If you run a local business in Sunderland, your online presence is now just as important as your physical location. Whether you operate a restaurant, salon, gym, retail shop or hospitality venue, customers are searching for your services online before deciding where to visit.
One of the biggest factors influencing whether a customer chooses your business over a competitor is how much they can see before they arrive. This is where Google Street View virtual tours and Matterport virtual tours provide a major competitive advantage.
Google Street View Improves Your Visibility on Google Maps
A Google Street View tour allows potential customers to walk through your business directly from your Google Business Profile listing. This helps build trust instantly and increases engagement with your listing — which is one of the key ranking factors in Google Maps search results.
Businesses in Sunderland that invest in Google Street View typically experience:
- Increased clicks from Google Maps
- Longer time spent on their business listing
- More direction requests
- Higher customer trust before visiting
Google favours active and engaging listings, meaning Street View tours can also help improve your ranking in local search results.
Matterport Virtual Tours Provide a Fully Immersive Experience
While Google Street View helps customers find your business, Matterport virtual tours provide a far more immersive experience once they arrive on your website.
Matterport allows users to:
- Navigate your venue in full 3D
- View a dollhouse-style layout
- Measure spaces
- Explore different rooms in high-definition
This makes Matterport ideal for Sunderland restaurants, pubs, wedding venues, gyms and retail stores looking to showcase their environment online.
Matterport vs Google Street View – Why You Need Both
Many business owners ask whether they should choose Matterport or Google Street View — but the truth is they serve different purposes.
Google Street View helps your business get found online.
Matterport helps customers explore your space in detail.
By combining both, Sunderland businesses can improve discoverability and increase customer confidence before they even step through the door.
Boost Reviews with NFC Google Review Cards
Customer reviews are one of the most powerful local ranking signals on Google Maps.
NFC Google Review Cards allow your customers to simply tap their phone and leave a review instantly — removing friction and increasing the likelihood of positive feedback.
More reviews = higher ranking = more customers.
Improve Repeat Visits with Customer Loyalty Apps
Customer loyalty apps allow Sunderland businesses to reward repeat customers through:
- Digital stamp cards
- Push notifications
- Exclusive offers
- Promotional rewards
This not only encourages repeat visits but helps build long-term customer relationships.
Google Maps Optimisation for Sunderland Businesses
Optimising your Google Business Profile with:
- High quality imagery
- Virtual tours
- Regular reviews
- Accurate service information
Can dramatically improve your position on Google Maps and help your business appear in the coveted “Local 3 Pack”.
Businesses in Sunderland that combine Google Street View, Matterport virtual tours, customer loyalty apps and NFC review tools are far more likely to dominate local search results and attract new customers.