In the age of the internet, most people who want to try a new restaurant, bar or store might first visit the company’s website or check out online reviews.
Such a tool has brought many advantages to businesses both big and small, but what if potential customers could get business information and take a virtual tour through one online, interactive map of an entire city?
Classic Communications President Ron Barger said “why not?”
With footage captured from drones, the panoramic view of the Niles area called “Super Tour” is a mobile, social media and online accessible site. From a bird’s-eye view, customers can click on a business and explore it and follow links to social media and the business’s website.
Classic Communications has operated in Niles for almost 23 years. The business partnered with the Warsaw, Indiana based Clear Vision Media to assist in the technology portion of the project.
This crystal-clear view could offer local business growth in Niles, Barger said.
“You can see the advantages [for] traveling hospitality,
destination marketing [and] economic development,” Barger said.
A full service marketing entity, Barger said Classic Communications is searching for ways to put more Niles businesses on the virtual map and bring more people to the area.
“We hope it does,” Barger said. “Basically someone can sit in their living room in South Bend and tour downtown Niles restaurants and bars and shops, before they come up in visit.”
Joey Armadillo’s, a bowling alley, sports bar and restaurant, is among the first Niles businesses to use the map.
On the computer screen, viewers can see down 11th Street to Joey Armadillo’s location at 2732 S. 11th St., where a logo hangs in the air. Upon clicking on the logo, viewers can explore the restaurant inside and out. A drop down menu provides the option of exploring various rooms in the business.
Barger said the map consists of three views of downtown, Plym Park Golf Course and Industrial Park. But in the world of virtual reality there is always room for more and Barger said more businesses and areas of Niles could be added as business owners sign on.
“There is nowhere else that does this,” Barger said.
One thing Barger said he wants users and businesses to understand is that the “Super Tour” is not simply a form of Google Earth tour or a couple of aerial snapshots, rather the interactive map seeks to provide customers with a more visually enticing, full-scale view of the business and their information. Much like the virtual reality goggles that change the view as users turn their head, the map when used on a phone that will change as the device is moved.
Other cities have caught on to the virtual map trend. Barger said they have also helped to create a map for St. Joseph.
“You can walk down the street,” Barger said. “You can go inside places. You can get information.”
Barger said his company will sell to individual businesses. Various price packages are offered, ranging from $300 to $1,000.
To check out the online map, visit ourtownpromotions.com.