Google Maps Business View – FAQ
The Basics
What is Google Maps Business View?
The Google Maps Business View program utilizes Google’s Street View Technology for business interiors; essentially bringing Street View indoors!
With Business View your customers can walk around, explore, and interact with your business like never before. Customers will be able to actually experience your business from their own home – just like being there! Google Maps Business View is a state-of-the-art 3D interactive walkthrough tour that gives you the power to proudly display your business to potential customers while engaging them from virtually anywhere in the world!
Where will Google Business View tours and photos be viewable online?
Business View photos and walkthrough tours appear in Google Searches, Google Maps, and Google+ Local Pages, but you can also easily embed Business View tours on your own website, or Facebook Page! When potential customers search for your business by name on Google, they will see the images displayed directly on the search page results. These panoramic images will also be
published on Google Places pages, Google Maps, and other Google properties to give customers a better sense of the layout, decor, and beauty of your business interior. Using easy-to-use html snippets or Maps API, you can also link to these images from your own business website too.
What type of businesses can be photographed?
Google Maps Business View is perfect for restaurants, bars, clubs, coffee shops, gift shops, bed and breakfasts, automobile dealerships, retail shops & malls, gyms, salons, schools, bowling allies, go-kart tracks, entertainment venues, wedding and event venues, daycare centers, retirement homes, and more!
Are there any restrictions on what type of businesses can participate?
Google does not allow uploads of imagery of medical establishments, or legal and government establishments. We also do not allow imagery of museums to be uploaded through the Business View program, as this imagery is supported through Google Art Project.
Why would a business owner find Google Business Photos attractive?
Google has created Business View using the same “Street View Technology” that users have become accustomed to. These tours capture multiple 360° panoramic photo shots of your business to give customers a better sense of what to expect when coming to your physical location. This technology brings your business to life online, and will help to entice more potential customers to visit your business in person. Imagine a customer is looking for the perfect restaurant to visit for a special occasion. They would likely search for restaurants on google.com or Google Maps, and look at ratings and comments, but wouldn't it be great to check out images of the neighborhood in Street View, then “Go Inside” the restaurant to walk through and explore the ambience and even check out the table in a cozy corner where you'd like to sit?
How can Google Business Photos help with internet marketing for local business?
When potential customers search for your local business by name on Google, they will see your business images displayed directly on the search engine results page. These panoramic images will also be published on Google+ Local pages, Google Maps and other Google internet properties. The images give customers a better sense of the layout, decor and beauty inside your local business. Using html snippets or Maps APIs, we can also link to these images from your own business website or Facebook page attracting potential customers who visit your website and Facebook timeline too. This is one of the best internet marketing strategies in local internet marketing.
What is SEO and How Does Google Business View Affect It?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization – optimizing a website to improve its ranking on search engines. The higher your site appears in search results the more likely people are to click through to the site itself. Google has Local Search Results which draw from its Google+ Local (Business) listings. These appear above regular search results. Search for "Chinese restaurants in Seattle" and you get a selection of results in the thumbnail bar at the top of the page. Search for "Dentists in Seattle" and you get a list below the paid results on the left and a map on the right. Here Google Virtual Tours can influence ranking.
What is a Google Trusted Independent Photographer?
Google TIPs (Trusted Independent Photographers) are not employees of Google, agents of Google or affiliated with Google in any way and therefore, do not "officially" represent Google. However, TIPs have been trained by Google Employees, and certified to have the proper equipment and skills to meet Google's Quality Control Standards. TIPs use tools supplied by Google to produce your Businesses View virtual tour, point-of-interest photos, and all photos must pass Google's Quality Standards. Google does not receive payment from the business, or the photographers, but does require each Photographer to carry the necessary business insurance and licensing from the local communities where they offer services. The money you pay for this service goes directly to the TIP to cover their labor cost. Essentially you as the business owner are paying for the Photographer’s time to take the photos, process and upload the photos, assemble the virtual tour using Google propriety tools, and then publish everything to your Google+ Places / Business Page.
What will the Trusted Photographer do that I can’t do myself?
Only a Google Trusted Photographer can create a Google Maps Business View virtual tour. This photography requires specialized equipment, training and certification by Google. Additionally, only Google TIPs have access to the proprietary software tools, and the Google processing pipelines required to upload, edit, HDR photo match, 360° photo stitch, moderate, and publish a Google Maps Business View panoramic walkthrough.
The Sign Up Process
How do I schedule a photo shoot?
Simply Contact Us by email or phone. Your Photographer will stop by and explain all of the details and ask you to sign the Google Photography Service Agreement. We'll schedule an appropriate time to shoot your business. One hour is usually adequate for a typical small business location. The rest is up to the Photographer. Following a shoot, the photos will be processed within a few business days and can typically be on the web within a week if your Google+ Local Page is already set up and verified.
Simply contact FISH OWL 360 and schedule a new shoot. The same pricing as the original shoot will normally apply unless the floor plan changes drastically. FISH OWL 360 may offer discounts for reshoots depending on the particular situation. As always an exact quote will be given before the contract signing. Remember that you can always upload your own up-to-date photographs through Google+ Local as well.
Can I reschedule my appointment?
We do allow rescheduling of your photo shoot appointment. However, we do ask that you give at least 48 hours’ notice of the rescheduling so that we can attempt to fill the time slot with another business photo shoot.
How can I coordinate a photo shoot?
You can choose a time that is convenient for you and will show your business in its best light, i.e. full inventory, merchandised, setup, etc. The photographer will be onsite for approximately 1 – 2 hours. It is best if you can take them on an initial walk through and point out any and all highlights of the business before they start.
How much does Google Maps Business View cost?
The cost for each business varies depending on the size and how much detail you would like to showcase. A Google Business View photo session consists of anywhere from 4 – 40 panorama locations, or “360° Spins” or “Views”. Interior Spins can only be a maximum of 15 feet apart. We will work with you to design an efficient and cost effective map for your Business View virtual tour. Pricing for packages is based on a number of factors. It is primarily a function of the number of spins required for your business. The number of spins varies not only by the square footage, but also the type of business. A retail establishment benefits from a greater number of spins to allow customers the opportunity to view your merchandise – essentially lots of stops along the way to look at the shelves just like you would in person. A restaurant usually requires fewer views per square footage since it is not necessary to stop and look at each table. Packages generally start at $249.99, but can go as high as $1,500. After our initial consultation, we will quote you an exact cost before the shoot is scheduled.
FISH OWL 360 requires payment at the time of the shoot, or immediately following the photo-shoot. The Google Photography Service Agreement contains additional information regarding payment, and a quality guarantee.
What types of payment do you accept?
FISH OWL 360 can accept all major credit cards, cash, and checks.
Will my business be charged additional fees later on?
Never! There are no hidden fees, nor reoccurring service fees. This is a one-time paid service.
What is your cancelation/refund policy?
If you prepaid for the Google Maps Business View service, and your photo-shoot hasn’t taken place yet, you may cancel if you changed your mind. We just ask for at least 48 hours’ notice, so we can plan more efficiently.
The Photo Shoot
How long will the photo shoot take?
In most cases, a photo shoot will take about an hour, but this varies depending on the size of your business and how prepared you are to have the location photographed. Please think about the highlights of your business and any potential distractions to the shoot before our photographer arrives to ensure a simple and efficient shoot. During your initial consultation our FISH OWL 360 Photographer will give you a more accurate time estimate based on the business square footage, and the complexity of the floor plan.
Will people be included in the photo shoot?
Because we want to keep the focus of the photos on the inside of your business, we aim to have as few people in the shots as possible. During the shoot, photographers may put up a sign and alert customers and employees about to be photographed. As the business owner it would be your responsibility to notify your employees and customers that the photo shoot is taking place. Because
of Google’s privacy policy, we do have to blur any faces that are visible. We also have to blur any vehicle number plates that may be visible in any part of the tour.
What time of day should we schedule our Virtual Tour photo shoot?
The best times are either before your store opens or after your business has closed. This way it doesn’t disturb your normal work day; Photographers don’t have to worry as much about blurring people’s faces or being in the way. Many businesses however try and pick a time when they know customer activity / foot traffic will be at a minimum. Often times many restaurants for example have a slow period after lunch but before dinner (2-4pm). You know your business best, so try and schedule a time that makes the photographer’s job easier. If a photographer is constantly having to inform customers they may be photographed, or waiting for walking people to clear the frame it will slow the photo shoot process significantly. Additionally the best time of day may depend on the lighting situation. The photographer will analyze the business environment taking into
consideration window placement, sun angle, and weather forecast to determine an ideal time to photograph the business for optimal image quality.
Won’t my business look more alive with people / customers in the photographs?
We at FISH OWL 360 understand your concerns about your business looking alive in the photos and virtual tour, but please be assured you tour will look more professional with the absence of people. When people are present in the photographs it is very difficult to prevent blurring because of the slower shutter speeds commonly used to photograph businesses with low lighting. Additionally, because of the HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography requirements, the photographer needs to take 3 photographs at every 90 angle making it almost impossible to achieve a satisfactory result when people are moving about. Due to Google’s legal and privacy policies we cannot even include people in your POI photographs. FISH OWL 360 would be glad to help you add life to your own Google+ Local photographs which you can take and upload yourself, or have us take for you outside of the Google Maps Business View program. For details just ask!
What do I need to do to prepare my business ahead of the photo shoot?
You are welcome to clean and tidy things up prior to the photography session, but remember that the aim of the photographs is to show customers what they would expect to see if they visited your business on a normal day.
Photo shoots will include the main customer-facing areas of your business. We will work with you to determine what areas of your businesses you would like to highlight, or even exclude from the shoot. Once again, the goal of the photographs is to show customers what they would expect to see if they visited your business on a normal day.
Will the photo shoot disrupt my business operations?
We know you’re running a business, and that’s why we designed photo shoots to be as
non-disruptive as possible. FISH OWL 360’s photographer will work around your schedule to ensure that photos are taken at a convenient time for you and your business. Photo shoots do not require any sort of special equipment, lighting, or setup, so you are free to stay open. Although photo shoots are non-disruptive and should not interfere with your normal business operations, it’s a good idea to let your customers know photography is in process and to avoid being in view of the camera,
whenever possible. As you want your business shown in the best light, literally and figuratively, we recommend that you schedule with the photographers during daylight hours when there is plenty of ambient sunlight. It is best to schedule the photo-shoot when the sun is not shining at a low angle directly through the business windows. This creates harsh shadows and more exposure challenges for the photographer. Luckily in Seattle we have many overcast days!
What are the required 10 feature photos?
There are 10 required Point-Of-Interest (POI) photos, or Feature Photos, but we can publish up to 15 POI photos included with your Google Business View walkthrough virtual tour. The ten required photos are as follows. If any of the ten photos are not applicable to your business, they can be replaced with additional photos from among the other categories.
1. Wide angle – Front of business 2. Close-up of Signage
3. Types of payment taken (i.e. Visa/MC window sticker) 4. Menu (if applicable)
5. Wide angle inside of business – front to back 6. Wide angle inside of business – back to front 7. Close-up of your business card
8. Merchandise (you can choose) 9. Hours of Operation
10. Business Address / Street Number
This will depend on a couple of factors, the size of your business and what you and the
photographer deem appropriate. Google requires a minimum of 3 – 360° panoramic spins for the virtual tour and 10 Point-of-Interest photos. The maximum they allow is 40 – 360° panoramic spins and 15 – Point-of-Interest photos. With special permission FISH OWL 360 can photograph
businesses that require more than 40 panoramic spins.
What is included in a Google Maps Business View package from FISH OWL 360?
With every Google Maps Business View package purchased through FISH OWL 360, you will receive the following:
1. Professional 1-2 hour photography session at your business location by a Google TIP (Trusted Independent Photographer, Derek A. Bentley).
2. Full 360° Panoramic walkthrough virtual tour of your business using Street View, and HDR merging, blending, and stitching technology.
3. Set of digital photographs (POI photos) of your business and related products for your Google+ Local page, or for use directly on your business web site.
4. Assistance in setting up your Google+ Local page and Google Places for Business listing for the virtual tour and your photos.
5. Perform a basic SEO analysis of your business web site including suggested actions to take to ensure you're found in search results.
6. Integration of virtual tour with Google Street View where applicable (creates an arrow from Street View pointing to your storefront and the virtual tour).
What happens after the Photo-shoot is complete?
FISH OWL 360 will upload your photos to Google servers, and then the photos will be processed through Google’s propriety photo processing pipeline which involves some manual editing by the photographer, and some automatic server processes. It will take 7—10 business days for your Virtual Tour and POI photos to appear on the various Google properties such as your Google+ Local page, Google Maps, and Google Places. FISH OWL 360 will notify you via email the day they are live!
Privacy and Legal
Will I be required to sign a contract, or service agreement?
Yes, the business owner or decision maker will sign the Google Maps Business View Photography Service Agreement before the photo-shoot begins. The agreement basically transfers all ownership
rights to the photos taken by FISH OWL 360 to the business owner, and licenses the use of the photos to Google for use in Google properties. This agreement becomes effective after full payment.
What measures are in place to ensure privacy and legal compliance?
Photo shoots will exclude any areas of your businesses which you would not like to feature. In addition, our photographers will always alert customers and employees before a photo is taken, to uphold their privacy. All panoramic imagery will be processed by Google’s state-of-the-art blurring technology to blur out faces of any employees or customers who appear in the imagery. At any time you may request additional blurring or takedown of entire images through the “Report a Problem” link at either the bottom of the pano image, or within your Google+ Local page.
Who from my business can give legal permission for the photo shoot?
You must have the proper authority to allow our photographer 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 designation to make those commitments on behalf of the business. Please note that by
agreeing to the Terms and Conditions and the Google Terms of Service, before your photo shoot, you are confirming that you have the authority to make that commitment.
Will Google be using the imagery in other applications besides Google+ Local pages?
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. For example, further integration with Google Maps will allow customers to find these images easily from the 360-degree Street View imagery of nearby roads for many locations.
Do I own the photographs taken by a FISH OWL 360?
Yes, you will own the photos taken by FISH OWL 360 once you have paid for this service and the shoot is completed. Keep in mind that by signing the Google Maps Business View Photography Service Agreement, provided by the photographer, you will also license the use of the photos to Google who will publish the imagery.
Can I review the photos after they are taken and before they go live on my Google+ Local
page?
Because the technology behind the process takes individual unstitched and un-reviewed images that need considerable processing after they are uploaded by the photographer to produce the
attractive ‘walk- through’ experience, you will not be able to review the images before they are uploaded to Google. If you are not happy with the quality of the finished result we will remedy the problem in accordance with Google’s quality guarantee, including a re-shoot if necessary.
Can I, as a business owner, upload more pictures to my Place Page?
Yes, as the owner of your business and the business’s Google Places page, you can upload as many pictures as you want. Just make sure they are interesting and worthwhile to the searcher and your business.
Can I blur the images or take down all panoramas from by business listing?
Yes, if you see a major issue you can ask us to blur some areas in each of the panoramic images. You may also ask us to take down all panoramas. At this time we are unable to take down individual panoramas. To request blurring or takedown click on the “Report a Problem” link on the specific images where you see issues and provide the requested information. Please note that the blurring/removal process may take several days.
If I’m not the business owner, can I request the removal of a photo?
Similar to Google's policy for Street View imagery, the “Report a Problem” tool enables users to request further blurring of images that feature the user in the 360-degree imagery. Users can also request the removal of images that display inappropriate content, and business owners can ask us to remove 360-degree images taken by photographers through the “Report a problem” link or the “Report inappropriate photo” link for feature photos.
Could my photos be removed for other reasons?
Yes, your photos might be removed if they are found to violate the Google Photo Policy. Although all business images undergo quality review before being uploaded, some photos may still be reported as inappropriate and later removed.
Can I embed these images on my business website?
Yes, we encourage you to share the walk-through experience of your business with your customers. To embed the 360-degree panoramas on your website, simply find the HTML snippet from a good point of view of the panoramic imagery on Google Maps, click on the “Link” button , click “customize and preview embedded map,” and then copy and paste the HTML to embed in your website. If you’re looking for even more customizability with your images, check out the Google Maps API.
Additional Questions
I don’t have a Google+ Account or Local Page, can I Still join?
Yes, Definitely! Sign-up is free, so just follow the instructions below to get started.
If you already have a Google+ account, great! If you don’t have a Google+ account, no problem! You can create a Google Account, and then create your Google+ Places for Business page.
Where can I get Official Google Help?
Getting Started with Google Places for Business page
Here is the Official Google Places for Business Help Page with Phone Support
What’s the difference between Google+ Local, and Google Places for Business pages?
For a good understanding read the article entitled, “Google Places for Business vs. Google+ Local” written by Amanda DiSilvestro on Search Engine Watch.
What is AdWords Express?
AdWords Express is Google’s easy to use online advertising solution, ideal for local businesses that want to advertise on Google and partner websites (including mobile devices) and attract more visitors to their website, or Google+ Page. Visit the AdWords Express website to learn more.
Eligibility requirements: In order to participate in this program, you must be a business owner or an authorized representative of a business owner. Additionally, your business must be licensed to
operate in your region. Your business, photo content and ad materials must also meet all AdWords policy requirements (see the AdWords Policy Center for more information).
