Virtual Tours: 2 Pros and 2 Cons You Should Know Before Investing

In today’s digital-first world, virtual tours have become a powerful tool for businesses to showcase their spaces online. From real estate agents and retail stores to gyms, galleries, and wedding venues, virtual tours help customers explore spaces remotely, anytime, and from anywhere.

But like any marketing or tech tool, virtual tours come with both advantages and drawbacks. So, what are the two pros and cons of a virtual tour? Let’s explore them in detail to help you make an informed decision.

The Pros of Virtual Tours

1. Increased Engagement and 24/7 Accessibility

One of the biggest benefits of virtual tours is that they’re available to viewers 24/7. Unlike physical showings or guided walkthroughs, a virtual tour lets people explore your space at any time of day, without needing to schedule a visit.

They’re also far more engaging than traditional images or videos. A well-created 3D tour allows users to move through rooms at their own pace, zoom in on specific features, and explore every detail from any angle. This gives your audience a sense of control and involvement.

For many industries, this added accessibility leads to higher website engagement and stronger conversion rates. For example, property listings with virtual tours receive up to 87% more views than those without.

2. Saves Time and Filters Serious Leads

Virtual tours can save you and your potential clients hours of time. Instead of answering endless questions or arranging multiple in-person viewings, you can direct people to your virtual tour first.

This helps pre-qualify interest. By the time someone reaches out, they already have a solid understanding of the space and are more likely to be a serious lead. This is especially useful in competitive markets like real estate, where virtual tours can help reduce wasted appointments and speed up the decision-making process.

For businesses like event venues, hotels, or coworking spaces, it also means fewer no-shows and better use of your time.

The Cons of Virtual Tours

1. Upfront Cost and Setup Time

Creating a professional virtual tour comes with an initial investment. While smartphone apps may offer basic versions, high-quality tours require expert scanning equipment, editing, and hosting on platforms like Matterport.

Depending on the size and complexity of your space, the cost of the virtual tour will be decided. Some businesses may also need to tidy, stage, or temporarily close off certain areas before the scan.

While this is a one-time cost that often pays off over time, it’s still something to factor into your marketing budget.

What to do about it: Although the upfront cost can’t always be avoided, virtual tours are known to deliver a strong return on investment. Many businesses recover the cost quickly through increased engagement, improved booking rates, or reduced site visits — making it a smart long-term strategy.

2. Outdated Tours Can Be Misleading

Virtual tours are a snapshot of your space at one moment in time. If you make major changes, like a renovation, new branding, or furniture updates, your existing tour can quickly become outdated.

This can lead to confusion or even disappointment if clients show up expecting something different. To avoid this, it’s important to update your virtual tour whenever your space changes significantly.

Some businesses also include timestamps or short notes within the tour to help viewers understand when it was created and what’s changed since.

How to avoid it: The key is to plan your virtual tour around any upcoming changes. If you expect renovations or seasonal decor updates, it’s best to time the scan accordingly. Choosing a stable setup helps maximise the tour’s lifespan and reduce the need for frequent re-scanning.

Final Thoughts

While virtual tours do come with some setup costs and maintenance needs, their benefits far outweigh the drawbacks for most businesses. They improve customer experience, increase trust, and help you stand out in a crowded market.

As long as you’re willing to keep your tour updated and professionally created, it’s a valuable tool that can transform how people experience your brand.

Let Scene3D Bring Your Space to Life

At Scene3D, we specialise in creating immersive, high-resolution 360 virtual tours for all types of businesses in London and beyond. Whether you run a showroom, office, gym, or venue, we’ll help you showcase it in a way that’s engaging, accessible, and future-ready. Contact us today to learn more or book your professional Matterport virtual tour.