How to Use Augmented Reality for Better SEO Results

A few years ago, it seemed that virtual reality had a larger potential than its augmented counterpart. However, as time goes by, it’s clear that augmented reality has overtaken the lead. From e-commerce and retail to medical and military use, AR is highly likely to be the buzzword of the 2020s.

Its wider application in some fields causes changes in others, as well. As more and more business ventures are including AR in their tools, search engines also have to follow suit to meet their needs. Therefore, business owners should start using AR for better SEO results. So, stay with us to find out more about this matter.

1. Local business searches and AR

More and more people are looking for local businesses via search engines. If you don’t have a business page on social media or a website these days, it’s as if you’re living under a rock. What makes AR an element of this equation is its potential in local business queries and real-life searches.

Let’s say that you run a small coffee shop in a town attractive to tourists. As tourists pass by the shop, they might want to see what it’s like. Since their time is limited, they want to check out other people’s experiences before they decide if they’ll give it a try. They simply scan your place with one of the suitable AR apps and they get the basic information about your coffee shop, its menu, and other people’s experiences at the same time.

Google is already implementing augmented reality in its algorithms so it will be an important feature in the future.

2. Location-based outreach

The example from the previous paragraph works the other way around. In other words, it’s not only possible for tourists and passers-by to use AR to learn more about different objects on their route.

Business owners can send them their offers in real-time, as well. For instance, when you announce that the happy hour in your restaurant has just started, you can invite people in its vicinity to come and eat at your place.

This call can be performed through selected AR apps. As they’re approaching the restaurant, their mobile will register the image of the special happy hour offer you’ve just launched. That image is the essence of AR – a hologram-like visual that can be visible only through an app.

By using these marker-based AR elements, you’ll improve both your offline and online visibility. If the customers like what they get from you, they’ll spread the word on the Web. In turn, you’ll have more visitors both on the website and in reality. Eventually, implementing AR that way will ensure your further growth on SERPs.

3. Augmented impact of social media

If you’ve ever used the Facebook 360 option, you’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to immersing yourself in social media experiences.

In line with that, Instagram has also announced that they’re going to allow third-party AR filters in their stories. Since social media and SEO are interrelated online entities, the more AR elements you add to your pages, the higher visibility you can expect.

Given that AR is already being used for different marketing purposes, business owners and marketers should start implementing these features in their business promotion. For instance, sharing promotional videos that contain AR elements on social media can attract more potential customers and improve your overall online status.

4. Web design in AR surroundings

What’s interesting about augmented reality is that it’s equally applicable in both online and offline environments. Likewise, it can affect your SEO status in both directions.

We’ve already explained its offline marketing potential in that coffee shop example.

When it comes to its online placement, it’s important to say that for now it can be used as an appendix to an existing website.

For instance, if you own an e-commerce website, AR features can improve the user experience on that website. Businesses selling clothes, furniture, office equipment, and other tangible goods will benefit from adding these elements to their online shops.

This is also where 3D modeling can come in handy, especially if you have a brick-and-mortar store, as well.

3D modeling and AR are complementary to some extent. So, you can find out more about the right choice for your needs from a web development Houston-based pundits to understand which technology to add to your website.

All these features can help you improve the UX experience on your website and, hence, its overall online rankings.

5. Conclusion

Augmented reality is here to help us find out more about the world around us by adding virtual images to it. As you’ve seen from this article, AR can enhance search engine optimization in many direct and indirect ways. From mobile apps and social media features to location-based outreach and web design, this technology can improve our online rankings on several levels.

The AR race has begun, which is why it’s vital to start using these features and keep your business present in as many online queries as possible.

Helpful Resources:

1. How Augmented Reality Will Change The Future Of the Design Industry

2. JavaScript SEO: Server Side Rendering and Client Side Rendering

3. 16 Best SEO Practices For Web Developers & Search Marketers

4. 25 Best SolarMovie Alternatives

5. 16 On-Page SEO Factors Rank Faster in Google