The AR market is rapidly growing and is projected to reach a staggering value of $50 billion by 2024! Augmented reality (AR) is revolutionising the way companies engage with customers in the offline world. With 61% of customers expressing a preference for retailers that offer AR experiences, it’s clear that this technology is in high demand. 

From medicine to automotive to entertainment and beyond, AR has the potential to transform various sectors of the economy. In line with this trend, major tech players like Facebook are investing heavily in AR. As AR continues to gain prominence, it is poised to become an integral part of our everyday lives. This digital innovation is already reshaping how retailers conduct business, ultimately shaping the future of marketing strategies for companies.

In this article, we’ll take you through the rise of augmented reality in online marketing and how it is revolutionising our future. 

What is Augmented Reality? 

There is often confusion between Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), but they are distinct technologies. VR creates a fully immersive, 360° virtual environment for users, altering their entire experience of games, videos, and more. On the other hand, AR is a digital technology that enhances the real world by overlaying virtual elements onto it. 

While AR can be experienced through mobile apps, VR typically requires specialised hardware like VR headsets. For marketers, AR offers a valuable advantage as they can leverage existing apps and infrastructure rather than starting from scratch. 

Major brands already possess AR in their apps, and by implementing a robust AR strategy, they can provide customers with an immersive and visually captivating experience. Recognising this potential, prominent companies are investing in top-notch AR strategies to integrate their products with unforgettable user experiences seamlessly. In this way, AR is emerging as a promising digital marketing strategy for the future.

How Have Businesses Been Using AR in the Past?

Snapchat was one of the pioneers in harnessing the power of AR, allowing users to add fun animations to their videos and images using facial recognition. This approach quickly caught the attention of companies like Starbucks and Guinness, who cleverly utilised AR to promote their brands in imaginative ways. 

A prime example of its success can be seen in the phenomenon that was Pokemon Go, which was released in 2016. The app created a global frenzy as people of all ages ventured outside to hunt for virtual creatures in real-world locations. Within just 19 days of its release, it reached a staggering 50 million downloads worldwide, showcasing AR technology’s immense popularity and potential.

While incorporating AR into digital marketing strategies may initially seem superficial or gimmicky, it’s important to recognise its real-life benefits. The line between gimmicks and genuine “wow” factors can sometimes blur, presenting AR as a powerful tool for increasing brand awareness. 

AR gives businesses a fresh format to showcase their digital marketing efforts. Unlike traditional advertising that aims to prompt action, AR creates an immersive experience that engages, motivates, and guides customers toward a conversion. 

How can AR Benefit E-commerce?

Augmented Reality (AR) revolutionised e-commerce by empowering consumers to try products virtually before purchasing. In traditional online shopping, customers were limited to product images and videos. The introduction of AR in e-commerce has brought forth several benefits.

Enhanced Customer Engagement and Satisfaction:

.AR in e-commerce significantly improves consumer satisfaction and engagement.

.Allowing customers to try on and preview products digitally reduce the likelihood of returns and complaints.

.AR positively influences customers’ decision-making process, fostering loyalty and happiness among online shoppers.

Attraction of New Customers:

.The novelty and usefulness of AR technology act as a powerful magnet for attracting new customers.

.Statistics indicate that 61% of shoppers prefer businesses that offer AR experiences.

.By incorporating AR in your e-commerce platform, you can retain existing customers and entice new ones, fostering long-term engagement and satisfaction.

Increased Sales:

.Leveraging AR in e-commerce enhances engagement and attracts new customers, and directly boosts sales.

.AR is a marketing tool that captures customers’ attention, and drives increased traffic to your platform.

.By promoting your business incorporating AR, you can encourage customers to explore and prioritise purchasing from your brand, leading to higher conversion rates.

Future of Augmented Reality For Social Media Marketing

Augmented reality (AR) is an emerging technology that brands increasingly incorporate into their websites and apps. Soon, even platforms like Facebook and Instagram will offer comprehensive AR features to various brands. Take Sephora as an example. The brand has already implemented AR features on Facebook to enhance the user experience. Customers can try out different Sephora products through Facebook Messenger, instantly knowing if a particular product suits them or not. 

By integrating AR content posts and advertisements into social media strategies, brands can provide a more interactive and multifaceted user experience. Considering that most of today’s audience comprises tech-savvy millennials and Gen Z, offering novel and technologically advanced content is crucial to capture their attention.

For instance, a home decor and style business can leverage AR ads on various social media platforms, allowing customers to try out different products in their home settings virtually. By offering this feature, brands can elevate the customer experience. The potential for creating compelling and one-of-a-kind content using AR is vast, and it’s up to brands to develop effective content strategies that provide consumers with a delightful experience.

Conclusion

Incorporating augmented reality (AR) into marketing strategies has become increasingly vital for brands seeking to enhance customer experiences and drive sales. By leveraging AR features, such as allowing customers to try out products virtually, brands can boost customer engagement, satisfaction, and conversion rates. 

AR also offers the opportunity to create unique and compelling content, capturing the attention of tech-savvy audiences and fostering brand loyalty. For those interested in delving into AR, the Vuforia Augmented Reality offered by Eduonix course provides a valuable resource for beginners looking to learn the skills needed to create their first AR app or explore innovative marketing ideas through creative prototyping.