How Will Augmented and Virtual Reality Influence Digital Marketing

Augmented and Virtual Reality isn’t just influencing digital marketing, it’s changing it forever. Augmented and virtual technology is expanding so quickly that a new industry is on the rise: Extended Reality. To understand what this all means for digital marketing, let’s first take a look at what AR, VR, and XR are. 

Augmented Reality vs. Virtual Reality

One of the most common misconceptions about Augmented Reality is that it is the same thing as Virtual Reality. In reality, they are more like opposites. Augmented Reality adds digital elements to the real world around a user. Virtual Reality, on the other hand, puts a real user in a virtual world. Virtual Reality requires a headset to immerse the user. However, users can experience AR through the screen of their smartphone or tablet. And now, with Web AR, users do not need any special hardware or even an app to access the experience.

Extended Reality

Extended Reality (XR) is a new term that encompasses all immersive technologies:

• Augmented Reality
• Virtual Reality
• Mixed Reality
• any future immersive technology

The XR market is growing so quickly that it is expected to surpass 18 billion U.S. Dollars. The Augmented Reality market alone is currently valued over $850 million, largely influenced by the digital marketing industry. 

Augmented Reality Marketing Strategy

Out of the different types of Extended Reality, Augmented Reality is having the most significant impact on digital marketing. 

Virtual Reality is more prevalent in the gaming and entertainment industry since it fully immerses a user and requires hardware. It is less accessible to the general public. Though companies are still finding creative ways to use VR in marketing. 

Augmented Reality, however, is highly accessible to the general public. Anyone with a capable smartphone or tablet (the majority of Apple and Android devices) can access an AR experience. The user simply points their device’s camera at an Augmented Reality QR code or trigger, and the experience automatically launches. 

Benefits of Augmented Reality Over Virtual Reality for Digital Marketing:

• Does not require hardware, like a headset
• Does not require special apps or software (Web AR)
• Can be accessed anywhere with a smartphone or tablet
• Interacts with the real world around a user
• Transforms any printed marketing into digital marketing
• Available for small business, as well as large

It’s pretty clear why Augmented Reality is the preferred XR for digital marketing. It’s accessible not only to the general public but also small businesses with smaller marketing budgets. 

Augmented Reality Marketing Services

Digital marketing strategies are adopting Augmented Reality more and more. Augmented Reality analytics consistently show engagement rates in the 30-40% range, as well as substantially higher click-through rates, time-on-page, and increased sales. You can see for yourself with these case studies. 

If you want to learn how to add Augmented Reality to your digital marketing strategy, Check out our services today. Aircards can help you elevate both your printed and digital marketing campaigns.

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