Virtual reality (VR) is taking the technological world by storm through gaming, TV & Film, and now, social media and marketing. It is a sophisticated form of immersive technology that is currently changing the landscape of marketing, with 75% of top brands worldwide now implementing VR into their strategies. VR is also applied to other industries, specifically scientific disciplines such as neuroscience, psychology, education, and medicine.
Everyone wants a taste of the virtual experience and the tapestry of opportunities it has to offer. Virtual reality has become a very powerful marketing tool. It offers the opportunity to create personalised communications and immerses users into a world similar to our own. An exciting virtual experience equals a successful user experience.
We have seen the rise in platforms using virtual technology. We can now join chat rooms and even watch movies with our friends and family. In recent news, Facebook has changed their corporate name to “Meta”, an online world where people can connect, work, stream and game in a virtual environment, often through VR headsets. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, will utilise virtual reality, augmented reality and smart glasses.
So, how is VR changing the working world for marketers?
Virtual Reality Boosts Brand Awareness
You can boost your brand’s awareness through exciting and engaging content that will keep users around for longer. However, it is necessary to develop a rigorous methodological framework to maximise the success of your strategy. Virtual reality will enable you to put your brand directly in front of the eyes of your consumers, providing them with a valuable brand experience.
Enables Try Before Buy Concept
VR users now have the chance to take their shopping experiences to the next level. Ideal for e-commerce, the try-before-buy concept allows potential consumers to see what a pair of new shoes look like and carry out virtual makeovers using desired products, for example. This could tackle the number of returns made from online purchases.
The try-before-buy concept has also been tried and tested in many other industries, including travel. With 360-degree videos that show holiday enthusiasts their destination before booking. For marketing, the try-before-buy concept is valuable, and the opportunities are endless.
Creates Memorable & Immersive Interactive User Experience
It seems like a lifetime ago that movies were on-trend as the greatest immersive experience. Look how far we have come. Virtual reality opens the doors to interactive, creative, and engaging content and adverts that remain in users’ hearts.
VR truly allows users to connect with your content. The headsets ensure there are no distractions and that users are fully committed and engaged with the immersive content. It doesn’t get more memorable than that.
Potential To Increase Customer Decisions & Conversions
Potential customers can connect with your brand through virtual technology. They will feel like a part of your story and likely stick around to see what you have to say because you are harnessing VR technology. It is new, exciting, and what everyone wants.
The analytics marketers receive because of VR will provide them with a greater understanding of audience behaviour. If your target audience has been exposed to the fascinating tech of VR already, why would they ever go back to anything less? The purpose of a brand is to achieve conversions. So, utilising VR technology and meeting your customers’ needs and expectations will help you stand out among the competitive crowd.
Living the Story, Rather Than Telling It
Transporting into a virtual world is like being inside a real-life story. To enhance the user experience further, create a strong narrative, whether it is interactive, visual, or audio. VR creates a rich experience, evoking emotions in users and stimulating all of their senses as if they are right there with you, so take advantage of that and create an unforgettable narrative.
By 2022, the VR industry is predicted to hit over £20 billion. This is because 62% of consumers reported they feel more engaged with a brand that uses VR, and even more people believe that a brand that uses virtual reality is forward-thinking and relevant. So, harnessing VR technology will be nothing short of beneficial to your brand.
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