It’s hard to believe that augmented reality (AR) has been a part of our lives for years but only gained popularity a few years ago. But in that short time, it has already changed the way we interact with the world around us. And now, it is starting to change the way businesses market their products and services.
With augmented reality, businesses have improved customers’ connection with brands, increased engagement with ads and marketing materials, and boosted their perceived value, which has contributed to increased sales for numerous businesses worldwide.
If you’re not sure if you should jump on the AR bandwagon, this blog post is for you. We explore how AR is changing marketing and provide tips to help you use this marketing strategy to your advantage.
How is Augmented Reality Changing Marketing?
If you’re not familiar with augmented reality, it is modifying the real world using technology. This can be done by adding digital elements to the physical world or blending the real and virtual worlds.
AR is being used in various industries, including marketing, education, healthcare, and more. However, it has proven invaluable in marketing, so much that every business wants to take advantage of this technology. Here’s how AR is changing marketing:
Improved Customers’ Connection with Brands
One of the most significant benefits of augmented reality is that it improves customers’ connection with brands. With AR, customers can interact with products in a whole new way. They can view products from all angles, learn more about them, and even try them on.
This allows customers to connect with various brands more emotionally and emphatically. As a result, they are more likely to make a purchase. In fact, studies have shown that augmented reality can boost sales up to 200%. This is a considerable number for businesses of all sizes!
Sources: Forbes
Increased Engagement with Ads and Marketing Materials
Another benefit of augmented reality is that it increases engagement with ads and marketing materials. AR allows customers to engage with ads in a fun and interesting way. They can:
- Explore the ad
- Learn more about the product or service
- See how it works
A perfect example is the Pokémon Go game. When it was released, millions of people downloaded it and started playing. The app used augmented reality to bring the Pokémon characters to life. People could see them walking around in their neighbourhood and catch them all. The game was so successful that it generated over $1.2 Bn in world revenue.
Boosting Perceived Value
Using AR to market products and services also gives brands a chance to display themselves as industry leaders. They can show how they are using the latest technology to enhance the customer experience. This will make customers more likely to choose their product or service over a competitor’s.
AR can also increase the perceived value of a product or service. When people can see and interact with what they are buying, they are more likely to purchase it.
Source: BNN Times
How to Utilize AR in Your Marketing Strategies for a Business
If you haven’t started using AR in your marketing yet, now is the time. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this marketing strategy.
Let Customers Try Products Before Purchase
Humans are wired to make decisions based on first-hand experience. With AR, you can allow your customers to try before they buy. This will help them make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase your product or service.
The benefit of using AR for this purpose is that it can be used for various products, and you don’t have to worry about having a vast inventory on hand. Instead, you can simply use AR to create a virtual version of your product that customers can interact with.
Enhance Product Presentations
You can also use AR to enhance product presentations. For instance, you can:
- Use it to show customers how a product works.
- Give them a more in-depth look at its features
- Use AR to show customers how a product might look in their home.
This can be especially helpful for products that are difficult to visualize, such as furniture or clothing. It can also help customers make more informed decisions about what products they want to buy.
Augment Branding Materials
You can also take your branding materials to the next level using AR. For instance, you can create AR experiences using branding materials like brochures and business cards.
For example, you can include a scannable code on brochures to direct customers to an AR experience. This can give them a more in-depth look at your product or service.
And if you’re using business cards, you can add scannable elements that will direct customers to your website or social media page. This can help you build a stronger relationship with them and keep them updated on your latest offerings.
Create Buzz Around Your Brand
While it’s crucial to use direct marketing tactics, like using scannable codes on brochures and business cards, you can also use AR to create buzz around your brand.
One way to do this is by creating an AR experience related to a current event or promotion. For example, if you’re running a Black Friday sale, you could create an AR experience that allows customers to explore your range of products in a virtual store.
This will help create excitement around your brand and encourage customers to visit your physical location or website.
Augment Touring and Assistance
You should also consider using AR to provide customers with touring and assistance services. For example, you could create an AR experience that allows customers to explore your store’s layout before visiting.
This will help them familiarize themselves with your products and make it easier to find what they’re looking for once they arrive. You can also use AR to provide instructions on using your products.
This will help reduce the chances of customers becoming confused or frustrated with your products.
Source: Smart Insights
Wrapping Up
As you can see, AR is a powerful tool you can use to improve your marketing efforts. You can use it to enhance brand awareness, educate customers, and increase sales.
If you’re not currently using AR in your marketing strategy, now is the time to start. With the growing popularity of AR, it’s sure to be a powerful tool for reaching your target audience. So what are you waiting for? Start experimenting with AR today!
