a smart phone and Google’s Street View App. But results will vary. We use a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera, tripod and high resolution  lenses; and capture images in triplicate to facilitate HDR (high dynamic range) processing. We are equipped with gear approved by Google and have been trained to exactly follow Google’s protocol for conducting a 360 Business Tour.

How long will the photo shoot take?

It is reasonable to allow about 90 minutes unless your business is large or you have special requirements.

How can I prepare my business ahead of the photo shoot?

The object of a virtual tour is to show customers and clients what they can expect to see on an average day visiting your site. Move parcels and other unattractive items into a back room. You will want clean floors, walls and windows. Staff desks should appear the way you’d like your best customers to see them.

What areas will be photographed?

Photo shoots will include the main customer-facing areas of your business. We will work with you to determine what areas you wish to highlight, or exclude from the shoot.

Will the photo shoot disrupt my business operations?

We will work around your schedule to ensure that photos are taken at a convenient time for you and your business. Often this will be on weekends or before and after normal hours.

Will people be included in the photo shoot?

Google wants to keep the focus of the photos on the inside of your business. Using a tripod, we do not need additional lighting but some exposures may be as long as 60 seconds (not so easy holding a pose). As the business owner, it will be your responsibility to notify your employees and customers that the photo shoot is taking place. Faces of anyone appearing in these images will be blurred.

What measures are in place to ensure privacy and legal compliance?

Photo shoots will exclude areas of your businesses that you do not wish to feature. All panoramic imagery will be processed by panowyoming.com and use technology to blur out faces of any employees or customers who appear in the imagery. At any time, you may request additional blurring or a takedown of entire images. Easiest way of doing this is to contact us. You also have the option of working through Google.

Who from my business can give legal permission for the photo shoot?

You must have the proper authority to allow us access to the business premises to collect photographs and to subsequently allow Google to use those photographs in its products and services. People with this authority include the owner of the business or a director or manager with the authority to make those commitments on behalf of the business. Google stipulates that all participating businesses will be required to sign an agreement containing terms and conditions. Your signature on this agreement confirms that you have the authority to make that commitment. Necessary paperwork will be created by panowyoming.com.

Will Google be using the imagery in other applications?

Google may use these images in other products and services in new ways that will make your business information more useful and accessible to users.

Do I own the photographs taken by panowyoming.com?

Legally the images are the property of Google once they are uploaded by us. However, you have the right to make use of these images in any way you choose. When the project is completed we will supply the images to you in the form you will find most useful. Unless you have objections, panowyoming.com may make use of your images in its portfolio for marketing purposes.

Disclaimers

Google, its subsidiaries or parent company have no legal or official relationship with panowyoming.com. Our organization does not represent Google in any way. Google recognizes us as a Google Trusted Photographer but that designation does not constitute endorsement. Photographers now can obtain Google Trusted status but not have equipment or expertise necessary for commercial work.

 

panowyoming.com  |  patrick d sheehy  |  panowyoming@gmail.com  |  307.314.9818