Overview

A Matterport virtual tour should not simply reproduce the physical appearance of a premises. Properly edited, it can become an interactive marketing and communications platform.

Visitors should be able to:

• Understand the layout
• Find the areas most relevant to them
• Access supporting information
• Move between related tours
• Visit relevant webpages
• Follow a structured presentation
• Make an enquiry or take another defined action

This section explains how to add the principal marketing features after the Matterport Space has been captured, uploaded and processed.

Before You Begin

Confirm Your Objectives

Decide what the tour is intended to achieve.

Typical objectives include:

• Encouraging venue enquiries
• Supporting wedding or event bookings
• Promoting conference facilities
• Attracting film and television productions
• Introducing a cultural or visitor attraction
• Supporting remote familiarisation
• Reducing unnecessary preliminary site visits

Identify the Intended Audiences

Prepare a list of the people who may use the tour.

For example:

• Corporate event organisers
• Conference delegates
• Wedding couples
• Families arranging celebrations
• Location managers
• Production designers
• Tour operators
• Visitors with accessibility requirements
• Sponsors and corporate partners

Do not attempt to give every audience the same presentation. Different visitors require different routes, information and calls to action.

Assemble the Supporting Material

Collect the following before starting the edits:

• Approved descriptive text
• Professional photographs
• Logos and graphics
• Short videos
• Brochures and specification documents
• Relevant website addresses
• Enquiry and booking pages
• Links to related Matterport Spaces
• Contact details
• Accessibility information

Use current, approved material. Outdated menus, prices, capacities or contact details can reduce confidence in the entire presentation.

Create Persistent Visual Navigation

Purpose

A visitor who enters an unstructured virtual tour may wander without seeing the most important parts of the premises.

A Guided Tour or organised Highlight Reel creates a visible sequence of selected viewpoints. It provides a suggested route while allowing the visitor to leave that route and explore independently.

Matterport describes a Guided Tour as a sequence of designated tour stops that visitors can start by selecting Play.

Step 1: Plan the Route

Create a short list of essential locations.

A venue route might include:

1. External establishing view
2. Main entrance
3. Reception
4. Principal event room
5. Secondary or breakout room
6. Dining or hospitality area
7. Garden or terrace
8. Accessible facilities
9. Closing view with an enquiry prompt

Avoid including every room. The purpose is to create a clear introduction, not an exhaustive inspection sequence.

Step 2: Open the Space in Edit Mode

1. Sign in to the organisation’s Matterport account.
2. Open the required Space.
3. Select Edit.
4. Open the Guided Tour, Highlight Reel or presentation-editing area displayed in the account.

Menu names may vary as Matterport updates the editing interface.

Step 3: Select Each Viewpoint

For every tour stop:

1. Navigate to the required scan position.
2. Rotate the view to show the intended composition.
3. Check that the camera is level and the subject is clearly visible.
4. Add the current view to the tour sequence.
5. Enter a concise title.
6. Add a short description where appropriate.

Use titles that explain the benefit or purpose of the space.

Prefer:

• Grand Hall – Receptions for up to [number]
• Garden Terrace – Outdoor Drinks Reception
• Lecture Room – Corporate Presentations

Avoid generic labels such as:

• Room 1
• Area
• Inside
• View 4

Step 4: Arrange the Sequence

Place the views in a logical order.

The sequence should normally move from:

• Outside to inside
• Public areas to principal facilities
• General views to specialist features
• Introduction to enquiry or booking action

Step 5: Review the Timing and Length

Run the complete presentation.

Check that:

• The route is not unnecessarily long
• Consecutive viewpoints are visually different
• The visitor is not moved backwards and forwards through the building
• Important spaces appear early
• The final stop supports a clear next action

Step 6: Test on Different Devices

Review the published tour on:

• Desktop computer
• Tablet
• Mobile phone

A title that works on a desktop screen may be too long on a phone.

Add Tags with Images, Graphics, Video and Links

Purpose

Tags add information at the point where it is most relevant. Matterport supports descriptive content, multimedia and deep links within Tags.

A Tag beside a stage, for example, can contain:

• Stage dimensions
• Technical specifications
• A seating-layout graphic
• A video from a previous event
• A link to the technical-information page
• A downloadable specification document

Step 1: Decide Where a Tag Is Necessary

Add Tags where the visitor is likely to have a question.

Suitable subjects include:

• Room capacities
• Historical details
• Works of art
• Catering facilities
• Audiovisual equipment
• Accessibility
• Fire exits and visitor routes
• Wedding arrangements
• Film-location access
• Furniture or layout options

Do not cover the tour with Tags. Too many icons can obscure the premises and make the tour feel complicated.

Step 2: Open the Tag Tool

1. Open the Space in Edit mode.
2. Select the Tags tool.
3. Navigate to the relevant location.
4. Position the Tag close to the object or area it describes.

Step 3: Choose a Clear Title

Use a short, descriptive heading.

Examples:

• Conference Capacity
• Wedding Ceremony Layout
• Accessible Entrance
• Film-Crew Access
• View Sample Menu
• Watch Venue Film

The title should tell the visitor what they will receive by opening the Tag.

Step 4: Add the Description

Write a brief explanation using plain language.

A useful description normally includes:

• What the feature is
• Why it matters
• Any important limitations
• Where to obtain further information

Keep lengthy technical specifications on the website or in a downloadable document.

Step 5: Add an Image or Graphic

Suitable visual material includes:

• Alternative room layouts
• Seating plans
• Before-and-after photographs
• Historic images
• Wedding photographs
• Event photographs
• Floor plans
• Capacity diagrams
• Branding or sponsor graphics

Use images that add information rather than repeating what is already visible.

Step 6: Add Video or Audio

Videos can demonstrate:

• A previous corporate event
• A wedding reception
• A concert or performance
• A room being reconfigured
• Behind-the-scenes production access
• Historical interpretation
• A welcome from the venue team

Keep promotional videos brief. Where the video is hosted externally, use the appropriate supported media link. Matterport notes that linked multimedia may be hosted through an external service.

Step 7: Add a Website Link

Link directly to the most relevant page.

For example, a Tag describing a wedding room should link to the wedding page, not the general homepage.

Check that:

• The page is live
• The page works on mobile devices
• The link uses HTTPS
• The information agrees with the Tag
• The page contains an obvious enquiry route

Step 8: Customise the Appearance

Where the account allows it:

1. Select an appropriate icon.
2. Choose a consistent Tag colour.
3. Adjust the stem length.
4. Position the icon so that it does not cover an important feature.

Matterport’s editing tools allow Tag icon, colour and stem-length customisation.

Step 9: Test Every Tag

Open each Tag in the published tour.

Check:

• Spelling and grammar
• Image quality
• Video playback
• Website links
• Downloadable files
• Appearance on mobile devices
• Whether the Tag blocks navigation

Use Tags to Connect Other Matterport Tours

Purpose

A large estate, campus or organisation may have several Matterport Spaces.

Tags and deep links can allow visitors to move between them without returning to a list of links. Matterport identifies deep-linked Tags as a method of connecting separate Spaces.

Possible Connections

• Main building to gardens
• Gallery to sculpture garden
• Hotel to bedrooms
• Conference centre to accommodation
• Main venue to a separate ceremony room
• Museum to temporary exhibition
• Theatre auditorium to backstage facilities
• Campus reception to another building

Step 1: Obtain the Destination Link

1. Open the destination Space.
2. Navigate to the exact starting position.
3. Set the preferred viewing direction.
4. Create or copy a deep link to that location.

A deep link should open at the point that makes sense to the visitor, rather than at an arbitrary scan position.

Step 2: Return to the Main Space

1. Open the originating Space in Edit mode.
2. Navigate to the point from which visitors should transfer.
3. Add a new Tag.

Step 3: Explain the Destination

Use a title such as:

• Continue to the Gardens
• Visit the Exhibition Wing
• View Guest Accommodation
• Explore the Ceremony Room

State clearly that the visitor is opening another tour.

Step 4: Add the Deep Link

Insert the destination link into the Tag and save the edit.

Step 5: Test the Return Journey

Whenever possible, add a corresponding Tag in the second Space that returns visitors to the first.

Test both directions on desktop and mobile devices.

Add Links to Further Website Information

Create a Purposeful Visitor Journey

Each link should lead to information that helps the visitor make a decision.

Suitable pages include:

• Venue overview
• Room capacities
• Event packages
• Wedding packages
• Film-location specifications
• Catering
• Accessibility
• Transport and parking
• Accommodation
• Availability
• Enquiry form
• Contact details

Use Descriptive Calls to Action

Prefer:

• Download the Wedding Brochure
• View Corporate Packages
• Check Venue Capacities
• Make a Film-Location Enquiry
• Contact the Events Team

Avoid:

• Click Here
• More
• Website
• Link

Preserve the Role of the Website

The Matterport tour should engage and inform visitors. The website should contain the complete, regularly maintained information and the formal enquiry or booking process.

Matterport recommends referring social-media visitors back to the organisation’s website rather than expecting the model to operate directly within a social-media feed.

Create Audience-Specific Versions

Purpose

The same premises may be promoted to several markets, but each market is interested in different features.

Where the Matterport Versions facility is available, prepare separate presentations associated with the same underlying Space. This can avoid maintaining entirely separate captured Spaces and may allow the versions to occupy one Space allocation, subject to the organisation’s plan and the precise version feature being used.

Confirm the current account entitlement before promising this arrangement to a client.

Version One: Corporate Events

Recommended Opening View

Use a professional external view, reception area or principal conference room.

Emphasise

• Conference and meeting rooms
• Delegate capacities
• Presentation equipment
• Hybrid-event facilities
• Wi-Fi
• Breakout areas
• Catering
• Reception and registration
• Parking and transport
• Accessibility

Suggested Tags

• Room Capacity
• Presentation Facilities
• Hybrid Meeting Equipment
• Catering Packages
• Breakout Space
• Corporate Enquiries

Suggested Final Action

Request a Corporate Events Proposal

Version Two: Weddings and Family Events

Recommended Opening View

Use the most welcoming or visually impressive ceremonial or reception area.

Emphasise

• Ceremony spaces
• Reception rooms
• Dining layouts
• Gardens
• Photography locations
• Bridal or family rooms
• Children’s facilities
• Accessibility
• Accommodation
• Wet-weather arrangements

Suggested Tags

• Ceremony Layout
• Wedding Breakfast
• Garden Photographs
• Sample Menu
• Evening Reception
• Download Wedding Brochure

Suggested Final Action

Arrange a Private Venue Viewing

Version Three: Film and Television Location Hire

Recommended Opening View

Use a view that immediately communicates the architectural style, scale and production value of the premises.

Emphasise

• Period and architectural features
• Room dimensions
• Ceiling heights
• Natural light
• External elevations
• Vehicle and equipment access
• Loading routes
• Parking
• Power availability
• Service spaces
• Holding areas
• Location restrictions

Suggested Tags

• Principal Location View
• Dimensions and Ceiling Height
• Equipment Access
• Loading Area
• Power and Services
• Contact the Location Representative

Suggested Final Action

Submit a Film-Location Enquiry

Review the Differences Between Versions

The audience versions should differ in more than name alone.

Review:

• Starting position
• Guided Tour sequence
• Titles and descriptions
• Visible Tags
• Website links
• Calls to action
• Branding
• Closing viewpoint

Add Showcase Plugins

Matterport describes Compass, Minimap, Business Card and Quick Link as plugins that can provide visitors with additional information and context. Access may depend on the subscription plan.

Add the Compass

Purpose

The Compass indicates north in relation to the visitor’s current viewpoint.

It is particularly useful for:

• Large estates
• Buildings with several wings
• Gardens and external areas
• Film-location planning
• Orientation before a visit
• Understanding natural light and aspect

Steps

1. Open the Space in Edit mode.
2. Open Plugins or Display Settings, depending on the interface displayed.
3. Select Compass.
4. Enable the plugin.
5. Confirm that north has been set correctly for the Space.
6. Save the change.
7. Open the published tour and test the Compass from several viewpoints.

Do not enable a Compass where the north orientation has not been checked.

Add the Minimap

Purpose

The Minimap helps visitors understand their current position within a larger building.

It is especially useful where the premises has:

• Several floors
• Repetitive corridors
• Multiple galleries
• Numerous meeting rooms
• Separate wings
• A complex visitor route

Steps

1. Open the Space in Edit mode.
2. Select Space and then Display Settings, or open the Plugins panel shown in the account.
3. Select Minimap.
4. Enable it.
5. Select any available display or customisation options.
6. Save the change.
7. Test it on desktop, tablet and mobile devices.

Matterport’s current guidance places Minimap controls within the Space display settings or Plugins area, depending on the interface.

Add a Quick Link

Purpose

A Quick Link creates a prominent route from the tour to an important external webpage or action.

Use only one primary action for each audience-specific version.

Suggested Quick Links

Corporate Version

• Request a Corporate Quotation
• View Conference Packages
• Contact the Events Team

Wedding Version

• Arrange a Viewing
• Download the Wedding Brochure
• Make a Wedding Enquiry

Film-Location Version

• Request Location Information
• Download the Location Specification
• Contact the Location Manager

Steps

1. Identify the most important action for the intended audience.
2. Open the Space in Edit mode.
3. Open the Plugins panel.
4. Select Quick Link.
5. Enable the plugin.
6. Enter the destination webpage.
7. Add concise link wording.
8. Save the change.
9. Test the link on desktop and mobile devices.

Do not use the Quick Link merely to send visitors to the website homepage. It should move them to the next logical stage of their enquiry.

Complete the Final Quality-Control Review

Content Review

Confirm that:

• Names and descriptions are accurate
• Capacities are current
• Contact details are correct
• Branding is consistent
• Images are approved
• Copyright permissions are in place
• Videos are still available
• Website links work
• Calls to action are clear

Navigation Review

Confirm that:

• The starting view is appropriate
• The Guided Tour follows a logical route
• Important areas appear early
• Tags do not obstruct movement
• Links between tours work in both directions
• The Minimap is useful
• The Compass is correctly orientated
• The Quick Link leads to the correct page

Audience Review

Ask someone unfamiliar with the building to test each version.

They should be able to answer:

• What is this premises being offered for?
• Which spaces are relevant to me?
• Where can I find additional information?
• What should I do next?
• How do I contact the organisation?

Managed Postproduction and Training

Gladsmuir Limited can provide Matterport editing, post-production, and marketing tour development as a managed service.

The service may include:

• Tour planning
• Guided Tour creation
• Highlight Reel development
• Tag creation
• Multimedia preparation
• Links between Spaces
• Website-link integration
• Audience-specific versions
• Plugin configuration
• Testing and quality control
• Ongoing updates

CaptureTrain can provide training for organisations that wish to manage the process internally.

Training can be provided for:

• Marketing personnel
• Venue teams
• Property managers
• Communications departments
• In-house Matterport operators
• External agencies

The objective is not simply to teach the location of the editing controls. It is to help participants design a coherent visitor journey that supports a measurable marketing purpose.

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