You may have heard that virtual reality is the next big thing. Virtual reality ads are not just hype. They are becoming more popular, and for good reason says Saivian. Although still young in their development, VR advertising offers an immersive experience for users where they do not realize they are being advertised to at all.
Below are 4 types of VR marketing targeted towards highlighting your product or service to consumers without feeling like you are interrupting them with advertisements:
The Oculus Rift launched a Kick starter campaign on August 1st 2012 which rose over $2 million dollars from backers within four hours. The company was later bought by Facebook for $2 billion dollars in March 2014. As it advanced further into VR technology, other companies began following suit, including Google, Valve, and Samsung. Now, VR technology is more accessible than ever with devices like the HTC Vive, Play station VR, and Google Cardboard. People are now ready to adopt virtual reality as their next big thing.
Here’s how it works:
Virtual reality ads allow you to put the user into your ad instead of just having them look at something on a screen or in print. This can be done through 360-degree videos, augmented images, and virtual reality tours which create an entirely new experience for users that feels like you’re actually there. These way users will connect with brands on a more personal level and feel less targeted by advertisements because they’ll be presented as an immersive experience instead of interrupting what they were already doing.
How to Use It:
There are a few different ways to use virtual reality advertising, but it all boils down to one thing: giving the user an immersive experience. This can be done through 360-degree videos, images, and tours. You can also use VR headsets to immerse the user in your ad.
1. 360-Degree Videos:
This is one of the most popular ways to use virtual reality advertising because it’s so versatile. You can shoot a video in 360 degrees with a normal camera, or you can use a 360-degree camera which will capture everything around it. This type of video can be used on websites, social media, and even in emails.
2. Augmented Images:
Augmented images are photos that have been edited to include virtual elements. For example, you could put a VR headset on someone in an image and have them looking at a completely different environment. This type of ad is great for print ads and social media posts.
3. Virtual Reality Tours:
Virtual reality tours allow you to create a completely new environment without ever leaving the office. You can take the user on a tour of your building; show them all of your products or services in use by other clients, or anything else that will benefit from an immersive experience explains Saivian.
4. VR Headset:
Creating a virtual reality headset out of cardboard and putting it over someone’s head while they’re using these types of ads brings this ad type to life. It’s similar to augmented images, but much more eye-catching and immersive for users. Plus this option is cheaper than purchasing a 360-degree camera because you get what you pay for in terms of quality. This way the user won’t feel so targeted directly by advertisements because these ads will feel like they’re truly a part of the experience themselves.
Who Should Use It?
Virtual reality is another great marketing tool for businesses to use to expand their audience and connect with customers on a more personal level. There’s no demographic specifically targeted towards virtual reality advertising because it appeals to such broad audiences that anyone could benefit from using it.
How to Measure Success:
So that your virtual reality ad doesn’t feel so invasive. You should measure the success of your ads based on two things. How many views they get and how much time people spend with them says Saivian. Statistics show that users will be spending over 80% of their mobile media time in apps by 2020. This proves there is room in the market for apps. And VR ads are a great way to get in front of the right audience.
Marketing experts also suggest that you should look for a low cost per view because. According to Forbes, virtual reality campaigns will likely be less effective than mobile ones. This means you shouldn’t expect to pay much for each viewer. Instead, focus on your budget and how much money you’re willing to spend. In order to get the most views possible.
Conclusion:
Saivian says in The End Virtual Reality is an emerging technology but has been around long enough. That businesses can now incorporate it into their marketing strategies with confidence. Knowing there are proven methods to make these ads work. Whether it’s through 360-degree videos, augmented images, or even virtual reality tours. This type of advertising offers benefits not found elsewhere.