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Jan 30, 2025
The days of boring, one-size-fits-all ads are over. If you want to grab your audience’s attention in a crowded digital space, you need to do more than just show up; you need to wow them. That’s where our SEO company in Dallas introduces you to AR ads.
AR ads give people the chance to interact with your brand on a whole new level. Instead of passively watching a video or scrolling past a banner, they’re “trying on” products, visualizing how things look in their space, or even playing games that double as marketing. They’re immersive, exciting, and honestly, kind of addictive.
The good news is, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Some brands are already dominating with AR ads, and they’ve set a blueprint you can follow – even if you’re just getting started.
That said, let’s dive into six brands that are killing it with AR ads and share tips on how you can take inspiration from their success.
IKEA’s Place app is a perfect example of how AR can make a real impact on the customer experience.
With the app, users can scan their living space and virtually “place” furniture to see how it fits and looks in real life. The app uses AR to provide a realistic view of the furniture, complete with accurate dimensions and color matching. More than just a cool feature, it’s a practical solution to a common problem.
IKEA has essentially eliminated the headache of returning furniture by letting customers preview their purchases in their homes before they even hit the checkout button. Not only is it convenient, but it also builds trust in their products, with customers knowing exactly what they’re getting.
If you sell physical products, think about how AR could help your customers visualize them in their lives. Can they “try” your product before buying? If building an app feels too ambitious, use AR filters on Instagram or Snapchat to create a similar experience at a fraction of the cost.
Sephora’s Virtual Artist tool has completely changed the game for beauty shoppers.
Using AR, the tool lets users try on makeup products like lipstick, eyeshadow, and foundation in real time. By simply opening the Sephora app or using the feature on their website, customers can see how different shades will look on their face, all without stepping foot in a store.
This tool solves a huge problem for online beauty shopping: uncertainty. Buying makeup without knowing how it’ll look is a gamble, and Sephora has taken the guesswork out of the equation. Not only does this make the shopping experience easier, but it also encourages customers to explore and try products they might not have considered otherwise.
AR works best when it solves a specific pain point. Think about the most common objections your customers have when buying your product and create an AR experience to address them. For smaller budgets, consider working with AR-focused platforms like YouCam Makeup to integrate virtual try-ons into your offerings.
Nike understands that nothing ruins a shopping experience like ordering shoes online and finding out they don’t fit. That’s why they created Nike Fit, an AR tool that scans your feet to determine your exact shoe size.
By using a smartphone camera, the app collects data points about your foot’s length, width, and shape, making sure the shoes you buy fit perfectly.
But Nike doesn’t stop there. They’ve also used AR ads to showcase their sneakers in 3D, letting customers explore every angle of the product before purchasing. This level of detail reinforces the premium quality of Nike’s products and builds confidence in their brand.
Solve a pain point with your AR ad. What’s one thing your customers hesitate about before buying? Be it sizing, compatibility, or style, use AR to give them the confidence to click "buy now."
Snapchat has turned AR into an art form. Their AR lenses, which started as fun filters for selfies, have become powerful tools for brands to create interactive ad experiences.
Take Taco Bell’s AR lens that turned users’ faces into tacos, for instance. It was goofy, highly shareable, and incredibly effective at keeping the brand top of mind.
The beauty of Snapchat’s AR ads is that they feel organic to the platform. People use Snapchat to have fun, and these interactive lenses amplify that experience while seamlessly integrating brand messaging. Whether it’s trying on virtual sunglasses or transforming into a branded character, Snapchat AR ads blur the line between advertising and entertainment.
Don’t be afraid to inject fun into your ads! AR isn’t just about practicality; it’s also about creating joy. The experts at our SEO company in Dallas recommends using AR lenses or filters to build a connection with your audience and make your brand unforgettable.
Gucci’s AR tool offers an experience that’s as stylish as the brand itself. Their app lets users virtually try on accessories like sneakers and sunglasses, offering a realistic and interactive way to explore the Gucci collection from anywhere.
For Gucci, AR is a natural extension of their identity as a forward-thinking, luxury brand. It builds a connection with customers that feels innovative and personal, offering a seamless blend of tech and fashion.
If you want to position your brand as premium or innovative, use AR to create a sense of exclusivity. It could be something as simple as a virtual “preview” of a new product launch or an interactive way to showcase your top-tier offerings.
Warby Parker is proof that AR isn’t exclusively for beauty or fashion; it can also make online shopping for eyewear easy.
Thanks to their virtual try-on tool, customers can see how different frames look on their face in real time. The experience feels personal and helps customers make confident choices, which is crucial when buying something as unique as glasses.
What sets Warby Parker apart is how seamless their AR tool is. There’s no complicated setup – users just open the app or website, and the feature works effortlessly. That simplicity goes a long way in encouraging people to try it out.
If your product requires a high level of personalization, AR can bridge the gap between online and in-person shopping. Make sure the experience is user-friendly and accessible. Jumping through hoops to interact with your brand is the last thing any customer wants.
Augmented reality is shaking up the marketing world, and it’s clear why: it’s fun, interactive, and makes shopping a whole lot easier for customers. From Nike making sure your shoes fit perfectly to Gucci giving you a taste of luxury at home, these brands are setting the standard for what’s possible with AR.
If you’re ready to step up your marketing game and create experiences your audience will love, Digital Resource is here to help. Whether it’s crafting AR campaigns, managing your social media, or boosting your visibility online, our SEO company in Seattle knows how to make it happen.
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