At first glance, a Threshold 360 Tour looks like a traditional virtual tour. The reality, however, is that there is a significant difference between a Threshold 360 Tour and a traditional virtual tour and it is due to their purpose and design. In fact, a Threshold 360 Tour is actually called a STEP which is an acronym for Standard Threshold Entrance Preview. While both products share virtual experiences online, a Threshold 360 Tour, or STEP, is strategically created to entice viewers to physically visit the location whereas a traditional virtual tour is often designed to fully replace the in-person experience. A Threshold 360 Tour entices the viewer to Step Inside and to become a physical visitor (customer) as well.
Virtual tours, powered by advanced technology, offer interactive, 3D representations of real environments. They enable users to explore spaces from various angles and perspectives, providing an in-depth understanding of layouts and design. They will often offer digital “twin” models to explore from all angles. These tours are extensively used in real estate and cultural sectors, offering immersive experiences that allow users to virtually “be” in a location eliminating the need for physically visiting the location. The use cases often require a level of detail that include measurement of spaces and objects, close ups of all corners and trim, and other minutiae that can replace the physical experience which can be the goal – to save travel costs, extend the brand of a venue, and allow for visitors to experience the venue that otherwise wouldn’t have the means or ability to visit in person. They can be so immersive and effective, however, that they can eliminate that location or venue from a short list or consideration.
On the other hand, Threshold 360 Tours are designed to inspire action. They offer brief, immersive snapshots of a venue, created with the specific goal of prompting viewers to act – to visit or book a visit in person. These tours consist of high-resolution panoramic images that auto-play down a specific path, allowing users to explore the captured location without effort, and are curated such that just enough visual content is available to experience the venue – but at a length and speed that is easy to consume and make the decision to book a visit. Threshold 360 tours are often used in industries like travel, banquets and events, tourism, co-working, fitness, education, and senior living to drive bookings and generate revenue.
The production process and costs differ significantly between a Threshold 360 Tour and a traditional virtual tour. Full virtual tours require meticulous staging and can take hours to shoot, with the aim of replacing physical visits. In contrast, because they are specific in their goals and due to our proprietary process and technology, Threshold 360 Tours are more efficient and less invasive, with complete locations often completed in under 90 minutes. The streamlined process makes Threshold 360 tours more cost-effective and quicker to implement. In fact, the Threshold 360 platform is fully available including content loaded on Google Business Profile within 72 hours of the capture.
In essence, traditional virtual tours offer comprehensive, immersive experiences that replace the need for in-person visits. In contrast, Threshold 360 Tours strategically share glimpses of a location to inspire viewers to take physical action and visit in person. Both types of tours revolutionize digital exploration, offering valuable ways to engage with and connect to various environments. Whether it’s a museum’s comprehensive journey or enticing views of an event center for bookings, these innovations reshape our interaction with the world around us.
If converting online viewers to in person visitors is the goal, the Threshold 360 Tour sales platform may be just the solution your location needs, and at prices as low as $99/month it is easy on the budget and generates a rapid ROI.