The challenges of a post-pandemic world require immersive omnichannel marketing solutions.
As businesses continue to weather the storm during what are hopefully the final few months of the pandemic, we can find some optimism in the lessons learned and new innovations developed along the way. With in-person and in-store experiences curtailed, marketing strategies and brand-building must incorporate new tools to connect with increasingly fragmented audiences.
Digi-experiential marketing is quickly becoming the new normal. This approach is an entire marketing channel unto itself, using both offline (i.e. in-person) and online methods of increasing brand awareness while fostering customer loyalty. And with lockdowns still in effect around the world, it’s time for buyers and retail stakeholders to adapt accordingly.
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are now essential components to any omnichannel retail marketing strategy. As we rethink brand presence across multiple channels, and how current restrictions demand bold approaches to creating a seamless customer journey, these new technologies are now indispensable.
The idea that any retailer can simply return to their pre-pandemic marketing practices this summer or fall is of course misguided and will put the business in jeopardy. The presence of AR in recent years, and VR in certain sectors, has increased exponentially and is a permanent part of the post-Corona toolkit as we look for more remote ways to interact and engage. Without them you may be left behind.
Traditional advertising in, for example, news media will always be part of an omnichannel strategy, but if retailers aren't considering these new mediums, they are missing opportunities to form deeper relationships than ever with their clientele.
AR Engages
Businesses and organizations are looking to re-establish brand loyalty and re-engage with users who feel cut off from their societies, including their favourite retailers.
With the emergence of web AR, it is essential that your brand experience is embedded into online and physical retail spaces, providing a multidimensional and immersive experience that is both meaningful and engaging. As we explore these new tools, even we are surprised with how advanced and immersive they can be. The future is now!
Believe it or not, AR as it is known today first came to prominence in 2016 thanks to the Pokémon Go app. But its implications and applications go far beyond games. What we know today is that these experiences bring higher engagement with a higher likelihood of developing brand affinity and conversions. Consider the following:
Two-thirds of shoppers think that AR would help them make a better buying decision.
AR engagement is up nearly 20% since the beginning of 2020 with conversion rates increasing by 90% for consumers engaging with AR compared to those that don’t.
3D content can increase conversion by up to about 30% on retailer websites.
Nearly two-thirds of marketers are already using or expecting to use AR and VR in the near future. (courtesy reydar.com)
The rapid adoption of new technologies based on existing industry trends demonstrates how this way of thinking is not the stuff of science fiction – this is happening now. Until in-person norms return (if at all), we must embrace remote solutions to creating impactful sensory experiences.
For more information on how augmented and/or virtual reality can help your business, contact us at info@reblhousemedia.com