Cut to 2017, Augmented Reality (AR) is not just another sci-fi reality anymore, neither is it an asset only for gamers. As it has evolved into; now, becoming a very influential marketing tool that enables companies to communicate with their audience, and making a homepage the way only they can. With virtual try-ons and immersive shopping experiences, the future of brand engagement, interaction and customer experiences is being influenced by AR. But just how can you jump on the AR marketing bandwagon?
This actionable guideline will teach you how to use AR as a part of your brand to stimulate customer engagement and create a memorable experience.
How Augmented Reality is Transforming for Brands
AR represents a promising opportunity for brands — not just as a gimmick, but as something that provides real, tangible value. Studies prove that AR has 70% better memorization rates than traditional advertising. For businesses this means that they are going to get noticed by AR campaigns, and businesses’ identity remains in customer’s minds.
Here’s what brands can gain by incorporating AR into a marketing or product strategy:
- More engagement: Interactive AR engagements let customers interact with your brand in the moment.
- Personalization: AR enables personalized experiences according to user interest and requirement.
- Better conversion rates: AR try-ons and try-outs slash guesswork taking customers faster into the decision to purchase.
- Storytelling: Build engaging stories with the consumer as the hero.
Now that the “why” is out of the way, how about the “how”?
Step 1: Establish Your Brand’s AR Objectives
Before investing time or budget into AR, start with setting clear goals.
Ask yourself:
- Are you aiming to increase product awareness?
- Do you want users to discover a new offering?
- Is it about boosting sales, or improving brand loyalty?
Example: IKEA’s Place app lets users visualize furniture in their homes before buying — solving a key pain point.
Tip: Clearly define your brand’s AR objectives to ensure alignment with your broader marketing strategy.
Step 2: Find the Right Use Case for AR
Applications of Augmented Reality vary. Choosing the right one for your brand is key.
Popular use cases include:
- Virtual Try-Ons: Let users try makeup, accessories, or clothing. (e.g., Sephora’s Virtual Artist).
- Augmented Packaging: Bring product packaging to life with interactive games or videos. (e.g., PepsiCo).
- Interactive Shopping: Enhance retail stores with product details or AR mannequins. (e.g., Zara, H&M).
- AR Filters for Social Media: Use branded AR filters to increase engagement and shareability.
- Virtual Tours: Provide immersive facility or product walkthroughs for industries like real estate or automotive.
Action: Decide where AR fits best—on-site, online, or in your product packaging.
Step 3: Select the Appropriate AR Technology and Platforms
The right platform determines campaign success.
Options include:
- Social Media AR Tools: Use Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat’s AR filters.
- Custom AR Apps: For a tailored experience (like IKEA Place), create your own branded app.
- WebAR: No app required. AR runs directly in mobile or desktop browsers.
- AR SDKs: Platforms like Apple’s ARKit or Vuforia offer advanced AR app development tools.
Note: Choose your platform based on your target audience and campaign complexity.
Step 4: Create Engaging and User Intuitive Experiences
AR needs to be simple, intuitive, and exciting.
Best practices:
- Keep it simple: Clear instructions, minimal steps.
- Use strong visuals: Keep visuals aligned with your brand and UX-friendly.
- Make it shareable: Design experiences users will want to share on social.
- Test thoroughly: Ensure cross-device and cross-platform compatibility, especially for WebAR.
Tip: An easy-to-use AR experience encourages interaction and repeat engagement.
Step 5: Promote Your AR Campaign
Even the best AR campaign can fail without visibility.
Promotion strategies:
- Social Media: Collaborate with influencers to demonstrate AR filters or features.
- QR Codes: Embed in product packaging, flyers, or emails to drive access.
- In-Store Promotion: Organize events or demo setups to attract users and media.
- Content Marketing: Write blogs, post videos, or run ads that highlight your AR experience.
Goal: Make it simple for your audience to find, access, and engage with your AR content.
Step 6: Measure and Refine Performance
Track performance to maximize ROI and guide improvements.
Key metrics:
- Engagement Rates: Time spent and number of sessions.
- User Reviews: Direct feedback on usability and impact.
- Conversion Rates: Purchases or desired actions after using AR.
- Social Shares: Number of reposts, tags, or impressions.
Action: Use insights to refine, iterate, and relaunch better-performing AR experiences.
Innovate Your Customer Engagement with AR NOW
AR is no longer an emerging trend—it’s a game-changing tool for brand engagement. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your in-store experience, add shareable social filters, or launch a fully immersive AR app, now’s the time.
Start small, test smart, and evolve fast. With AR, your brand can stand out, spark interest, and stay in customers’ minds longer than ever.