How AR (Augmented Reality) Is The New Digital Marketing Reality

Staying ahead is important for any businesses looking to capture the attention of their target audience. One approach is the integration of augmented reality (AR) into marketing strategies.

Augmented reality, often associated with gaming and entertainment, is proving to be a game-changer. This blog will tell you why integrating augmented reality can significantly improve your digital marketing strategy, explore various forms of augmented reality, discuss the benefits, and provide real-world examples from well-known brands.

Why Would You Even Consider Augmented Reality in Marketing?

👉 Enhanced User Engagement:

Augmented reality creates an immersive and interactive experience. It captures the users’ attention in a way that traditional methods cannot. By incorporating AR elements into marketing campaigns, brands can enhance engagement and leave a lasting impression.

👉 Memorable Brand Experiences:

Unlike conventional advertising, which can be easily forgotten, AR allows brands to create memorable and unique experiences. Interactive AR content makes a lasting impact on consumers, creating a stronger connection between the brand and its audience.

👉 Differentiation in a Crowded Market:

In a digital landscape saturated with content, standing out is a challenge. Augmented reality provides a unique and novel way for brands to differentiate themselves from competitors, making their marketing efforts more memorable and effective.

What Are The Forms of Augmented Reality?

👉 Marker-Based AR:

This form of AR relies on markers, such as QR codes or images, to trigger augmented content. When users scan the marker with a compatible device, it initiates the augmented experience. This method is commonly used for interactive print advertisements and product packaging.

👉 Markerless AR:

Markerless AR, also known as location-based or GPS AR, uses the device’s GPS, compass, and other sensors to provide an augmented experience based on the user’s location. This form is popular in navigation apps, gaming, and location-specific marketing campaigns.

👉 Projection-Based AR:

Projection-based AR involves projecting augmented images or information onto real-world surfaces. This form is often used in events, exhibitions, and retail settings to create dynamic and engaging displays.

👉 Superimposition-Based AR:

Superimposition-based AR replaces the real-world view with an augmented one. This is commonly seen in AR filters on social media platforms, allowing users to see themselves with virtual elements like masks, accessories, or animations.

What Are The Benefits of Using Augmented Reality in Marketing?

👉 Increased Interactivity:

Augmented reality gives a level of interactivity that traditional marketing methods lack. Users actively engage with the content, creating a more participatory experience.

👉 Better Product Visualization:

For businesses selling physical products, AR enables customers to visualize products in their real-world environment before making a purchase. This can boost confidence in buying decisions and reduce the likelihood of returns and refunds.

👉 Data Collection and Analytics:

AR campaigns can offer valuable insights into user behavior and preferences. Analyzing data from user interactions allows marketers to refine their strategies and tailor future campaigns to better meet audience expectations.

👉 Extended Dwell Time:

The immersive nature of augmented reality encourages users to spend more time engaging with the content. Longer dwell times translate to increased brand exposure and a higher likelihood of message retention and conversion.

What Are Well-Known Brands Doing With AR?

👉 IKEA Place:

IKEA’s AR app, IKEA Place, allows users to virtually place furniture items in their homes before making a purchase. This enhances the online furniture shopping experience by giving customers a realistic preview of how products will look in their own space.

👉 Sephora Virtual Artist:

Sephora’s Virtual Artist app utilizes AR to enable users to try on different makeup products virtually. By using their smartphones’ cameras, customers can see how various products look on their own faces, helping them make more informed purchasing decisions.

👉 Pokemon GO:

While initially a gaming phenomenon, Pokemon GO demonstrated the massive potential of augmented reality. The game’s success showcased how AR could drive user engagement on a global scale, leading to increased interest in AR applications for marketing purposes.

👉 Snapchat And TikTok AR Lenses:

Snapchat and TikTok popularized augmented reality filters through its AR Lenses feature. Brands can create sponsored lenses, allowing users to interact with branded content in a fun and engaging way. This has been leveraged by various companies for promotional campaigns.

By integrating augmented reality into any digital marketing strategy is more than just a trend; it’s a strategic and brilliant move to captivate and connect with your audience in ways previously unimaginable. The reasons to use AR are compelling, from enhanced user engagement to creating memorable brand experiences. With various forms of AR available, businesses can redefine their approach to suit their objectives and target audience. The benefits, including increased interactivity and better product visualization, place augmented reality as a valuable asset in the marketer’s toolkit.

So, as you figure out your next digital marketing strategy, consider the transformative power of augmented reality. And if you need help, you can always reach TWLV20 through our socials or shoot us an email. Let’s augment your campaign with a new kind of reality.