Key Points:
- Using AR effectively with ecommerce
- Boosting in-store to online conversion rates with AR
- Introducing personalized AR experiences through social media
Augmented reality (AR) is sweeping the ecommerce industry and completely transforming the way organizations do business. By allowing customers to preview products or experience services in their own environment and on their own time, AR is making it more likely for customers to purchase the right product the first time—and saving time and money in the process.
There are several benefits of using augmented reality for the ecommerce industry that are helping organizations expand their digital efforts. Here are some of the most effective uses of AR for ecommerce.
Boost Conversion Rates
Improving a user’s experience through AR helps boost conversion rates by making it more likely a customer will spend time on a site or mobile app for an extended period of time. An improved engagement implies customers are starting to build connections with an organization’s services and brands, and a longer visit helps with organic rankings.
An organization’s digital presence, when maintained effectively, slows down in-store traffic and increases traffic through the mobile store or app that organization has instead. Having an effective digital presence also helps to provide customers with information that employees may not have. According to Retail Dive, nearly 60% of shoppers look up product information and prices while using their mobile phones in stores, making a mobile strategy critical for retailers.
Decrease Product Return Rate
By allowing customers access to augmented reality tools such as enhanced 3D visuals and the popular “view in your room” option, organization’s can decrease product return rate. A recent article from Shopify reports a 40 percent decrease in returns from 3D visualization while Build.com reports that the return rate for shoppers that use its AR product visualization features is 22 percent lower than non-AR benchmarks.
Not only are returns an extra aggravation for customers, they are also costly for the organization. Reducing product return rate with AR helps everyone in the ecommerce industry save time, money and the inconvenience that comes with the return process.
Utilize AR Filters on Social Media
Augmented reality filters on social media allow ecommerce organizations to digitally market and advertise new products in a modern way. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and more now offer filters as a way for users to capture images and videos in a fun, fresh new way. Creating an AR product filter is an effective way to promote the item by reaching a wider, younger audience. Brands like Netflix, Nike and Gucci are already using AR filters to promote new items—a method which has proven successful countless times.
Offer More Personalized Experiences
Augmented reality offers the opportunity for an extremely interactive user experience. AR gives potential customers control over virtual items in their space with 3D tools. This technology allows for a completely personalized shopping experience and helps build a stronger, more enhanced connection between the shopper and the brand itself. Brands can use 3D technology for product packaging by displaying digital images and videos that overlay in 3D as the user points their smartphone at the product.
Multiple studies show that augmented reality boosts customer engagement and brings better conversion rates for eCommerce companies because of augmented reality’s ability to offer a personalized shopping experience. A recent study from Deloitte found that 40% of online buyers will readily pay a higher price for products if they get to try them through AR technology.
Augmented Reality from Ocavu
Ocavu’s patented AR technology has been shown to increase conversions by 4x, lower product returns by 30%, and increase customer stickiness by 50%. Using the OcavuXR Platform’s core functionality, Ocavu brings an augmented reality configurator, mobile scene creator planner, and every channel integration needed to make Ocavu a one-stop-shop for all things 3D. Boosting conversion rates, decreasing product returns and optimizing digital platforms is just a click away.
Book a demo with Ocavu today to get started.