The Growing Impact of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality on Business
As technologies that connect remotely have gotten increasingly valued, a growing number of companies have gotten aware of the advantages of using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) of their operations. While the customer-facing side of AR/VR in business has been limited until recently, industries at the moment are embracing these technologies of their marketing and promoting efforts, with widespread success.
The Rise of AR/VR in Marketing
From education to retail to fashion to hospitality, there are multiple industries that may greatly profit from AR/VR marketing. The use of AR and VR is changing the way in which businesses interact with their customers, providing a more immersive and interesting experience. With the flexibility to try on products, explore virtual environments, and interact with 3D models, customers are in a position to make more informed purchasing decisions.
Industries Embracing AR/VR
According to members of the Forbes Agency Council, several industries are already embracing AR/VR for marketing, including:
1. E-Commerce
Azad Abbasi, Genius, notes that e-commerce has the largest opportunity to leverage mobile AR, allowing customers to try on products, reminiscent of watches, sunglasses, and shoes, using their mobile devices.
2. Automotive
Andrew Au, Intercept Group, believes that VR and AR will speed up the digital transformation of the automotive buying process, allowing customers to experience recent features, understand vehicle dimensions, and accessorize their vehicle.
3. Fashion
Bernard May, National Positions, thinks that leveraging AR and VR in the style industry is a game-changer, particularly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, where customers can try on clothes virtually and make purchases online.
4. Gaming
Brian Meert, AdvertiseMint, believes that VR and AR will remain strongest within the gaming vertical, with countless applications, while also emerging in retail and entertainment.
5. Hospitality and Tourism
Hannah Trivette, NUVEW Web Solutions, notes that the hospitality and tourism industry can profit from VR/AR marketing, offering virtual tours of hotels and tour packages.
6. Events
Roger Hurni, Off Madison Ave, thinks that the events industry needs to use VR and AR immediately, allowing attendees to travel to virtual locations and hold conferences in VR.
7. Higher Education
Spencer Hadelman, Advantage Marketing, believes that higher education will likely be impacted by VR and AR, particularly in campus tours, allowing potential students to explore campuses virtually.
8. Policy Advocacy and Lobbying
Dan Cohen, Full Court Press Communications, notes that policy advocacy and lobbying can profit from VR and AR, allowing policymakers to visualise and interact with virtual environments.
9. Commercial and Residential Renovations
Alex Quin, UADV, thinks that the business and residential renovations industry will see a positive impact from VR and AR technology, allowing corporations to offer a more immersive customer experience.
10. Furniture and Home Goods
Timothy Nichols, ExactDrive, Inc, believes that the furniture and residential goods industry will leverage VR and AR capabilities, allowing customers to picture items of their space and make purchases online.
Conclusion
The use of AR and VR in business is becoming increasingly popular, with multiple industries embracing these technologies of their marketing and promoting efforts. As the technology continues to evolve, we will expect to see much more revolutionary applications of AR and VR in various industries, providing customers with a more immersive and interesting experience. With the flexibility to try on products, explore virtual environments, and interact with 3D models, businesses can increase customer engagement, drive sales, and stay ahead of the competition. As the world becomes more digitally connected, using AR and VR will play a vital role in shaping the longer term of business and marketing.
