Augmented Reality (AR) in Marketing: Enhancing Customer Engagement

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I will learn.” Benjamin Franklin

In 2025, involvement isn’t optional it’s everything.

That’s why augmented reality marketing isn’t just a futuristic idea it’s happening right now, reshaping how brands connect with people in bold, immersive ways.

If you still think AR is just for tech demos or Pokémon Go, think again. Today, brands in every industry including small businesses right here in New Orleans are using AR to transform passive scrolling into active participation. Because let’s face it: a flat image or static banner ad won’t stop the scroll. But an interactive ad that lets someone try on sunglasses, visualize a couch in their living room, or snap a selfie with a virtual mascot? Now that gets attention. And attention drives action.

Why Augmented Reality Works (And Why Your Brand Needs It)

People crave experiences, not just more information. AR bridges the two mixing useful content with dynamic interaction that users remember.

• 70% of consumers say AR can bring real-life value
• 61% prefer shopping with retailers offering AR features
• Brands using AR in their digital strategy have seen up to 30% higher engagement rates

At L.A. Creative Marketing, we’re seeing it firsthand. Whether it’s immersive photo filters, product visualizations, or AR-driven campaigns, interactive content is changing the way our clients market and the results speak for themselves.

How AR Campaigns Grab Attention And Hold It

Let’s be clear: AR isn’t a gimmick. When used right, it’s strategic, and it delivers. We help brands turn everyday promotions into immersive brand experiences.

1. Bring Your Products to Life

Instead of making customers guess what a product looks like on them or in their space AR shows them. It’s like handing them a personal demo without leaving home. This not only improves buying confidence but helps reduce return rates. At L.A. Creative, we help E-Commerce and retail clients leverage tools like Instagram AR filters to create product try-ons that feel fun and frictionless.

2. Make Events Unforgettable

Planning a launch or pop-up event? AR adds that “wow” factor. We’ve built AR activations for local New Orleans events that turn foot traffic into social buzz like custom backdrops with 3D mascots or QR codes that unlock interactive features. One of our clients saw a surge in social shares just from guests snapping selfies with a branded AR filter.

3. Turn Ads into Experiences

Let’s face it traditional ads get skipped. But with AR, your ad becomes the destination. Whether it’s a swipe-up experience on Instagram or a gamified Snap Lens, suddenly your brand is something users play with, not scroll past. Tools like Meta Spark AR and Snapchat Lens Studio are more accessible than ever and yes, we help our clients build on both.

What Makes an AR Campaign Actually Work?

It’s easy to get distracted by the shiny tech, but success in AR comes down to a few non-negotiables:

• Simplicity: If users don’t get it in the first 3 seconds, they won’t use it.
• Purpose: Don’t add AR just to say you did make it useful, entertaining, or memorable.
• Platform Fit: Design AR experiences that match how users behave on Instagram, TikTok, or your website.
• Testing: We test across multiple devices, screen sizes, and platforms to make sure the experience is seamless.

And we always track performance. Engagement metrics tell us where users interact, where they drop off, and how to tweak the experience for even stronger ROI.

Real Brands. Real Results.

Some of the world’s most recognized brands are already tapping into AR and winning big:

• Sephora lets customers virtually try on makeup via their app, driving major online purchases.
• IKEA’s Place app allows shoppers to drop furniture into their homes using AR, reducing buyer hesitation.
• Burger King’s “burn this ad” campaign let users destroy competitor ads in AR to win free Whoppers fun, bold, and viral.

These aren’t just flashy campaigns they’re smart, and they work. Now imagine applying that kind of interactive thinking to your brand.

AR Marketing for Local Businesses? Absolutely.

You don’t need a massive budget to compete with the big players. We’re building custom AR campaigns for small businesses that create big impact.

Here’s what we’re doing at L.A. Creative Marketing:

• Custom AR filters to promote weekend specials or limited-time offers
• QR-triggered 3D models of event spaces, menu items, or products
• Interactive print ads that come alive when scanned with a phone

With AR, the right strategy brings any brand to life no matter the size.

Final Thought: Don’t Just Tell. Show.

The brands that stand out in 2025 aren’t the loudest they’re the ones delivering real, involving experiences. AR gives you the power to do just that. You’re not just telling people who you are you’re showing them. You’re letting them interact, explore, and connect.

If you’re ready to stop being scrolled past and start becoming unforgettable, we’re ready to help.

📍 L.A. Creative Marketing
Your go-to team for bold, strategic digital marketing in New Orleans.
📞 (504) 214-0552
📧 [email protected]

Let’s build AR campaigns that get people to pause, play, and purchase.owth?
Book a 30-minute consultation today and let’s bring your brand to life, literally.