10 Creative Ways to Use Augmented Reality in Marketing Campaigns
Looking to spice up your next marketing campaign with AR, but not sure how? Augmented reality opens up a world of creative possibilities to connect with customers. Here are 10 innovative yet practical AR use-case ideas for marketers, along with examples of how brands (big and small) are leveraging them.
1. Interactive AR Product Packaging
Don’t let your packaging be passive – turn it into a gateway for digital content. AR packaging involves customers scanning a product’s label or box with their phone to unlock hidden experiences. For example, wine brand 19 Crimes made its labels come alive with historical characters talking.
Idea:
A coffee brand could have customers scan the bag to see a 3D timeline of the bean’s journey from farm to cup, or perhaps play a short AR game to win a discount.
2. AR Treasure Hunts and Location Games
Scavenger hunts have always been a fun way to get people moving – AR can bring them into the digital age. You can hide virtual objects or clues at specific locations (stores, landmarks) and challenge users to find them for rewards.
Idea:
Organize an AR treasure hunt in a mall: people use your WebAR link to find virtual tokens hidden at different store entrances; collecting all tokens enters them in a grand prize draw.
3. Virtual Try-Before-You-Buy Experiences
One of AR’s killer applications is virtual try-ons. It reduces the uncertainty of online buying.
- Virtual try-on: Great for fashion, accessories, and makeup.
- "Place in your space": Ideal for furniture and home decor.
Idea:
If you sell art prints, provide an AR link for each print so users can project it onto their wall at true size to see how it looks before buying.
4. AR Gamified Promotions
Consider AR mini-games or challenges that tie into your promotion. These are simple games played on a phone screen overlaying the real world.
Idea:
A fast-food chain might create an AR game where users have to "catch" floating ingredients with a virtual burger bun on their screen to win a free item.
5. Seasonal and Event-Based AR Filters
Meet your customers on social media with AR face filters during big cultural moments like Halloween or holidays.
Idea:
Release a branded "spooky makeover" filter for Halloween. Users sharing these for fun essentially become your brand ambassadors.
6. AR-Enhanced Print Ads and Catalogs
Breathe new life into print media. Users scan a magazine ad or catalog page to see video overlays, 3D models, or interactive buttons.
Idea:
A car manufacturer’s magazine ad could pop up a 3D model of the car that you can rotate 360°, blending the tangibility of print with the versatility of digital.
7. Immersive AR Storytelling
AR is wonderful for layering information contextually. It can turn a location or product into a story.
Idea:
A historical tour app where pointing your phone at a building shows a "before and after" AR view of what it looked like 100 years ago.
8. AR Loyalty Programs
Instead of physical stamps, use AR collectibles. It turns routine loyalty interactions into an engaging activity.
Idea:
A coffee shop could have an AR mascot that appears and does something fun each time you scan your receipt—like a digital stamp card but cute and shareable.
9. AR Art Installations
For experiential marketing, create AR art that attracts crowds. This could be AR murals that come to life or AR photo booths.
Idea:
A music festival could create an AR experience where giant virtual butterflies fly around the stage when viewed through a phone.
10. Personalized AR Product Configurators
Allow users to design their own version of your product in AR and preview it in real time.
Idea:
A home paint brand could do an AR paint preview app: point at your wall and cycle through different paint colors to find the perfect one.
Ready to Get Creative?
The beauty of AR is its versatility. You can brainstorm an AR angle for almost any marketing scenario. Start experimenting today!
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