What role do virtual and augmented reality play in digital marketing?

In the realm of digital marketing, with so many evolutions and innovations happening, all we can say is we are living in exciting times. With continuous advancements in Augment Reality and Virtual Reality, we are pushing our limits to make the barrier between the internet and the real world disappear.

All these innovations are giving digital marketing the well-deserved spotlight. Many known brands are using AR & VR technology to leap ahead of the competition and offer an experience that customers crave.

Let's look at some unique ways brands are using these technologies and revolutionising the digital marketing landscape.

Interactive product experiences

Imagine being able to try on clothes, test drive cars, or even preview furniture in your living room without leaving the house. AR and VR technologies are making this possible! By creating immersive virtual environments, businesses can offer interactive product experiences like never before.

Brands like IKEA have embraced VR to offer interactive product experiences that bring convenience and delight to their customers. IKEA's app allows users to virtually place furniture in their homes and experience how it would look in their houses.??

These immersive experiences not only engage customers but also enhance their decision-making process.

Enhanced Brand Storytelling

In the age of short attention spans, captivating storytelling is essential to grab attention. AR and VR provide a new canvas for brands to tell their stories in imaginative ways. By crafting immersive experiences, businesses can forge emotional connections with their audience, leaving a lasting impact.

Indian leading jewellery retailer Tanishq installed augmented reality (AR) kiosks at Delhi and Bengaluru airports in order to elevate the jewellery shopping experience. The kiosk used VR-enabled technology called MirrAR, which lets customers virtually try out jewellery as many times as they wish to.?

Virtual Storefronts and Showrooms

Brick-and-mortar stores are not the only way to showcase products anymore. AR and VR are making it possible to blend the offline shopping experience with the online world. With virtual reality headsets, customers can step into a virtual store and browse through products as if they were physically present.

American fashion brand Ralph Lauren launched the RL Virtual Store Experience that allowed users to virtually visit the most well-known retail establishments of the brand from around the world. Immersive experiences like this are a perfect example of how VR can be used to launch a new product or give a unique experience to customers.

Gamified Marketing Campaigns

Who doesn't love a good game? AR and VR enable marketers to create immersive gamified experiences that capture users' attention and drive engagement.?

Picture a VR-based escape room that challenges users to solve puzzles related to a brand's products or services. These interactive campaigns not only entertain but also generate buzz and foster brand loyalty.

McDonald's turned their happy meal boxes into happy goggles by incorporating VR. As a happy meal is one of the most loved items on their menu, they launched a 360-degree skiing game called "slope stars", endorsed by the Swedish National Ski Team.?

Personalised Advertising

Nobody likes the clutter of generic ads on their screens. AR and VR have opened up new avenues for personalised advertising experiences. Whether it's an AR-powered makeup tutorial or a VR tour of dream travel destinations, personalised advertising creates a deeper connection between brands and consumers, increasing the chances of conversion.

Volvo introduced possibly the best uses of VR for its customers where if you don't have a dealership nearby, you can test drive a car through virtual reality. They now offer a weekend escape version of the same concept, where you can go on an adventure with a 360-degree view of beautiful landscapes and think of Volvo every time.

AR and VR have proven to be powerful tools in the world of digital marketing. These technologies are revolutionising how businesses engage with their audience. The possibilities are limitless, and as technology continues to advance, we can only imagine where it can go.

So, keep your headsets charged and your imagination ready because the future of digital marketing is here, and AR and VR are going to be at the forefront. Get ready to dive into an era of boundless creativity and endless possibilities!