Augmented reality, virtual reality, and extended reality are definitely the most popular technologies right now. It is widely believed that they will pave the way into the future much like how smartphones revolutionized everything in the past. Today, we are going to share with you what we can all expect in the future of both techs and marketing in 2021, from how they can be used in improving your current lead distribution platform to boosting conversion and engagement. It is definitely a good time to be in the augmented reality industry right now.

AR, VR, and XR in 2021

First, allow us to define what these three are:

• Augmented reality (or AR) is a tech that extends or imposes a digital image over our physical reality. 
• Virtual reality (or VR) is a tech that allows the user to enter a digital space through the use of a VR headset.
• Lastly, extended reality (or XR) is the umbrella term to refer to any digital reality mentioned above. Hence, AR and VR are both XR.

For the purposes of this article, this is how we are going to define these three terms moving forward. 

With that out of the way, technology experts predict that all these digital realities are going to play a major role in bridging the gap between the physical world and digital realms. In fact, in an article by CMO, they predict that the market research for extended reality is going to reach. 

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Anyone will find an article regarding technology and marketing trends terribly lacking without any mention of artificial intelligence (or AI) and machine learning (or ML). After all, like extended reality, these techs are also going to play a major role in marketing. 

What’s interesting is how all these different technologies are going to intersect with each other. AI integration, for instance, is great for managing and analyzing information. This tech then has the potential to create more streamlined and personalized AR experiences for customers. 

Together, they can also improve customer assistance, especially in cases that can be resolved through self-service. 

The Usage of Data Analysis Tools

This then leads us to the next trend: data analytics. One of the major problems when it comes to this area is the question of security. It’s a given that people are adamant for technologies to access their personal information for the potential risks that it poses if they somehow fall into the wrong hands.

Fortunately, AI can significantly tighten cybersecurity and ward off threats. 

It is also notable how AI can be used in a lead distribution platform to assign leads to sales teams in a smart and intuitive way and based on actual data. Interestingly there are lead distribution software out there already utilizing these capabilities.

Diving into 5G

It is clear, however, that these technologies will require fast data transfer speeds and network connections. Fortunately, 5G is further being developed and made accessible for a more improved experience. 

For instance, there is no need to worry about whether your augmented reality marketing efforts will reach your clients at the ideal speed and network connection required. It will also extend the data that you can share and the digital realities that you can create.

This improved speed will also make it easier for a lead distribution platform to function faster and more accurately.

360-Degree Marketing Mixed with AR and VR

Imagine a world where you can simply turn on your digital device and enjoy a 360-degree experience with or without a headset. It is almost like watching a scene from the film Ready Player One. This is exactly what the augmented reality industry seeks to achieve. 

 You can have your consumers try out products, create personalized tours, experience services in advance, and all from the comforts of their own home. We are talking about enjoying significant cost reductions in creating prototypes and improving fulfillment. 

Utilizing Advanced Technologies in Marketing

If there’s one rule of thumb we can all keep in mind in marketing, it’s this: marketing is most effective when its targets are focused. 

For instance, you don’t want to promote kitchen appliances to students or console games to the elderly. Instead, you want to zero into your target demographic and focus your marketing efforts there. The same rule can be utilized in improving your lead distribution platform.

The challenge now is how to utilize all these technologies towards this end. 

Just look into the existing augmented reality marketing efforts of global brands for inspiration. Pepsi has created an AR experience at a bus stop to create a buzz and draw attention. 

L’oreal, on the other hand, made a more focused effort by developing a mobile application that allows consumers to try out how each product will look on them before purchase. 

Ikea has developed a similar application that allows customers to see how their products will look in their home, and whether they would even fit or not. It is definitely a good example of an AR marketing effort done right.

Only time will tell how these technologies will further change the landscape of marketing in the future. It is simply up to you how you will apply these endless possibilities to your own brand and AR marketing campaigns. Good luck!