In this day and age, attention spans are shorter than an Instagram reel, and digital competition is fiercer than Christmas sales. So, how do you make an impact and stand out from the rest of the brands out there?

Well, the answer to that is short and simple: Augmented Reality or AR and Virtual Reality or VR. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive idea of what AR and VR are all about.

What is AR and VR?

You may have heard of AR and VR in marketing and otherwise quite a bit these days. This is because these are technologies that are enabling brands to create unforgettable experiences to immerse customers.

There is no denying that these tools have proven to be instrumental in how businesses interact with the people who buy their goods and services.

While virtual reality marketing campaigns are transporting users to their favorite destinations, AR filters are allowing customers to try before they make a purchase. Thus, it is safe to say that the future of brand engagement has finally arrived, and we are living it!

At the end of the day, AR and VR are making active participants out of passive viewers and changing the face of immersive marketing as we know it.

Transforming Brand Experiences: Taking it Digital

There was a time when you had to physically visit a brick-and-mortar store to experience a brand. You would have to attend launch events or interact with the product in person to know all about it. But then, social media and the internet evolved and changed the face of the digital world.

And yet, something was missing. What was it? Connection? Immersion? Depth? That is what Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are all about!

They bridge the gap between our world and the digital one, taking us on an adventure of a lifetime. Here is how the two play their roles to ensure you give an otherworldly experience to your customers, whether it is through virtual reality in marketing or augmented reality marketing.

VR and AR Marketing: Crafting Unique Experiences

1.      Shop from your Bed

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to tour luxury car showrooms without ever having to leave your bed? Sounds impossible, right? But not anymore!

There are brands out there, who are currently using VR in marketing to allow customers to go on virtual test drives, explore features of their cars and much more, all from the comfort of their homes. You can also leverage the same and make sure of the following.

• Enable your customers to interact with your products at their own pace.
• No more geographical barriers.
• It makes the entire experience and decision-making process feel like an adventure.

2.      Be a Part of Stories

Everyone enjoys a good story, but not everyone gets to live it. The good news is that virtual reality marketing has made this a reality. This is key because if your audience feels like they are a part of the story, the higher the chances will be of them remembering and interacting with your brand. Here are some ideas, depending on which industry you are based in.

• As a travel brand, you can use VR to setup virtual tours of various destinations. Would your customers not enjoy exploring the pyramids in real-time?
• If you are a sports brand, you can pave the way for fans to play from their favorite player’s point of view and relive some of their glory moments.
• As a fashion brand, you can create a virtual runway experience and give your customers a chance to be a part of the audience.

3.      Fun Packaging

In this day and age, packaging a product is not just about protecting it. In fact, augmented reality marketing is here to allow you to make this an interactive experience for your customers. Below are some examples of these.

• A cereal box that allows customers to unlock a fun and educational game for their children.
• Beauty brands offer tutorials as soon as someone scans the QR code on the packaging of the product.

4.      Shop Online Without the Guesswork

Have you ever bought something online that ended up disappointing you? With AR, you no longer have to be disappointed. If you give your customers the opportunity to try before they buy, there is likely to be higher customer satisfaction and fewer returns.  Here is what other brands are doing.

• Fashion brands give customers the chance to check how makeup, clothes, and sunglasses look on them before buying.
• Home décor brands allow you to place the furniture virtually in your home before checking out.

Why AR and VR in Marketing are the Need of the Hour

Everyone knows that digital competition is on the rise, and in times like these, you need all the help you can get. Luckily for you, virtual reality and augmented reality marketing can give you that much-needed edge. Here is how.

They Grab Attention

Customers watch numerous ads and forget them afterward. But what they do not forget is an immersive marketing experience. AR and VR captivate attention and can hold it.

Furthermore, customers can interact with brands in a way that videos and static images cannot. Immersive experiences pave the way for greater interaction, which leads to increased loyalty and higher sales.

They Help Build an Emotional Connection

Have you ever cried while watching a movie? Well, that is the power of storytelling. Remember, the key is to make your customers feel something. Here is how you can make your customers feel connected to your brand, depending upon your offerings.

• Give them the opportunity to climb Mount Everest from their living room.
• Allow them to experience what it is like to rescue endangered animals by going on a virtual adventure.
• Pave the way for them to experience your sustainability efforts.

Final Word

Remember, AR and VR are not just mere technologies. In fact, they are the future of the digital and marketing world. If you embrace the immersive experiences it offers, the rewards you can reap are significant. So, put on your thinking cap and think of ways to leverage these tools to give your customers the best.