Augmented Reality Has Become The Next Big Public Relations Tool.

When thinking about Augmented Reality I think of 3-D movies and video game headsets but after doing a little more research on the topic I realized AR enhances our view of the world with advanced technology.

Augmented reality has become a increasingly popular tool in Public Relations efforts to enhance campaigns and announcements. So what is Augmented Reality?

According to Underwood (2014), "Simply put, 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." Augmented Reality helps consumers in guiding their purchasing decisions by seeing products or services in a new way.

This tool allows companies to target consumers with a more realistic + playful outlook creating a more immersive experience for the viewer. Engagement is a huge forefront in social media and public relations and AR pushes the limits on how customers can engage with different brands and consumers.

Public Relations can utilize AR in multiple ways such as scanning QR codes, admission to special events and access to exclusive media content. Using innovative ways to improve a customer's brand experience is key to public relation efforts because consumers engage more with fun experience rather than the mainstream ads across social media platforms.

Photo taken on the app: IKEA Place