In today's commercial real estate and development worlds, visual media isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. Standard photos and static images no longer make the impact they once did. Enter Aerial 360s: immersive, interactive media that allows viewers to explore a property from every angle, highlighting unique aspects and creating an engaging experience that standard visuals simply can't match. Aerial 360s are transforming how properties are marketed, making them the new industry standard for brokers and developers alike, looking to stay competitive and capture more interest.
If you’re not using Aerial 360s yet, you may already be a step behind. These aren't just futuristic "nice-to-haves"; they’re a proven tool for creating stronger impressions, generating more inquiries, and closing deals faster. Aerial 360s let potential buyers and tenants explore a property’s layout, features, and surrounding areas—all from their phones or laptops—giving them a more complete view of what the property has to offer. And as our recent Building CRE report reveals, immersive media like Aerial 360s is not just a trend; it’s a core driver of interest and trust in today’s market.
Marketing is rapidly evolving in CRE, and visual media is leading the charge. A significant 84% of CRE teams rely on high-quality photography, and many are now investing in advanced tools like 3D models and enhanced images. As mentioned in our annual Building CRE 2024 Report (get a copy here), Aerial 360 image and renderings were the third most purchased service from our media team. And it’s clear to us that the new gold standard is combining all these elements. Properties that use traditional photos alongside immersive aerial visuals are standing out and drawing more engagement. These Aerial 360s give clients a virtual experience, presenting properties in a dynamic way that keeps them interested and helps them visualize themselves in the space.
With Aerial 360s directly integrated into social platforms, you can share these immersive stories seamlessly. Many brokers have found success by posting specific highlights, such as a new development or feature, directly to their LinkedIn feed. Weekly highlights are another creative way to maintain engagement, keeping your audience’s interest piqued while increasing exposure.
Don’t underestimate the power of GIFs! Creating a GIF from an Aerial 360 image—showcasing key features or callouts—is an eye-catching way to grab attention in a crowded inbox or social feed. Aerial 360 GIFs can be integrated into email campaigns or used on websites and newsletters, giving viewers a preview and encouraging them to explore further. GIFs offer endless possibilities, allowing you to feature different angles, callouts, and hotspots.
One of our highest-performing Aerial 360 maps gained traction thanks to a simple QR code. By placing QR codes on construction signage in high-traffic areas, prospective tenants and investors could easily scan to learn more about the development. This effortless connection between the physical and digital world creates new opportunities for engagement and ensures your property remains top-of-mind for passersby.
Aerial 360s do more than just enhance current listings; they also play a pivotal role in securing future business. Brokers can showcase their media capabilities during listing pitches, showing prospective clients how Aerial 360s set their properties apart from the competition. The impact of immersive media is clear: potential clients judge a listing by how it’s marketed, making Aerial 360s a critical asset not only for today’s listings but for those of tomorrow.
In an uncertain market, it can be tempting to cut back on marketing expenses like visual media. However, Aerial 360s provide a high return on investment by consolidating multiple media needs into one powerful tool. With the ability to leverage social media, create engaging GIFs, and use QR codes to boost exposure, Aerial 360s are an essential addition to any CRE marketing strategy. They don’t just sell properties—they create experiences that stay with buyers, giving you the competitive edge needed to succeed in today’s real estate market. Through the end of 2024, we are offering up Power Buy options where you can pre-pay for Aerials in bulk to offset costs throughout 2025. Click here to learn more!
Invest in Aerial 360s, and watch as they turn heads, generate leads, and drive your listings to new heights. And if you simply want to have a chat with our media team, they’d be delighted to discuss more. Request a consult.
