Tuesday, October 05, 2021

Augmented Reality in Digital Marketing

 

Thinking about what the topic of this blog should be, I thought it would be a good idea to write about the impact of Augmented Reality as an effective tool in the world of digital marketing. Augmented reality offers the potential for businesses to add a digital component on top of their physical locations and products. Customers can scan a product or object to pull up an AR experience tailored either toward giving additional information about the product or some form of supplemental brand-related experience. The application of AR in this regard stretches into numerous industries and markets. For example, the ticket sales company StubHub created an augmented reality app, which allowed users to view a 3D display of the stadium where the Super Bowl was played. Fans were able to visualize the look of the field from various seats to choose the right seat for them. Starbucks has turned to augmented reality to digitize the experience of touring one of their coffee shops. Users can scan objects within the shop to access a virtual tour, conveying additional information to supplement the physical site. Within the auto industry, Hyundai and Mercedes have both been adopting AR applications. Hyundai was the first to create an augmented manual for drivers and Mercedes has taken this concept a step further. Mercedes owners can access a feature called 'Ask Mercedes', which pairs an AI assistant with an augmented reality interface to answer a host of potential questions.

Creating a novel, unexpected or fun augmented reality experience can result in a significant buzz for a brand if executed properly. AR is a relatively new phenomenon for most people, meaning that a well-designed AR experience will get people talking and generate lasting memories. As people prefer a brand that keeps them happy and satisfied, that kind of exposure and customer goodwill can pay lasting dividends. A perfect example of using augmented reality to create buzz would be a Pepsi campaign situated at a bus station. Pepsi allowed users to access an AR virtual window alongside the bus station’s wall. Users were treated to the sight of a marauding tiger, UFOs, and robots running loose within the AR vista. By leavening the tedium of waiting for a bus with an augmented reality experience, Pepsi managed to generate discussion and strengthen its brand. Uber has since followed suit with a similar campaign in Zurich, creating AR experiences for their riders and generating more than one million YouTube views.

By employing strategies like this, companies can generate millions of dollars in earned media. In a competitive market, an augmented reality campaign can be that differentiator that allows a brand to stand out from its peers and create sustained discussion and name recognition.

Here are the links, enjoy !!

AR use in Business Cards

https://youtu.be/u8njnXc7ziY

Hyundai AR user Manual

https://www.hyundainews.com/en-us/releases/2080

Pepsi Max Bus Stand Campaign

https://youtu.be/GB_qT6rAPyY

Uber AR Campaign

https://youtu.be/bCcvEVyAXQ0

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