Augmented reality (AR) is increasingly gaining traction in the marketing field; being one of the most significant trends in marketing during 2022, it has grown to be one of the go-to applications used in marketing campaigns.
This article will look at five innovative ways to develop visionary augmented reality experiences to implement a unique marketing plan and boost sales, all while creating memorable and meaningful experiences for both the brand and the consumers.
Consumer behavior and trends are often frustratingly inconsistent. Therefore, marketing and advertising strategies must be creative to persuade people to pay attention when they are flooded with online advertisements.
The Attention Economy team at Dentsu Media studied Snapchat AR lenses and found that 80% of people engaged with Snapchat AR lenses for at least two seconds compared to less than 10% who engaged with social media formats for more or less than two seconds. With a far higher engagement rate, advertisers can utilize AR to instantly draw in customers, thus improving middle-funnel KPIs such as brand awareness and engagement.
Product visualization is the next step in online shopping. By using AR software for architects, businesses can convert their product models to 3D products for customers to view. Plus, customers can then position them in the real world to see how it might look.
Product visualization in AR allows real-time, precise 3D registration and placement of virtual items in a physical environment. This unlocks a subjective customer purchase experience. For example, the Target app’s ‘See It in Your Space’ feature lets customers digitally preview and place furniture in their homes. Thus, helping prospective customers to visualize products in a true-to-life size better and determine purchase decisions.
The ‘try before you buy’ model remains one of the most exciting and innovative AR applications in marketing. This model allows customers to virtually try on items before making a purchase. Whether in the comfort of their home or in a store-front, significantly promoting engagement and sales.
Every augmented reality company is racing to create a distinctive visual AR experience tailored to each prospective customer. Amazon, for example, quickly adapted to this rising trend in the marketing climate. They launched the Virtual Try-On for Shoe feature mid-year. It allows customers to virtually try on shoes from different brands. All they need to do is point their mobile camera at their feet. This is revolutionizing the typical online shopping experience.
AR’s accelerating integration in digital marketing strategies is a crucial example of how technology affected businesses. As previous applications centered on promoting products and increasing direct sales, AR can also boost indirect sales and raise the brand’s awareness.
For example, We MakeUp, an Italian cosmetics company, launched a Facebook AR filter that enabled users to virtually try on different shades of lipstick. From this they enjoyed a 28% increase in sales compared to video advertisements. Not to mention, a 7.9 point lift in brand awareness.
AR can bring static objects to life by superimposing computer-generated information into reality. There are myriad companies, including Holdens.Agency, who are helping brands create marketing campaigns like never before. Interactive packaging is one of the most popular AR applications in marketing. Thereby consider employing this marketing model as it complements physical products by introducing or displaying product information.
Through interactive packaging, brands can educate, inform, or entertain consumers beyond the box. All customers need to do is point their device’s camera at the physical product. For example, Jack Daniels AR experience invites consumers to virtually tour the distillery. They can learn about the brand’s history through 19th-century-inspired pop-ups once they point their phones at the bottle.
The advent of augmented reality has sparked a major shift in many businesses since future technology trends seem promising. Investing in AR is now one of the most reliable marketing strategies for businesses. Take the chance and earn new customers, increase sales, and establish customer loyalty in new and imaginative ways.
