Can Augmented Reality Breathe New Life into Banner Ads?
Companies want to use Augmented Reality (AR) to increase engagement with digital ads and use this technology to make them great again.
What is AR
Augmented Reality is a technology that superimposes a computer generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view.
What is the aim of having AR in digital advertising
The primary aim and value of AR in digital advertising is that it brings components of the digital world into a person's perception go the real world. This is done through the integration of immersive sensations that are perceived as natural parts of an environment and not only through a simple display of data.
How brands are using AR in digital advertising
When customers clicked on an ad by Pottery Barn, a United States based, upscale home furnishing store chain in, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Australia, they were able to see how furniture could fit in their homes. In turn, this made the process of choosing such bulky items a little easier by getting a realistic idea about how the item would look and fit in their environments. AR is also an excellent way to sample products which are difficult to imagine in reality, such as, when applying different colour lipsticks.
What does the future hold for AR
The question now is how brands go beyond scanning and animation to providing utility. This pushes companies to get more creative with Augmented Reality technologies, especially those engaged in the retail sector and/or those promoting e-commerce.
Written by:
TIMOTHY CAMILLERI
MARKETING DIRECTOR
C&C DISCOVERY
--
The Importance of Branding
What is Branding?
Branding involves every aspect of a customer's experience with your business.
The foundation of your brand is your logo. Your website, social media platforms, staff uniforms, company vehicles and all of your promotional materials and advertising should integrate your logo and thus communicate your brand.
In short, branding refers to your customers perception when they hear, see or think about your company name, service or product.
What importance does Branding hold towards your Business?
Branding is what makes your business stand out from the rest of your competitors. Branding is a crucial element towards your success.
The following are the top 5 reasons why should take time to develop your Brand:
- Branding promotes recognition - One of the results of effective branding is that it can promote recognition for your business. If your brand is consistent and easily recognisable, then your business can benefit from more frequent purchases from your customers. People adhere to familiarity. For instance, if you are remembered for providing quality products, then you will encourage repeat business as customers are more likely to choose your product or service again.
- Branding helps you to stand out from the crowd - Especially when being present in Malta's highly competitive markets across the different industries. Your brand will help you to stand out from the rest of your competitors by showing your core strengths which ultimately benefit your customers.
- Branding sets expectations - A strong, consistent brand will allow your customers to know exactly what to expect each time they encounter your business. For instance, portraying a professional appearance build credibility and trust which generally translates in having more repeat purchases as your clients view and perceive your business as being legitimate and professional.
- Strong branding generates referrals - A strong brand creates in-store and/or online traffic as people like to talk to others about the brands they like. People eat, listen, wear and drive brands. Most of the purchases done today are due to the recommendations received by people whom we trust the most. Try to imagine having a friend asking you to recommend a place for having the best pizza and you cannot remember the name of the place and/or restaurant. You cannot tell someone about a brand which you cannot remember. This the result of poor branding which translates directly into loss of sales.
- A strong brand adds value - A strong and successful brand will add value to your business. Your brand can be your most valuable asset, well beyond your physical assets. Take for example global companies like Apple, Coca-Cola, and Facebook. It is these companies' brand that has increased the company's value. For instance, Apple is currently leading the race to become the world's first $1tn company. Currently, Apple's net worth stands at $729bn.
As a concluding note, C&C DISCOVERY wishes to point out that a good strong brand does does not manifest overnight. It is a result of meticulous planning, development and growth. From our experience, many start-ups and small businesses neglect this without realising the impact it leaves on their business. Good branding does not only increase the value of your company, but it provides employees with direction and motivation while making the process of acquiring new customers easier.
Written by:
TIMOTHY CAMILLERI
MARKETING DIRECTOR
C&C DISCOVERY
--
