In most cases, the difference between a business that thrives and one struggling to make a mark is innovation. People are naturally drawn to new ideas, and successful businesses in recent times understand this.
This is why you’d find them integrating these new tactics into their every interaction with consumers. Augmented reality marketing is one of these new additions that is changing the game for marketers and next-generation businesses. One typical example is the integration of AR into virtual slot machines in casinos, such as Brucebet, for example. Players are able to enjoy immersive themes and gameplay through the interactive features of these slots. The possibilities of this tech in every other sector are endless, and in this article, we’ll explore the many ways you can introduce it to your marketing and brand engagement plans.
Understanding Augmented Reality
AR and VR are two innovations that get easily confused or mixed up, so we’ll begin by clearing up this confusion. Virtual reality is the use of computer modeling, algorithms, and simulations to interact with artificial 3D worlds. On the other hand, it is an innovation that integrates digital information into one’s everyday experiences. With AR, creators can use screens and mobile devices to enhance the world around them using sounds, visual elements, and other sensory stimuli.
In today’s online market, customers can access several augmented reality applications that allow them to try on clothes and shoes without doing so physically. One of these is an Adidas app released during the COVID-19 year. The company introduced an application that allowed customers to try on shoes to know how they fit them without visiting a physical store. All they had to do was point the smartphone towards their feet, and the app showed the images on their screen. Augmented reality allows users to bring virtual items into the real world and interact through sight, sound, touch, or smell. If harnessed properly, such technology has the potential to be a game changer for any business.
The major reason AR is trending in businesses today is to provide immersive and interactive experiences for the consumer. There is a lot AR can promote in companies, and some of these are:
- Visualized Product Experiences;
- Competitive Advantage;
- Optimizing Brand Awareness;
- Customer Satisfaction;
- Better Brand Engagement.
How Can Augmented Reality Improve Brand Engagement
Imagine being able to find out how a piece of furniture looks in an apartment even before making the purchase. This sort of imagination is already a reality with a platform like IKEA. The platform does this with its app, allowing buyers to view their homes through smartphones and mobile devices. These sorts of innovations naturally draw in consumers and engage the audience in ways people never thought were possible. There are so many other ways AR is improving brand engagement. Let’s get into them in the sections below.
Improving Product Demonstration
The IKEA example given in the intro to this section perfectly describes the relevance of AR in the product demonstration. In past times, product demonstrations to customers were limited to physical sales and what brand representatives could present to buyers during a one-to-one interaction. The dynamics are different with AR. Customers can explore these things without necessarily getting in contact with a salesperson or the product itself. They get to see these products in action, interact with them, and see how they fit into their everyday experiences.
Optimizing Shopping Experience
The technology changes a lot for customers when it comes to their shopping experiences. Customers can use this technology to virtually try on clothing, shoes, glasses, and accessories through their smartphones or AR mirrors, reducing the need for physical fitting rooms and increasing confidence in purchases. Better shopping experiences make consumers happy, and there is a high likelihood that such buyers become returning customers, ultimately driving better sales for businesses.
Improving Brand Awareness
If you’ve never heard of IKEA, its innovative approach mentioned in this article has created some sort of awareness. Brands that go the extra mile in integrating innovative technologies will always stand out. They get to be part of leading conversations, and improve awareness for their products and services. Additionally, AR can be used to create interactive and immersive content that could further put the brand out there. It facilitates the kind of marketing that speaks for itself.
Embracing AR for Better Competitive Advantage
There is a lot that brands can achieve through the use of augmented reality, and some of these things have been highlighted in this article. The business sector today is fast-paced, and any brand looking to make waves should understand the rudiments of maximizing trendy technologies. Embracing the technology is not just about keeping up with trends; it’s about leveraging technology to create meaningful connections with consumers. By integrating AR into strategies, brands can enhance engagement, improve customer experiences, and establish themselves as leading businesses.