The Impact of Virtual Reality on Marketing

These last few months VR (virtual reality) has really taken off. From phones to video games, this tech is growing fast and showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, it is expected to grow into a $33.90 billion industry by 2022. So, what does that mean for the marketing world?

Having the addition of VR creates a whole new platform for businesses to reach their customers. The ways this could work are endless, especially if you let your mind wander too much…. But I digress! This new tech is just starting out, and here are some key areas where marketing will get hit the most (and be able to take advantage).

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Video Marketing

If you’re in the marketing world, you already know that video marketing is winning big time. In 2016, 96% of B2B companies claimed to be using some amount of video in marketing campaigns. Of those, 73% recorded that it had a positive impact on ROI. And, as the new year gets underway, video is only expecting to increase in use and importance when marketing to consumers. The idea of VR brings this to a whole new level with things like 360-degree video viewing. You may have already seen this one in action. It lets you click on a video and, while watching it, have the ability to move your device around to get a full, 360-degree experience. How cool is that? This prospect is perfect for giving customers a glimpse behind the scenes and showing off awesome company events.

Product Trials

Wouldn’t it be great if you could get a good look and a feel for a product before buying it online? VR has made product testing for online shoppers and programs that much easier. One case in point is the new Sephora Virtual Artist App that lets you try makeup on before actually buying it. No more worrying if emerald green clashes with your eyes anymore. Now you can know before you buy! And, they aren’t the only ones jumping on this cool bandwagon. Many companies are partnering with VR so customers can get travel experience, clothing, and software trials in the comfort of their own home.

Customer Connection

This is where everything truly comes together. Allowing customers to get an inside look on what your company does and experience working with your product on a whole new level gives both of you the chance to interact and engage more than ever before. Are you a non-profit? Have donors experience a VR giving trip. Manage a job board? Take employers on a trip through your systems so they can experience everything you have to offer first hand. This allows you to treat these customers as a member of your team, and as an individual. That means a lot considering 66% of consumers say they are likely to switch brands if they are treated like a number. Customer experience is still a big deal, and VR lets you accomplish it in amazing new ways.

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Need to give your marketing strategy a refresher? Adopting some VR might be just what you need. Whether it be to give customers a trial run or show them how things are really done, it seems that this emerging technology has a number of possibilities, you just have to know how to use it.

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The Branchers

We build the best damn marketing campaigns on the planet. And we do it for industries and companies you might not identify as easy to market (right away). Working here takes a very special kind of person.