It's time to write yet, another tutorial on how to link and embed a Google Street View Tour.
Since 2012 Google has done a lot in terms of changing the way their software functions. From search engine changes to Maps changes there's enough to make us business owners go a bit nuts. It's important to re-learn how we navigate the many options Google gives us especially when moving between Search to Maps.
A few months ago Google changed the way that our Street View Tours appear depending on where you click to see it. You can get the tour from we call a Photos interface which will show all the photos for a particular business from the Knowledge Graph or the Maps interface that lives on Google Maps.
Many people ask why they change things so much and if you are curious then the short answer is, "to be more mobile friendly." Instead of making 2 different platforms they make one and it conforms to the device you are using. In doing so, they have either temporarily removed some functionality or have done away with it all together.
How to find my Virtual Tour Direct Link and Embed Code?
In this section we outline three methods from Desktop/Laptop to Mobile devices such as a phone and tablet. Google doesn't allow us to grab the link from the photos interface nor the See Inside interface on search. Instead, we are forced to get it from the maps interface.
Your Google Business profile card will appear. Your tour will be visible at the bottom of this profile card.
Click onto your Inside or Outside Tour thumbnail.
The Screen will switch to show your virtual tour.
In the upper left hand corner you will see a semi-transparent black rectangle with your business name and a date. This box contains 3 small vertical dots.
After clicking the 3 dots you will find the options to share and embed the tour.
If you see the Knowledge Panel on the right side of the screen, You will also see a miniature map. Click onto the mini map. If you do not see the knowledge panel for your business then you might consider some local SEO services.
After clicking the map your screen will switch to Google Maps, your business profile card should then show up on the left hand side of screen.
Your Tour will be visible on this profile card.
The Screen will switch once more to show your virtual tour.
Google allows us to grab a shareable link to our virtual tours only. The Embed code is only available on desktop versions of Google Maps.
Tap onto the business name and the profile card will slide upward.
After following the simple instructions above you will be able to paste links into Social Media, Emails, Websites, etc. The embed code will allow you to be able to share your virtual tour from any place where you can embed a YouTube video while keeping it's interactivity. If you are looking to embed into Facebook check out our upcoming post on How to embed a Street View Tour on Facebook.
2. Share your Street View tour any where that will allow HTML code such as G+, Facebook, Forums, Newsletters, Online Directories, etc.