You may be familiar with virtual reality (VR), but what about augmented reality (AR)? AR is the hottest new way to create an interactive customer experience. In most cases, a bulky video headset isn’t required – all consumers need to tap into augmented reality is a smartphone and the appropriate app. Many industries can tap into AR. Make sure you aren’t missing out on this opportunity!
What is Augmented Reality?
Unlike VR, which creates whole new worlds from scratch, AR puts computer-generated objects into the real world to enhance the user’s experience. When you watch a football game on TV, the yellow line on the field highlighting the first-down mark is an example of augmented reality. Digital creatures running across your lawn in Pokémon Go and Snapchat filters that allow you to take pictures of yourself wearing a cartoon top hat are more modern examples of AR.
The whimsical entertainment value of AR can’t be denied, but that’s only the beginning. It’s also used in education, medicine, navigation, manufacturing and marketing. Indeed, some industry professionals believe augmented reality is the future of marketing.
How Marketers Use AR to Impact Consumers
In-app advertising is one thing, but AR takes it to a whole new level. Consider these diverse uses of augmented reality in a consumer’s everyday life:
- A DIYer uses AR to sample wall colors before purchasing paint.
- A furniture shopper uses AR to browse sofas and see which ones will fit in the living room.
- A traveler uses AR to get a 360-degree view of different hotels before booking a room.
- A moviegoer scans a poster with their smartphone to watch the movie trailer and access special 3D content.
- A woman uses AR to try on different eye shadow, lipstick and blush before making a purchase.
The Future of AR and Marketing
As augmented reality continues to impact the world of marketing, you may be curious about where we go from here. Consider what the future holds:
- AR virtual stores could allow consumers to try out products and buy them directly online, promoting an engaging, in-store-like experience without ever leaving home.
- Interactive AR videos could show consumers how to use a product correctly. For companies selling services, AR videos could show customers what their experience would be like.
- Sharable AR content could generate more brand awareness. If you create amazing lenses, games, videos and other interactive content, people will want to spread them around. This is great news for companies that rely on word-of-mouth advertising.
If there’s one thing AR has taught us it’s that people snatch up anything that combines entertainment and functionality. Are you ready to embrace augmented reality? If so, John Manlove Marketing & Communications can help. Contact us at 281-487-6767 to learn more about what our marketing services can do for your business.