Introduction to Augmented Reality in PR
Anna Belova, Founder & CEO of DEVAR, a Phygital Company, and a Forbes 30 Under 30 tech entrepreneur, is an authority in AR technology. According to recent trends, most public relations (PR) professionals plan to integrate immersive augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies into their PR campaigns. This is supported by business statistics, akin to a 94% increase in conversions when interacting with products that feature AR experiences. Additionally, 71% of consumers said they usually tend to recommend a brand if it utilizes VR technology in its marketing.
Top Industries for Using AR Applications
Based on data from various firms, including DEVAR’s AR content creation platform, the highest industries for using AR applications to reinforce PR are:
1. Retail
One major application for this industry is AR "try-ons" for cosmetics, hairstyles, clothes, shoes, jewelry, furniture, wall paint shades, and plenty of more. A survey conducted by Goodfirms showed that 71.5% of consumers are longing for the chance to make use of AR technology when purchasing goods. Successful cases include:
- Estée Lauder’s virtual try-on technology, which resulted in a 67% increase in conversion rates and a couple of.5 times more time spent on the web site.
- Adidas, which incorporated AR QR codes of their footwear packaging, offering customers interactive experiences and virtual try-ons, achieving a 50% boost in brand engagement.
- Ikea, which implemented AR-enabled QR codes, allowing customers to visualise furniture of their space before purchasing, leading to a 75% increase in online sales.
2. Marketing
Marketing is one other significant area for AR, spanning from product packaging and book covers to loyalty programs. The restaurant industry, automotive sector, and development projects have actively and successfully employed augmented reality. According to AR marketing statistics, "29% of media agencies are buying each AR and VR ads for his or her clients," and "seven out of ten media planning and buying agencies need to use more AR and VR of their digital campaigns."
3. Product AR
When AR becomes an integral a part of a product, akin to within the event industry, kid’s toys, books, and flicks, it also extends to art, where artists cannot only create physical works but enhance them with digital content. For example, the circulation of augmented reality books is significantly higher than that of normal books. Lego and Kinder Surprise also use AR as a part of their products for kids.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Implementing and scaling immersive technologies, specifically AR, requires the appropriate talent, which currently isn’t internal for a lot of firms. An absence of a long-term database and collected experience may slow progress. To overcome these challenges, PR departments should:
- Build up their team by teaching not only easy methods to utilize AR but in addition easy methods to think outside the box.
- Go through the stages of acclimatizing users to any recent variety of interaction with the brand.
What Can Be Done Right Now
We need not wait for the mass adoption of AR glasses or headsets. The transition of AR technology into the net space could eliminate the necessity for varied apps, facilitating easier access to AR experiences and the execution of promoting campaigns through web-compatible channels. PR teams can start incorporating AR into their toolkit by utilizing applications akin to:
- Press Releases: Incorporating AR presentations of projects and product tests for journalists.
- Social Networks: Including links to AR projects or posting photo and video content that showcases projects in AR.
- Industry Exhibitions and Conferences: Incorporating a QR code in handouts or speaker presentations.
- Press Conferences and Tours: Adding AR to media kits for these engagements.
Conclusion
The growing popularity of AR is undeniable, and PR teams will increasingly embrace immersive technologies as they change into more integrated across various industries. As a tech entrepreneur and expert in AR technology, Anna Belova’s insights and experience might help PR professionals navigate the world of augmented reality. By understanding the highest industries for using AR applications, overcoming challenges, and incorporating AR into their toolkit, PR teams can stay ahead of the curve and make the most of the advantages that AR has to supply.
