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10 years running my 360 virtual tour business on and off. I made more money during the pandemic. Is this a blip?

Ive been running a 360 virtual business in the Philippines for almost 10 years now, prior to the pandemic i just did it on the side, i always had a day job. Money coming from 360 business was just extra money. There were a few times were i quit my day job to do 360 full time but eventually went back to work again since the business wasnt making enough to pay my bills / mortgage. There was a time when i even stopped doing 360 tours since i lost enthusiasm for it.

Around may 2020 during lockdown i got flooded with inquiries (i had a website that ranked in google, its not very competitive here in terms of SEO). When lockdown was lifted i was fully booked, i had shoots almost everyday. I had to hire my friend to help me out. I quit my day job ( work from home software developer) because i can no longer fulfill my responsibilities there.

Some clients asked if i could do 3D. I said yes and accepted jobs but outsourced the work. Demand increased for 3d so i hired a 3d Guy. Also got inquiries regarding 3D car renders, i also said yes even though i didnt know anything about it. I outsourced the work again.

Its been 7 months now since lockdown was lifted and Were still juggling multiple projects. I pinch myself sometimes because i cant believe this is happening. Im happy for what is happening to my business but at the same time im scared that its just because of the pandemic and this trend will eventually die down. Anyone here experience something similar? Do you guys think this is just a blip / fluke?

Btw this 360 business is a separate thing from bride worthy which is the business listed in my profile. That one is currently dead because of the pandemic.

on December 22, 2020
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    We received inquiries too but demand went mostly back to 3D renderings. How are things fairing for you now?

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      Hi brian. Its been a year and its still going strong. Its a mix of the 360 photoshoots and 3d renderings. I still just have 1 full time 3d guy but outsource to 3 freelancers. In terms of direction if this holds up i see us becoming a 3d agency. Vaccination is slow here which is maybe why 360 is still the main option companies look to when planning their marketing budgets.

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        Saw your site & Twitter (just followed you - @3dsmax). Good to see you experimenting with 360 options. What technologies have your clients gravitated towards for interiors? We focus mainly on interior renderings as the vast majority of inquiries are renderings here in the USA.

        Keep up the good work. Looks like you love what you do.