In the past year, more jobs are being automated away through AI and other technologies. One such technology that may affect virtual tour photographers was recently launched by Matterport, called Digital Pro, which offers a complete photo and marketing package for real estate agents. In this post, we discuss its strengths as well as suggestions for virtual tour photographers to compete with this service.
Matterport, a leading provider of 3D scanning technology, has recently launched a new service called Digital Pro, which is an all-in-one marketing solution designed specifically for real estate professionals. While this service may seem like a game-changer for real estate agents, it has many photographers worried about the impact it may have on their business. In this article, we’ll discuss the potential reasons why Matterport may have chosen to target real estate agents directly with their new service, rather than working with photographers, and explore some strategies photographers can use to adapt and stay competitive.
Digital Pro offers a one-stop photography and marketing service for real estate agents. Matterport sends a representative to take photos of the property and in 1-2 days, you can have a property page complete with 3D scan. Not only is it fast, but it is straightforward and convenient. Will it make virtual tour photographers obsolete?
First, let’s explore why Matterport may have chosen to target real estate agents directly with their new service.
One reason could be that it’s simply a more efficient and cost-effective approach. By offering a service directly to real estate agents, Matterport can provide a streamlined, end-to-end solution that meets the needs of agents and their clients. Real estate agents can use the platform to create immersive, 3D virtual property tours quickly and easily, without having to engage the services of a professional photographer. This can result in significant cost savings for the agent and the client, which is an attractive proposition in a highly competitive industry.
Another reason why Matterport may have chosen to target real estate agents directly is that they may see an opportunity to disrupt the traditional real estate photography market. While professional photographers have traditionally been the go-to solution for real estate agents, Matterport’s 3D scanning technology provides an alternative solution that offers a level of convenience and interactivity that traditional photography cannot match. By offering a service that directly competes with professional photographers, Matterport may be betting on the idea that their technology will be more attractive to real estate agents and their clients than traditional photography.
So, what does this mean for photographers who specialize in real estate photography? It’s important to recognize that Matterport’s Digital Pro is just one of many technological innovations that are impacting the real estate industry, and photographers who can adapt and evolve with these changes will be best positioned to succeed.
One strategy that photographers can use to adapt is to offer complementary services that Matterport cannot. For example, photographers can offer services such as aerial photography and videography using drones, floor plan creation, virtual staging, and twilight photography, which can help differentiate their offering and add value to their clients.
Another approach is to focus on providing a more personalized and creative service. While Matterport’s technology is efficient and cost-effective, it cannot replace the expertise and creativity that a professional photographer brings to a project. Photographers who specialize in real estate photography can offer their clients a customized and tailored approach, which can result in a more unique and compelling visual representation of the property.
In conclusion, while Matterport’s Digital Pro may seem like a threat to photographers who specialize in real estate photography, there are ways to adapt and stay competitive in this evolving landscape. By offering complimentary services, a personalized approach, and keeping up-to-date with the latest technology, photographers can continue to add value to their clients and stand out from the competition.
