Augmented Reality (AR) has evolved from a futuristic novelty to a must-have tool for marketers looking to create immersive experiences. With more brands integrating AR into their strategies, the ability to craft campaigns that not only engage users but also yield measurable ROI is essential.
This blog post breaks down seven actionable AR marketing tips you can implement to connect with your audience and achieve tangible results. From enhancing brand storytelling to driving sales, these strategies will help you unlock the true potential of AR marketing.
Why AR Marketing Matters for Brands
Augmented Reality offers businesses the opportunity to merge the digital and physical worlds, which creates an engaging and interactive experience for users. According to Statista, AR’s global market size is projected to reach $97.76 billion by 2028, signifying its increasing importance across industries. The result? Customers who spend more time with your brand and feel more connected, driving not just awareness but meaningful interaction and conversions.
If your current marketing strategies are falling flat or feel one-dimensional, AR may be the solution to breathe fresh life into your campaigns.
Now, let’s explore the seven AR marketing tips in detail!
Experiment with Try-Before-You-Buy Experiences
Try-before-you-buy AR experiences have become a game-changer for e-commerce and retail brands. From beauty to furniture, customers can now visualize their potential purchases within the context of their actual lives.
Example: Sephora’s Virtual Artist app allows customers to try on makeup using their smartphone camera. This AR experience not only reduces returns but also builds confidence in purchase decisions.
Tip in Action
- Integrate AR into your mobile app or website. Tools like Snapchat Lens Studio or Shopify’s AR VTEX can make this seamless.
- Focus on improving the accuracy and realism of your AR model to ensure a positive user experience.
Create Interactive Product Packaging
A simple scan-and-go mobile AR experience on your product’s packaging can work wonders for your brand’s storytelling initiatives. AR also encourages post-purchase engagement, forging a deeper relationship with your customers.
Example: Coca-Cola transformed its product labels into dynamic AR experiences. Customers could scan QR codes to watch videos, share content, or access exclusive promotions.
Tip in Action
- When designing interactive AR packaging, make the instructions clear for users to access the content without technical difficulties.
- Use the AR packaging experience to offer educational or behind-the-scenes content that enhances the perceived value of your product.
Gamify AR Experiences
Gamification taps into users’ innate interest in play and challenge, making it a highly effective tool to encourage deeper engagement. AR scavenger hunts or challenges can drive app downloads, in-store traffic, and social sharing.
Example: Pokémon GO remains one of the most popular AR gamification examples, attracting millions through its mobile scavenger hunts. Similarly, brands can create mini AR games tied to promotions or limited-time events.
Tip in Action
- Tie the rewards of your AR game or activity to your brand, such as discounts or freebies.
- Collaborate with influencers or local businesses to maximize the reach of gamified campaigns.
Leverage Social Media AR Filters
Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat enable brands to create custom AR filters and lenses, driving user engagement in shareable, creative ways. These filters allow participants to engage directly with your brand while creating organic exposure.
Example: Taco Bell created an AR filter for Snapchat that transformed users into tacos, leading to 224 million views in one day.
Tip in Action
- Keep your social AR filters visually appealing and easy to use. They should be instantly recognizable and connect strongly with your brand identity.
- Capitalize on trending events or holidays to design timely, relevant filters.
Integrate Location-Based AR Campaigns
Location-based AR campaigns drive foot traffic and add a physical layer to digital storytelling. With AR tools like Google ARCore and Niantic Lightship, businesses can enable users to interact with engaging touchpoints at key locations.
Example: Burger King used location-based AR to launch its “Burn That Ad” campaign, encouraging users to “burn” competitors’ digital ads using the app and redeem special coupons in-store.
Tip in Action
- Use AR campaigns to engage attendees at conferences, festivals, or sporting events. Provide exclusive discounts or digital gifts that users can activate on-site.
- Ensure your location-based AR content is accessible offline to solve connectivity issues.
Use AR for Real-Time Tutorials and Training
AR has a practical edge when it comes to tutorials and training. Enabling users to visualize and understand complex products in real-time not only enhances engagement but also builds trust and satisfaction.
Example: IKEA Place puts AR into action by allowing users to simulate how furniture would look in their home, eliminating uncertainty from decision-making.
Tip in Action
- Offer AR experiences that provide step-by-step guides for product usage. This way, your customers feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.
- Add a support or live chat feature in the AR experience for added assistance.
Measure AR Campaign Success
No matter how interactive or visually stunning your AR marketing campaigns are, they won’t mean much unless they drive results. Implement tools to track engagement metrics such as time spent, user interactions, and conversions.
Example: Brands like Michael Kors use AR analytics to refine their campaigns, optimizing what works and improving weak points.
Tip in Action
- Use platforms like 8thWall and Unity Analytics to collect comprehensive data and gain insights into your AR performance.
- Leverage user feedback to tweak and improve future iterations of your campaign.
Taking the First Steps with AR Marketing
Augmented Reality is no longer a futuristic accessory; it’s a marketing tool that can drive meaningful engagement and clear ROI when implemented effectively. By allowing customers to interact with your products in new ways, AR can elevate your brand above the competition.
Are you ready to take your marketing efforts to the next level? Start small by deploying an AR filter on Instagram or incorporate try-before-you-buy AR into your e-commerce platform.
Looking for expert assistance with crafting the perfect marketing strategy or leveraging AR for your business? Reach out to our consulting team for tailored solutions.
