So you created a virtual tour for your latest listing: the tour’s been captured, the money’s been spent, and you’ve added the link to the MLS. Now what?
A virtual tour is an investment, and like any investment, you want the best possible return. Most virtual tour providers today offer more than 3D walkthroughs — tours often come bundled with floor plans, high-res photos, and even lead capture capabilities. So you might as well put that tour to work and get your money’s worth from it!
Fortunately, there’s so much more you can do with a virtual tour than slap it on your website or share the link on social media. Here are 10 ways to promote your virtual tours and maximize their ROI:
1. Add a QR code to yard signs and flyers
When promoting anything digital in the offline world, QR codes are your best friend. Put your virtual tour to work in your offline marketing by adding a QR code that links to your tour on yard sign riders, flyers, postcards, brochures, and beyond.
The internet is awash in sites that want to create QR codes for you, so just google “QR code generator” and choose whichever one speaks to you.
Bonus: QR codes are trackable, so you can measure engagement.
2. Create a short URL
Want an alternative to QR codes? Long URLs are the enemy of good marketing, so use a URL shortener (like Bitly) to create a clean, branded link for your virtual tour. This makes it easy to share verbally, in print, or online. For example: YourBrand.com/123MainTour looks polished and memorable.
3. Add it to your email signature
Your email signature is prime real estate — pun intended. Add a link to your latest (or most impressive) listing in your signature. Include a short line like: “Take a virtual tour of 123 Main Street: [Short URL].” That way, every email you send becomes a subtle marketing tool.
4. Share on social media — strategically
Don’t just post once and forget about it. Share snippets of the virtual tour on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Some virtual tours can make snippets for you. If yours doesn’t, open your virtual tour on your phone, record your phone screen (here’s how on Android and iPhone), and “walk” through the tour yourself.
You can also create a teaser video for Instagram Reels, a carousel of property highlights, or even a quick behind-the-scenes video of you filming the tour.
Pro tip: Use hashtags and location tags for extra reach.
5. Add it to landing pages
If you’re running listing ads on social media or Google, you’re likely sending clicks to a landing page. Embed your virtual tour right on this page! Buyers will gain a better understanding of your listing, its layout and features than static photos can provide, hopefully leading to more conversions.
6. Feature it on a neighborhood webpage
Do you specialize in certain neighborhoods? Add the tour to your local area or community pages. Buyers often browse these pages for area info — what better place to spotlight your listing?
7. Showcase it on a listing page
Your own website can give the virtual tour the spotlight it deserves. Create a rich listing page with professional photos, a property description, your embedded tour, and a big, bold “Book a Showing Now” button.
8. Highlight it in your email newsletter
If you send out a regular newsletter, feature the property with an enticing call-to-action like: “Step inside without leaving home! Explore this stunning property now.”
Add a screenshot from the tour to grab attention.
9. Add it to feature sheets and property reports
When clients receive a feature sheet, make sure the virtual tour link or QR code is front and center. Property reports and CMA packets can also include virtual tour links to impress potential sellers with your marketing prowess.
10. Create a single-property website
Take the experience one step further by building a standalone website dedicated to the property. Include the virtual tour, high-resolution images, and neighborhood info. Single-property sites are easy to share and offer buyers a focused, immersive experience.
Final thoughts
You work hard for your money, and your marketing assets should work hard for you, too. The more places your virtual tours appear, the more chances you have to attract serious buyers and impress sellers. That makes your investment in virtual tours all the more worth it!
So don’t just create the tour, promote it everywhere! After all, a virtual tour is like a party for your listing. Your job is to make sure everyone knows they’re invited.