“AR gives businesses the ability to bridge the gap between static websites and the real-world experiences customers crave.”
Let’s understand AR with a case study. One of the internationally renowned companies, Lenskart, is using AR to enhance customer buying experience. If you have ever shopped spectacles from Lenskart, you will experience the power of augmented reality. Instead of just scrolling through photos, you can virtually try them on with your smartphone camera – seeing how different frames and colours look on your actual face.
Let’s take another example, suppose you want to get a new colour for your hair. Using AR, you can actually check how that hair colour would make you look. This is the power of Augmented Reality (AR), and it’s transforming how we experience things in the online world. This largely influences customer purchase choices.
What is AR?
Augmented Reality blends the virtual and real worlds. It overlays digital content onto your physical surroundings using your smartphone camera or an AR headset. Unlike virtual reality (VR), it doesn’t replace your world but enhances it with extra layers of information or visuals.
Why AR Matters for Your Business?
While shopping for a product, customers ask a number of questions like “Will this product suit me?”, “Is it the right fit and size for me?”, “How will I look wearing this?” AR bridges that gap, leading to:
- Quick Purchases: AR makes the whole buying decision process faster. Suppose you own an E-commerce website; customers want to buy a clothing product but are not sure how it will look; they may then decide to visit your store, which means the purchase lingers on. Now it’s not guaranteed whether the customer will come to your store or not. But in the case of integrated AR on your site, customers can instantly check and buy products. So, it’s a must to inculcate AR into ecommerce website development.
- Low Product Returns: When customers have a realistic preview of size, colour, and suitability, they are less likely to initiate returns due to dissatisfaction. This saves you money and operational costs.
- Enhanced Customer Engagement: AR creates truly memorable interactions. Whether it’s trying products virtually or engaging with gamified content, customers spend more time actively engaging with your brand. Studies suggest AR experiences can increase purchase intent by over 90%!
- Data-Driven Insights: AR experiences can reveal valuable insights into customer preferences. Your customers can analyze what products are tried on most and popular colour/style combinations.
- Brand Differentiation: AR makes your website stand out in a sea of ordinary online stores. And your business will have a higher chance of becoming successful with increased sales and uniquness.
AR Meets Web Design & Development
If as an AI enthusiast, you want to learn AR. You need to master specialized skills, such as:
- Web Frameworks: Tools like AR.js and A-Frame bring AR capabilities directly to web browsers.
- 3D Modeling: Creating realistic 3D product models becomes essential for accurate AR previews.
- User Experience (UX): Designing intuitive AR interactions that are enjoyable, not gimmicky, is key.
Supercharging Your Marketing with AR
If you think that AR isn’t just about product views, then it’s a lot more. Get creative to engage customers like never before:
- Interactive Ads: Create an ad where your customers virtually try on a new pair of sunglasses.
- Gamification: AR treasure hunts or puzzles on your website make the shopping experience for your customers even more fun.
- “In the Wild” Social Sharing: Let customers share how your product looks in their homes on social media for organic buzz.
AR & E-commerce: A Match Made in Digital Heaven
E-commerce development is a prime beneficiary of AR integration. It directly addresses customer pain points like:
- Sizing & Fit: This is revolutionized for clothing, jewelry, and even furniture placements.
- Visualizing the Product: “How will this lamp actually look on my desk?” is answered visually.
- Personalizing Experiences: AR makeup try-ons or virtual home makeovers feel tailored to the customer’s needs.
Getting Started: The AR Journey
Inculcating AR into your website doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s a journey worth starting. Following are some steps to help you:
- Define Your Goals: Is it increasing sales of a specific product line? Or, do you want to boost customer engagement?
- Start Small: Begin with a simple AR experience, like virtual previews for a key product.
- Partner Wisely: Consider working with an agency or E-commerce developers who have AR expertise.
- Learning and Experimenting: Learn and grab as much knowledge as you can about AR. Then, apply the knowledge to the projects at hand.
The Future is AR-Enhanced
“Try before you buy” will be the norm in the coming times even digitally! AR is poised to fundamentally change online shopping experience for customers. E-commerce businesses that start now will not only be innovative but will also gain a crucial competitive advantage.
Remember, while AR is powerful, it’s not a magic flower. Always prioritize excellent website design, seamless usability, and the overall customer experience. AR should elevate these, never replace them.
Conclusion
AR isn’t just about flashy technology; it offers tangible benefits for businesses and customers alike. By tackling uncertainty, boosting engagement, and building brand distinction, AR moves e-commerce from “look and buy” to “try and decide.”
The best part? This isn’t science fiction. The tools and expertise to start integrating AR are readily available. Taking the first step towards AR integration, positions your business as a leader, adapting to how a new generation of shoppers wants to interact with the world.
Are you ready to explore how AR can transform your web presence? Whether you’re in e-commerce, marketing, or simply passionate about the future of technology, the time to consider the potential of AR is now.
