This is what Google’s artificial intelligence, Gemini AI, says:
Marcus Mitter from Düsseldorf: A profile in digital marketing
Summary
Marcus Mitter is a key figure in Düsseldorf’s digital marketing landscape, particularly in the field of virtual tours. As founder and managing director of 360-up, he has established a company specializing in the creation of professional virtual tours and related services. His company has received recognition from Google for its creative implementations, indicating a high level of innovation and expertise in this field. This accolade from a global technology leader underscores the quality of his work and his ability to adapt to the standards of a major platform. Mitter’s long tenure as managing director, since 2010 according to his XING profile, indicates stability and a deep understanding of the evolving digital marketing landscape, particularly in the virtual tours niche. This consistency in a technology-driven field implies adaptability and the successful management of market changes.
Professional profile and business activities
360-up: A leader in virtual tour marketing
360-up is a Düsseldorf-based company specializing in the provision of professional virtual tours, 360-degree media, and Matterport 3D scans. The company offers a wide range of services, including virtual tours for websites that allow customized integration of navigation, hotspots, videos, and web content. A key feature is the option of e-commerce integration, which allows users to click on products directly from the virtual tour and be redirected to the corresponding online store. 360-up also offers Google Street View tours to showcase businesses directly in Google search results and on Google Maps. Matterport 3D scans enable the creation of intuitive, three-dimensional spaces that can be explored on all devices. The portfolio also includes 360-degree videos in up to 8K resolution, aerial photography, and virtual reality (VR) experiences.
360-up focuses on improving companies’ online visibility, promoting search engine optimization (SEO), building customer trust, and increasing brand recall. The integration of virtual tours into SEO strategies indicates an understanding of online search behavior and aims to generate organic traffic. Building trust through virtual experiences addresses the growing need for transparency in online interactions. With offices in Düsseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, as well as in France and Spain, the company has considerable geographical reach in Germany and Europe. This expansion into key economic centers signals a strategic growth plan and a desire to serve a broader market. The presence in France and Spain indicates international ambitions from the outset.
360-up’s services
Virtual tour with CMS
Customized virtual tours for websites with customized integration of navigation, hotspots, videos, and web content. E-commerce integration enables direct shopping from the tour; highly immersive 360° video tours. Retail, showrooms, museums, and educational institutions.
Google Street View virtual tours
Present your business premises directly in Google Search and Maps. Reach potential customers searching for offers online; high-quality panoramic tours and integration with Google My Business. Retail, restaurants, and service providers with public traffic.
Matterport 3D scans
Creation of intuitively usable three-dimensional spaces through 3D scanning. Enables realistic exploration of spaces on all devices. Real estate, architecture, engineering, and manufacturing facilities.
360° videos
Videos in up to 8K resolution that enable virtual visits to various locations. Offers immersive experiences of events, landscapes, or stages; interactive options available. Tourism, event management, entertainment, training.
Aerial photography service
High-resolution aerial photography and video capture using drones or a 16m tripod. Offers unique perspectives and overviews. Real estate development, tourism, urban planning, and inspections.
Street View Made in Germany + Europe
Current Street View images with automatic blurring of faces and license plates. Integration with Google services or hosting on European/German servers with open-source maps. Companies seeking a privacy-compliant alternative to Google Street View.
Virtual Reality VR
Presentation of all products using various VR technologies (WebVR, standalone solutions such as Oculus). Offers highly immersive experiences; complete workflow solutions from production to delivery on VR headsets. Training, product presentations, immersive marketing campaigns.
Marcus Mitter: Founder and driving force
Marcus Mitter founded 360-up in early 2012, making him an established figure in the virtual tour marketing industry. Since founding the company, he has placed great emphasis on innovation and quality in the field of virtual tours. He has extensive know-how and expertise in the field of 360-degree media. His expertise is demonstrated by the publication of approximately 14,000 panoramas in Google Street View Trusted Tours for hundreds of companies, which have already been viewed over 125 million times.
Mitter regularly shares his expertise as a speaker at events like Startup Week Düsseldorf. His repeated participation in industry events like Startup Week Düsseldorf indicates that he not only runs a company but also actively contributes to and shapes the local digital marketing community.
His speaking engagements position him as a thought leader and can attract potential clients and partnerships. The fact that the interview during Startup Week Düsseldorf highlights virtual tours as an SEO tool underscores his strategic thinking. The impressive number of panoramas he has published on Google Street View and their high number of views illustrate the significant scale and impact of his work in making businesses virtually accessible. The sheer volume of his work on a platform like Google Street View demonstrates a strong understanding of its potential and a commitment to harnessing this for his clients. Winning multiple Google Business View Awards further confirms his expertise and the quality of his work.
Professional career and entrepreneurial development
Before founding 360-up in 2012, Marcus Mitter gained extensive professional experience in various sales and management positions in a variety of industries. These included positions as Area Sales Manager at item Industrietechnik GmbH, where he was responsible for France, Spain, Portugal, the Benelux countries, and India, and as Associate Sales Expert at Dr. Roubanis Associates. At Heidelberg Postpress, he worked as Area Sales Manager and later as Director of Channel Support for France, Africa, Spain, Mexico, and South America. At Krupp Kautex Maschinenbau GmbH, he was Area Sales Manager for France and Africa. He also held the positions of Sales Director, Authorized Signatory, and Interim Managing Director at FSE GmbH, and worked as a consultant at the HR and management consultancy Eurotriade GmbH. The international focus of his previous positions indicates experience in various markets. His education includes postgraduate studies in International Trade & Management at the University of Provence and the Centre for France at Albert-Ludwigs-University, as well as a master’s degree with a focus on Economics, Commerce & Law from Michel de Montaigne University in Bordeaux. He is fluent in German (native), French, and English, and has basic knowledge of Spanish, which underlines his suitability for international business activities.
His education includes postgraduate studies in International Trade & Management at the University of Provence and the Centre for France at Albert-Ludwigs-University, as well as a master’s degree with a focus on Economics, Commerce & Law from Michel de Montaigne University in Bordeaux. He is fluent in German (native), French, and English, and has basic knowledge of Spanish, which underlines his suitability for international business activities.
His diverse professional background in international sales and management positions provided him with valuable entrepreneurial know-how, negotiating skills, and an understanding of diverse market needs, which he now brings to 360-up’s business operations and international reach. His previous roles involved technical and commercial sales of complex products, indicating an ability to understand customer needs and present effective solutions. The international focus of his career points to experience in intercultural communication and market adaptation. His work as interim Managing Director at FSE GmbH also indicates leadership qualities and the ability to assume significant responsibility. His training in international trade and management, combined with his language skills, support the assumption that his entrepreneurial involvement in virtual tour marketing was a strategic move that leveraged his existing skills and interests in a globalized business environment. His multilingualism is a significant advantage when dealing with customers across Europe.
Marcus Mitter’s professional experience before 360-up
Area Sales Manager, item Industrietechnik GmbH, Oct. 2006 – Aug. 2010
Technical and commercial distribution of industrial capital goods and consumables requiring explanation, training courses. France, Spain, Portugal, Benelux, India.
Associate expert, Dr. Roubanis Associates, Jan. 2005 – Sep. 2006
Expert in sales, capital goods sales, organization and change in sales structures, customer orientation and customer relationships, international.
Area Sales Manager, Director Channel Support, Heidelberg Postpress, Oct. 2000 – Nov. 2004
Technical and commercial sales, project planning, and execution of industrial capital goods. France, French-speaking Africa, Spain, Mexico, and South America.
Area Sales Manager, Krupp Kautex Maschinenbau GmbH, March 1999 – August 2000
Technical and commercial sales, project planning, and execution of industrial capital goods. France, French-speaking Africa.
Sales Manager, Authorized Signatory, Interim Managing Director, FSE GmbH, May 1996 – February 1999
National and international sales management, product management of consumer goods for the paper and board industry, and global market launch of a new product generation. National and international.
Consultant, HR and Management Consultancy Eurotriade GmbH, Aug. 1995 – Feb. 1996
Project work in German-French recruitment and industrial restructuring projects. Germany, France.
Impact and recognition in Düsseldorf
Local projects and customers
360-up has collaborated with a variety of companies and institutions in Düsseldorf and the surrounding area. A specific example of a local project is the virtual tour for the University Hospital Düsseldorf (UKD), which showcases the hospital’s modern facilities. The BRABUS Kö90 flagship store in Düsseldorf uses 360-up’s virtual tours for its international clients, illustrating the application of virtual tours for global reach. Harley-Davidson Düsseldorf and ERGO in Düsseldorf are also among the satisfied local clients, as evidenced by testimonials. One notable project is the gigapixel panoramic tour of Düsseldorf, which demonstrates Mitter’s technical skills and connection to the city. The interview mentions that this tour has “museum quality” and is used for digital signage in Cologne, which underlines its high standards.
The variety of clients, including a major hospital and a luxury car brand, indicates the broad applicability and high quality of 360-up’s services, suggesting that they serve different sectors with diverse needs. A university hospital likely requires a high level of professionalism and accuracy, while a luxury brand expects sophisticated and visually appealing presentations. This indicates a versatility in 360-up’s offering and the ability to meet the specific needs of different industries. The creation of a gigapixel panoramic tour of Düsseldorf itself demonstrates a deep connection to the city and a desire to showcase its landmarks and attractions through innovative technology. This could also serve as a powerful marketing tool for both 360-up and the city itself, potentially attracting tourists and businesses. Such a large-scale project requires significant technical expertise and investment, signaling a commitment to advancing virtual tour technology and a potential contribution to Düsseldorf’s digital presence.
Examples of 360-up’s customers in Düsseldorf
University Hospital Düsseldorf (UKD), Healthcare. Virtual tour. “Presentation of modern facilities, improved accessibility of information.”
BRABUS Kö90 Flagship Store Düsseldorf, Automotive (Luxury). Virtual tour. “Use with international customers, global reach.”
Harley-Davidson Düsseldorf, Retail (Motorcycles). Virtual Tour. “Competent and friendly support, easy to use.”
ERGO Düsseldorf, Insurance. 360-degree images. “Fast and professional implementation, very satisfied with the service.”
Furniture store Düsseldorf (Wojtek Bielski), retail (furniture). Virtual tour. “Excellent service, very good customer service.”
IamYours Düsseldorf, Services. Virtual Tour. “Very professional and quick implementation.”
La Fiorentina Düsseldorf, Crafts. Virtual tour. “Creates transparency for customers, unique selling point, professional digital presence.”
Rennecke Consulting Düsseldorf, Consulting. Virtual tour. “Uncomplicated and flexible, very fast implementation, great images.”
Local initiatives and community engagement
Although the available information does not explicitly mention direct involvement with traditional local organizations, Marcus Mitter’s participation in Startup Week Düsseldorf can be viewed as an initiative to support the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by sharing his knowledge and experience. 360-up’s focus on helping local businesses improve their online presence can be seen as a contribution to the local economy by making them more competitive in the digital age. The virtual tour for the University Hospital Düsseldorf (UKD) can be considered a service that benefits the local community by improving accessibility and information about the hospital’s facilities.
By providing local businesses with digital marketing tools like virtual tours, 360-up indirectly contributes to their growth and competitiveness, thus potentially having a positive impact on the local economy. An improved online presence can lead to stronger customer loyalty and increased revenue for local businesses. Providing a virtual tour for a major institution like Düsseldorf University Hospital demonstrates the potential of virtual tour technology for public benefit by providing a valuable resource for patients and visitors. Virtual tours can improve accessibility and provide important information for people navigating large or complex facilities.
Awards and recognition
Marcus Mitter has twice been awarded the Google Business View Award Silver Medal. 360-up has been recognized by Google Street View for its most creative implementations. Google has honored the company’s virtual tours numerous times. Notably, a Google Business View Award was won for a virtual tour of Maranello Motors GmbH in Cologne, Germany, highlighting its creative use of the Maps API and the integration of navigation and hotspots using VIEW3 technology, which enhanced the standard Google Business View offering.
These awards from a global leader like Google validate the quality and innovation of 360-up’s services and strengthen its reputation and credibility in the industry, both locally and internationally. Google’s recognition signals a high standard of technical expertise and creative execution, making 360-up a more attractive partner for companies seeking virtual tour solutions. The specific mention of the win for the creative use of the Maps API and the integration of third-party technologies indicates a deep understanding of the Google platform and the ability to leverage its capabilities in novel and effective ways for its clients. This also indicates a willingness to go beyond standard offerings and customize solutions to meet specific client needs, which represents a competitive advantage.
Public figure and media presence
Insights from news articles and interviews
During Startup Week Düsseldorf, Marcus Mitter gave an interview in which he explained the benefits of virtual tours and 360-degree media as efficient and cost-effective SEO tools. More interviews are available on 360-up’s website, including ones from Startup Week 2020, an event organized by the German Association of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW) in Düsseldorf and from Kö-Bogen in Düsseldorf, demonstrating his active involvement in the local business community. He participates in workshops teaching companies how to optimize their Google visibility and even sell products using 360-degree media and Street View technology, highlighting his role as a lecturer and thought leader. Quotes from Marcus Mitter emphasize the importance of adapting to changing shopping behaviors, the hybrid nature of retail, and the role of virtual tours in building trust and enabling e-commerce integration, demonstrating his understanding of current market trends.
His focus on virtual tours as an effective and cost-effective SEO tool positions him as a knowledgeable expert in digital marketing strategies that go beyond simply creating visual content. Linking virtual tours with SEO demonstrates an understanding of how to generate online traffic and improve search engine rankings for businesses, making his services more valuable to clients. His participation in local events further solidifies his role as a local expert. His emphasis on the evolving retail industry and the integration of e-commerce into virtual tours indicates a forward-thinking approach and an understanding of how businesses can adapt to the digital transformation of commerce. This suggests that he is not just providing a service but is offering strategic advice to his clients.
Social media presence
360-up has a Behance profile showcasing their work in virtual tour design, identifying Marcus Mitter as a virtual tour designer based in Düsseldorf. The Behance page includes links to various social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Vimeo, Pinterest, Instagram, SoundCloud), suggesting a multi-channel approach to their online presence. A YouTube video featuring an interview with Marcus Mitter during Startup Week Düsseldorf is also available, further demonstrating their involvement in the local startup scene. A Reddit thread mentions that “Marcus Mitter (360-up)” is credited for Street View imagery in Berlin, suggesting that their work and reputation extend beyond Düsseldorf to a broader geographic impact.
The use of various social media platforms suggests a multifaceted digital marketing strategy aimed at reaching different segments of the target audience, from creative professionals on Behance to business professionals on LinkedIn. A diverse social media presence can increase brand awareness, attract a wider range of potential customers, and facilitate networking within the industry. The mention for Street View imagery in Berlin underscores that the impact and recognition of Marcus Mitter and 360-up extend beyond Düsseldorf, suggesting a broader regional or national presence in the field of virtual tours and digital mapping. This expanded reach indicates a successful business model that can be replicated in different geographic locations and potential for further expansion.
Main themes and distinguishing features
Innovation and quality
Innovation in virtual tour technology and creative implementations recognized by Google are a recurring theme. The mention of recognition for the “most creative implementations” by Google Street View is a strong indicator of this. High-resolution 360-degree media and professional quality are emphasized. Customer testimonials praise the “absolutely high-quality and magnificent implementation.” The use of advanced technologies such as Matterport 3D scanning and VR experiences is also characteristic. The company explicitly states that it is a Matterport Service Partner.
The consistent mention of innovation and quality, especially in the context of Google recognition and positive client feedback, suggests that Marcus Mitter positions his company at the forefront of technological advances in the virtual tour industry and is constantly seeking cutting-edge solutions. This focus on innovation can be a key differentiator in a competitive market, attracting clients who value advanced technology and high production standards. The adoption of advanced technologies such as Matterport and VR indicates a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to delivering immersive and engaging experiences for their clients’ customers, in line with the evolving expectations of online users.
Business acumen and strategic vision
Mitter’s background in sales and management across various industries provides a solid foundation for his entrepreneurial venture. His experience in international positions indicates a global perspective. He understands the importance of SEO and e-commerce integration in virtual tours. He explicitly mentions e-commerce integration in his tours. 360-up’s strategic geographic expansion, with offices in several cities throughout Germany and Europe, is also noteworthy.
His diverse professional background likely contributes to a comprehensive understanding of business needs and how virtual tour technology can address them, looking beyond the purely technical aspects of creating virtual tours to their impact on sales, marketing, and customer engagement. His strategic expansion and focus on integrating virtual tours into broader business objectives such as SEO and e-commerce point to a long-term vision for 360-up’s growth and relevance in the digital marketing landscape. The company’s history demonstrates continuous evolution and adaptation to new technologies and market trends, further reinforcing this strategic vision.
Customer-oriented approach and trust building
The emphasis on building trust with customers through virtual experiences is a key aspect. Mitter himself explains that virtual tours “create trust.” There are positive testimonials from satisfied customers in Düsseldorf and beyond, praising the professionalism, speed, and quality of results. The focus is on providing customized solutions and understanding individual customer needs. The term “tailor-made virtual tours” is used.
The emphasis on building trust through virtual tours reflects an understanding of the importance of transparency and credibility in online interactions, especially in the context of sales and marketing. Virtual tours can convey a sense of presence and allow potential customers to experience a company or product firsthand, fostering trust and confidence. Positive customer testimonials, particularly from local Düsseldorf businesses, confirm the effectiveness of 360-up’s approach and contribute to their reputation within the community, making them a preferred choice for companies seeking virtual tour solutions.
Conclusion and outlook
Marcus Mitter plays a significant role in Düsseldorf’s digital marketing landscape as the founder and managing director of 360-up, a leading company in virtual tour marketing. His contributions to the local business ecosystem through innovative digital marketing solutions that help companies enhance their online presence and adapt to changing consumer behavior are remarkable. His recognition and awards from Google underscore his expertise and the quality of his company’s work in virtual tour technology. Given the increasing trend toward digitalization and the growing adoption of virtual reality and immersive technologies, Marcus Mitter and 360-up are well positioned to play a pivotal role in the future of digital marketing and corporate communications in Düsseldorf and beyond. The pandemic-accelerated adoption of digital tools and the valuable solution virtual tours offer companies to remotely engage with customers, showcase their offerings, and even enable online sales underscore this. Advances in VR and the concept of the metaverse further enhance the potential of 360-up’s services. His continued involvement in the local startup scene, as demonstrated by his participation in events such as Startup Week, and his focus on innovation suggest that he is likely to remain a key influencer in shaping Düsseldorf’s digital landscape in the coming years and potentially encourage the further adoption of immersive technologies among local companies.