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Augmented Reality in Promotional Marketing

Blending the Physical & Digital Worlds

1/31/2025 | Steve Shannon, Bits & Bytes

Promotional marketing is all about creating memorable and engaging experiences that leave a lasting impression on consumers, and in recent years augmented reality (AR) has emerged as a powerful tool to achieve this goal. By blending the physical and digital worlds, AR offers a unique way to capture attention, interact with customers, and elevate brand experiences. This month, let’s learn a little bit about how AR works and how it can be used in promotional marketing.


How does AR work?

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes digital content—such as images, sounds, videos, and other sensory enhancements—onto the real-world environment. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which immerses users in a completely virtual world, AR enhances the real world by adding digital elements to it. You might have heard of the popular AR game Pokemon GO; this game uses augmented reality to display digital creatures for players to collect from real world locations.

AR typically requires a device like a smartphone or tablet equipped with a camera, sensors, and a display to capture the surrounding environment and provide data to the AR software. Cameras detect the visual elements, while sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and GPS help determine the device's orientation and position in the real world. The software processes this data, identifies and understands the real-world objects and spaces, then overlays the digital content onto them in real-time.

AR enables users to interact with the digital content through touch, gestures, voice commands, or other input methods. This interaction enhances the user experience and makes AR applications more engaging.


How can AR be used?

AR provides a dynamic platform for brands to engage with their audience in a more interactive and immersive way. Unlike traditional promotional materials, AR can transform static objects like brochures, posters, or product packaging into interactive experiences. For example, by scanning a QR code on a product, customers can access 3D animations, videos, or interactive games that convey the brand's message in a captivating manner.

One of the key advantages of AR is its ability to deliver truly personalized experiences to potential customers. For instance, a cosmetics brand could use AR to allow customers to virtually try on different makeup products. Or, a furniture retailer could use AR to allow customers to visualize products in their homes before making a purchase. This level of interactivity can bring products to life in ways that were previously unobtainable; customers can visualize products in their real environment, making it easier to understand their features and benefits. This not only improves the shopping experience but also has the added bonus of reducing the likelihood of returns.

AR can also transform promotional events with interactive installations, virtual try-on stations, or augmented reality games for attendees to participate in. These immersive experiences can leave a lasting impression on participants and create a buzz around the brand. Additionally, AR can provide valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. Brands can gather data on what features or products resonate most with their audience by tracking interactions within AR applications. This information can then be used to refine marketing strategies, develop better products, and deliver more targeted promotional campaigns.

AR is redefining promotional marketing by creating immersive, interactive, and personalized experiences that captivate consumers. As AR technology continues to evolve, brands have an incredible opportunity to leverage its potential to differentiate themselves, engage customers in meaningful ways, and drive long-term loyalty.


Steve Shannon has spent his entire professional career working in tech. He is the IT Director and Lead Developer at PromoCorner, where he joined in 2018. He is, at various times, a programmer, a game designer, a digital artist, and a musician. His monthly blog "Bits & Bytes" explores the ever-evolving realm of technology as it applies to both the promotional products industry and the world at large. You can contact him with questions at steve@getmooresolutions.com.
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