Last updated at 12:14, Tuesday, 06 November 2012

A CUMBRIAN photographer is working with Google to promote local businesses.

HELPING BUSINESSES: Claire Westwood, of Reflections Photography, takes pictures at Gillam’s Tea Rooms in Ulverston for Google Business Photos BILL WATKINSON REF: 50040552B002

Claire Westwood, of Reflections 360, is helping to bring businesses to life using Google street view technology.

Business Photos creates a 360-degree interactive tour, allowing customers to walk around and explore the interior of holiday cottages, restaurants, shops, gyms, salons and more.

And Miss Westwood, from Witherslack, is the only person in South Cumbria authorised to provide this new technology.

She said: “I have photographed 10 businesses so far, including Gillam’s in Ulverston, a bed and breakfast in Windermere and the auction rooms in Kirkby Lonsdale.

“Google are keen for their photographers to focus on small independent businesses to help boost customer numbers and many of my clients have said that the tours have really helped.

“With Business Photos, not only will images appear in Google searches, Google maps and Google places, but it is also easy to embed street view on to your own website and social media pages.”

Google only accept content from trusted photographers who have been trained to their specific requirements.

They approached Miss Westwood due to her previous experience creating virtual tours for estate agents. She said: “Google are keen for local photographers to create the virtual tours as they already know the area and have a rapport with many local business owners.

“Business Photos is a great idea, it will be very helpful for tourists looking to visit Cumbria and provide a great accessory for businesses looking to promote themselves.”

Although their is a fee for the virtual tour photography, it is free to feature your Business Photos on Google.

“Being a small business owner I am aware of how much it costs to advertise, so it is great to be able to offer a service which is effective and good value,” Miss Westwood added.

First published at 12:12, Tuesday, 06 November 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk