In the marketing world, augmented reality (AR) emerges as a transformative force, reshaping how businesses engage with customers. From interactive product demos to virtual try-ons and immersive dining experiences, AR not only enhances customer engagement but also drives sales and fosters brand loyalty. Discover how AR is revolutionizing marketing, providing unparalleled opportunities for businesses, and creating unforgettable experiences for consumers.
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What is Augmented Reality and its Benefits?
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, thus providing a composite view. AR is related to two largely synonymous terms: mixed reality and computer-mediated reality. While similar to virtual reality (VR), AR does not completely replace the user’s real-world environment but instead augments it.
Customer Engagement
Augmented Reality (AR), being one of the trends of interactive marketing, presents numerous advantages for both customers and businesses, enhancing customer engagement through immersive experiences. Different companies and brands can utilize the power of augmented reality from showcasing the product in an immersive manner to providing the opportunity to try the products before buying them. It is especially beneficial for customers since it helps resolve their doubts regarding purchasing particular products. And, of course, when a client is happy, a business thrives.
Personalization
Furthermore, AR opens the door to highly personalized marketing endeavors. McKinsey research shows that 71% of consumers expect companies to deliver personalized interactions. This growing demand for tailored content and interactions reflects the evolving preferences of today’s consumers, who seek unique and meaningful engagement with the brands they interact with.
However, the stakes are high in this competitive landscape. The research further reveals that 76% of consumers become frustrated when companies fail to meet their expectations for personalization. This frustration can lead to a negative perception of the brand and, in some cases, result in customers shifting their loyalty to competitors who can provide the personalized experiences they desire.
Brand Recall
In addition to bolstering engagement and personalization, AR significantly enhances brand recall. Even though augmented reality has already been in our lives for a while, it is still an innovative approach and experience for customers that is difficult to forget.
In the competitive landscape of modern marketing, where attention spans are short and choices are abundant, the ability to create a memorable brand experience is invaluable. AR, with its ability to leave a lasting imprint on the minds of consumers, provides businesses with a powerful tool to enhance brand recall.
Driving Sales
Moreover, AR also proves instrumental in driving sales by offering customers a tangible understanding of products.
According to statistics, customers are more interested in shopping if retailers offer AR over the ones that don’t. Additionally, 72% of shoppers purchased the items that they had not planned to purchase because of AR.
The integration of AR not only amplifies customer engagement, personalization, and brand recall but also drives sales, reduces returns, and provides invaluable data for refining marketing approaches and product offerings.
How Is Augmented Reality Being Used in Marketing?
Even though AR is a relatively new technology, it can provide marketers with a number of benefits over traditional means of marketing. Augmented reality can be used to create demos, virtual try ons, social media filters transforming the way consumers interact with products and brands.
Product Demos
Augmented reality (AR) has transformed the way we experience product demonstrations, making them more engaging, informative, and accessible than ever before. With AR product demos, customers can now interact with products in a remarkably realistic manner, even if they’re miles away from a physical store.
The advantages of AR product demos are abundant. Firstly, they offer an engaging and interactive experience. Customers can manipulate virtual objects, gaining a deep understanding of their functionality and benefits. This hands-on interaction fosters a sense of confidence and connection with the product.
For example, LEGO is one of the companies that uses AR to bring magic into their products. LEGO Ninjago created an immersive app available on both iOS and Android devices. Once downloaded, the app lets you scan your LEGO Ninjago sets, transforming them into interactive AR experiences.
Imagine building your very own LEGO Ninjago world—complete with castles, vehicles, and characters—all within the app. Defend your castle from enemies or explore different neighborhoods in your virtual city. The app also offers exciting games, from racing cars to epic sword fights, allowing you to challenge your friends or team up to solve puzzles and defeat bosses.
But LEGO Ninjago AR isn’t just about play; it’s a learning tool too. Discover the rich lore of Ninjago, exploring characters, vehicles, and storylines featured in the sets and TV shows. LEGO Ninjago AR isn’t just a game changer; it’s a doorway to endless creativity and learning.
Secondly, AR product demos are incredibly convenient. No longer restricted to store hours or geographical locations, consumers can explore products from the comfort of their homes, at any time. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for those living in remote areas or with mobility challenges.
Additionally, AR adds a layer of informativeness to the experience. By overlaying key product details, such as features, benefits, and pricing, directly onto the virtual product, customers can make well-informed decisions. This transparency empowers buyers, ensuring they understand exactly what they’re investing in.
Numerous forward-thinking companies have already embraced AR for product demonstrations. Take IKEA, for instance, with its AR app enabling customers to visualize furniture placement in their homes. Nike lets users virtually “try on” shoes, and BMW enthusiasts can explore their dream cars up close, all thanks to AR technology.
Virtual Try-On
Now, thanks to AR technology, trying on clothes or accessories is as easy as a scan on your smartphone or tablet. With virtual try-ons, you can visualize trendy outfits or stylish accessories on your image instantly. This convenience is a game-changer, especially for those in remote areas or with busy schedules, as it allows you to shop anytime, anywhere, avoiding the hassle of physical stores.
The accuracy of AR virtual try-ons is remarkable, offering a realistic preview of how the outfit fits your body. Detailed product information, from features to sizing, is overlaid on the virtual item, empowering you to make informed decisions. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend guiding you toward the perfect choice.
Incorporating the best of convenience, accuracy, and informed decision-making, AR virtual try-ons represent the future of shopping. Don’t miss out—dive into the world of virtual fashion today!
However, Virtual Try-On is not only about clothes, it can be implemented for different purposes and products. IKEA is a great example of how AR technology can be used to improve customers’ shopping experience.
IKEA Place is a fantastic augmented reality app designed to make furniture shopping a breeze. With the app, you can virtually place IKEA furniture in your home before making a purchase. It’s as simple as using your phone’s camera to scan your room, and then watch as images of IKEA furniture seamlessly appear in your real-world space.
IKEA Place is also a wellspring of inspiration. It’s your personal decorator, allowing you to experiment with various furniture arrangements and decor concepts. You can test different layouts without breaking a sweat, helping you discover the perfect setup that combines functionality with style.
Perhaps most importantly, the app is your shield against buyer’s remorse. No more second-guessing your choices after a purchase. IKEA Place gives you a preview of how the furniture will look in your home, saving you both money and headaches in the long run.
One more example, even though an unusual one, is from the food industry. And it is expected that you ask “Wait, how can I try FOOD with augmented reality? It’s impossible”. Well, even though tasting the food is only possible in real life, understanding how the dish looks is not less important. One of the common problems that customers of cafes and restaurants experience is the lack of understanding of some positions on menus. Due to the mix of cuisines from different countries and cultures, sometimes it is difficult to understand what is behind the name of a dish on a menu. Enter Augmented Reality.
The Happy Group’s 3D AR Menu truly transforms the dining experience, adding an exciting layer of innovation to the way we choose our meals. By scanning a simple QR code on the table, customers can unlock a world of culinary exploration on their phones.
Imagine browsing the menu and, with a simple tap, seeing a lifelike 3D model of your dish right on your screen. You can rotate it, zoom in, and truly savor the anticipation of your meal. This interactive feature not only informs your choice but also elevates the excitement around your dining experience.
What makes the AR menu truly special is its ability to make dining more accessible and enjoyable. It’s not just a menu; it’s an engaging culinary adventure waiting to be explored. With this innovative approach, dining out becomes not just a meal but a delightful experience, filled with anticipation, information, and a touch of fun.
Social Media Filters
Now, thanks to AR technology, trying on clothes or accessories is as easy as a scan on your smartphone or tablet. With virtual try-ons, you can visualize trendy outfits or stylish accessories on your image instantly. This convenience is a game-changer, especially for those in remote areas or with busy schedules, as it allows you to shop anytime, anywhere, avoiding the hassle of physical stores.
The accuracy of AR virtual try-ons is remarkable, offering a realistic preview of how the outfit fits your body. Detailed product information, from features to sizing, is overlaid on the virtual item, empowering you to make informed decisions. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend guiding you toward the perfect choice.
Incorporating the best of convenience, accuracy, and informed decision-making, AR virtual try-ons represent the future of shopping. Don’t miss out—dive into the world of virtual fashion today!
In modern marketing, augmented reality stands as a game-changer, transforming the way we engage with products and brands. From captivating product demos to delightful dining adventures, AR is more than just technology; it’s an immersive journey into the future of shopping. As businesses embrace AR’s potential, they’re not just selling products; they’re crafting unforgettable experiences. The horizon of marketing is boundless, promising a world where every interaction is an exciting adventure, thanks to the magic of augmented reality.
