Definition of Augmented Product
In digital marketing, the term “augmented product” refers to a product or service that has been enhanced with added features or benefits to improve its value and customer appeal. These added elements, which may be digital or physical, differentiate the offering from competitors, improve user experience, and boost customer satisfaction. Augmented products aim to exceed customer expectations and create a stronger connection between the customer and the brand.
Key Takeaways
- An augmented product goes beyond fulfilling the core needs of customers by offering additional benefits that enhance the overall purchase experience or create a long-lasting relationship with the brand.
- Augmented product features usually include exceptional customer service, warranty, after-sales support, and ongoing customer engagement through loyalty programs or exclusive promotional offers.
- Incorporating augmented product elements can significantly improve customer satisfaction, solidify brand loyalty, and set a company apart from its competitors in an increasingly competitive market.
Importance of Augmented Product
The digital marketing term “Augmented Product” is important because it elevates a product or service’s value proposition by providing additional benefits to consumers beyond the core features and functionalities.
These enhancements enhance customer satisfaction, encourage brand loyalty, and ultimately contribute to a company’s competitive advantage in the market.
In an increasingly technology-driven environment where customer expectations are rapidly evolving, businesses leverage augmented products to differentiate themselves, foster positive customer relationships, and grant a unique user experience through personalized, relevant, and tailored offerings.
This concept is crucial in the digital marketing domain as it allows companies to effectively communicate and promote the added value that comes with their products or services, resulting in increased customer engagement and sales.
Adogy’s Explanation
In digital marketing, the purpose of an Augmented Product is to enrich the overall value and appeal of a core product or service, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and building brand loyalty. Essentially, the augmented product concept revolves around providing customers with additional features, benefits, or services that go beyond the basic function of the core product. These supplementary elements aim to create memorable and distinctive experiences for consumers, enticing them to make a purchase and establishing long-term associations with the brand or company.
In a highly competitive marketplace, product augmentation can serve as a unique selling point that truly differentiates a brand and paves the way for retaining an extensive customer base. Digital marketing professionals cleverly employ several strategies to utilize the Augmented Product concept effectively. These may include implementing personalized customer service or offering easy-to-access online troubleshooting resources.
For instance, a smartphone manufacturer may introduce a mobile app that provides customers exclusive rewards and privileges, adding value to the core product. Apart from this, they may also introduce extended warranties, free shipping, loyalty programs, or seamless integration with other digital platforms, all of which significantly contribute to enriching the overall customer experience. Digital marketers aim to foster deeper relationships with their audience through these augmented features, leading to increased brand loyalty, word-of-mouth referrals, and profit maximization.
Examples of Augmented Product
IKEA Place App: IKEA, the famous furniture and home goods retailer, created the IKEA Place App as a part of their digital marketing strategy. This app uses augmented reality to enable customers to place 3D models of IKEA products in their homes virtually. This helps the customers visualize how the product will look and fit in the space, boosting their confidence in purchasing and enhancing their overall shopping experience.
L’Oréal’s Makeup Genius App: The cosmetics company L’Oréal launched an app called Makeup Genius that allows users to try on different makeup products virtually through their smartphones. Using augmented reality technology, the app permits customers to test various makeup products and colors on their faces in real time. This augmented product experience enables customers to make better-informed buying decisions and adds an interactive element to L’Oréal’s digital marketing strategy.
Nike Fit: Nike introduced the Nike Fit feature in its mobile app to enhance the customer experience while purchasing footwear. This augmented reality tool assists customers in finding the right shoe size by scanning their feet using the app’s camera. In doing so, Nike Fit eliminates the problem of size-related returns, fostering a more positive relationship between the brand and its customers. This digital marketing initiative has enhanced customer experience by personalizing product fit recommendations.
FAQ – Augmented Product
1. What is an augmented product?
An augmented product refers to a product that is enhanced beyond its core functionality to deliver additional benefits and features, typically through added services or new technology, to differentiate it from competitors and create additional value for the customer.
2. What are some examples of augmented products?
Examples of augmented products include smartphones with virtual assistants, cars with free maintenance and after-sales support, and laptops with extended warranties and customer support services.
3. How does an augmented product differ from a core and actual product?
The core product refers to the primary purpose or benefit that serves the customer’s need. The actual product is the tangible, physical product or service that customers can experience, including the design, packaging, quality, and branding. On the other hand, the augmented product includes additional elements such as after-sales support, warranty, and other value-added features that distinguish it from competitors and enhance the customer experience.
4. Why are augmented products important for businesses?
Augmented products help businesses stand out in a competitive market by offering additional value to customers, cultivating customer loyalty, and generating positive word-of-mouth advertising. By creating unique customer experiences by adding enhanced features and services, companies can differentiate themselves in the market and potentially drive higher sales and customer satisfaction.
5. How can I create an augmented product for my business?
To create an augmented product for your business, identify your target customer segment, needs, and preferences. Consider the competitive landscape and identify opportunities to differentiate your offering from competitors. Then, determine which features or services can be added to your core product to enhance its value and customer experience. Finally, evaluate the cost and impact of implementing these enhancements and develop a strategy for effectively marketing and promoting the augmented product.
Related Digital Marketing Terms
- Virtual Reality
- 3D Modeling
- Interactive experiences
- Customer Engagement
- User Experience (UX)
Sources for More Information
- Investopedia – https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/augmented-product.asp
- Marketing91 – https://www.marketing91.com/what-is-augmented-product/
- Feedough – https://www.feedough.com/augmented-product-definition-examples/
- MBA Skool – https://www.mbaskool.com/business-concepts/marketing-and-strategy-terms/2367-augmented-product.html
