How to Use AR to Drive Customer Engagement

1.  Service Booster

So every other business has caught wind of the virtues of shifting operations online and have created stunning websites and mobile apps, as a result. But very few have AR technologies integrated with their online services, and those who do, are able to stand out from the crowd with ease.

AR/VR tools help in creating a “real and personalized” experience for users, which can have a huge impact on customer engagement. Ikea, for example, has been using AR to provide clients with a clear view of what their chosen piece of furniture will look like once assembled, before purchasing.

This saves time and allows consumers to make well-informed decisions. Today, that equates to undeniable service value that consumers love and return back for.

2. Promotional Campaigns

Keeping customer satisfaction central to every consumer touchpoint is key to driving brand engagement, and some of the most creative companies are using AR tech to do just that.

The successful promotion of Stranger Things’ using AR has been one of our team’s favorites. In 2017, Netflix released a 3D lens that enabled users to interact with the Joyce Byers setting and discover hidden features from the show for its second season. And this year, the company merged AR with print ads, viewable with Google Lens, for the promotion of the show’s third season.

All of this may seem pretty fancy and large scale, but if you’re a startup or an SME, you’ll be relieved to know that developing and running an AR campaign doesn’t necessarily involve large expenses. A simple AR app can be developed in less than $50, although the price is likely to increase based on design and feature specifications.

The only limitation to the use of AR in running promotional campaigns is your imagination. From developing Snapchat filters to set up digital screens for large crowds to interact with, the list of creative ideas companies has used to make an impact on consumers and drive customer engagement, is a long and interesting one.  And this doesn’t seem to be coming to an end anytime soon.

3. Customization

Nothing says quality value, like customization, and companies like BIC Kids and Lacoste are already on it.

BIC Kids offers children the opportunity to bring their customized artistic creations to life through DrawyBook. Lacoste, on the other hand, allows clients to see what a pair of shoes would look like on them, through AR equipment in stores.

Both examples illustrate how even minor customization can provide added value to customers and enrich their experience with your brand.

4. Socially Driven Initiatives

It’s the 21^st century, and consumers are now more socially aware and engaged than ever before. This presents a lot of growth opportunities for businesses.

In short, if your business isn’t socially driven, it’s missing out on massive market opportunities. An example of a socially driven AR project is the creation story behind WonderTree. The company, which is based in Pakistan, crafts educational AR games for gifted children. Their creative initiative enabled them to win numerous awards, scale their business, and drive a crazy amount of customer engagement, in just a year’s time.