Is Augmented Reality the Solution for Marketing

With the advent of technology, many methodologies have come up that have catered to a variety of fields in some way or the other. Marketing is that one area where companies do not wish to compromise on. This is because it is due to marketing that the companies are able to increase their customer base and further boost their profits. One of the key aspects of technology that has garnered attention from everyone across the globe is that how would augmented reality (AR) aid in marketing?

Let's have a look at how is AR trying to rule the marketing domain.

AR and Consumer Readiness

• It is expected that AR would be employed to sample products as well as to target remote locations.
• Almost all of us are engaged in online shopping and use other applications as well like translation apps, etc. We use them readily without even realizing that the base of all this is AR. Thus, marketing has a lot to rely on AR.
• Earlier, the communication between the consumer and the brand used to be one-sided. But, today, technology has changed everything for the better – thanks to AR.
• AR has made the customers get a gist of how the product looks on them, how would the product function in general, how good are the services, etc. This is because AR has paved the way for photo-shopped versions.
• Using this, the marketing team is able to position their products in the best possible manner.

Why AR?

• Industries such as architecture, designing, furnishing, education, and e-commerce will see an immense application of AR as demanded by the current situation.
• It is also expected that AR will see greater growth than VR in the coming years.
• AR has the potential to contribute to market growth because of its integration with smartphones, electronic gadgets, home appliances, headsets, etc.
• Big brands like Google, Microsoft, Apple, etc. are already into AR implementation and have found immense growth over the years.
• There are reports about Apple coming up with an AR headset in the next few years. With this release, the AR market will see an ever-rising demand.

AR in today's marketing

Many might consider this to be a new concept. No, this isn't. This has been in existence for over a decade now. The only difference is that there is an improvement with every passing day.

There are a lot of companies that are already implementing AR using one way or the other in order to enhance their marketability. Some use AR-based apps as well such as Amazon, IKEA, etc. Yes, these apps are unique but the point worth noting is that are these catering to what they are designed to?

Some apps are allowing customers to try on clothes and makeup as well. This has led to an increase in sales as well.

However, a point to note here is that not all brands have succeeded in using this. A famous clothing brand, H&M had failed a few years back.

Conclusion

Yes, AR does ease out things for businesses by providing them the ability to interact with their customers especially when it comes to the brand's products, and that too in the comfort of their own homes using smartphone apps and websites. But, the fact that AR may not be ready for prime time for all the brands. Some might emerge out to be beneficial. Some might not. But, it does provide marketers with unique opportunities to create deep, emotional connections with customers.