In recent years, the rapid advancement of technology has significantly transformed the online marketing landscape. With the advent of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), brands have powerful tools at their disposal to enhance customer experiences, engage more with their target audience and revolutionize their online marketing strategies . The potential impact of these two technologies on the field of marketing has attracted substantial attention from companies and researchers.
The purpose of this PhD thesis is to investigate the impact of RA and RV on online marketing strategy. Delving into the field of AR and VR technologies and their integration into online marketing practices, this research endeavors to uncover the implications, challenges and opportunities that arise from incorporating these immersive technologies into marketing campaigns.
To achieve these objectives, a mixed methods approach will be used, comprising both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Through surveys, interviews and experimental studies, valuable information will be gathered to inform the development of theoretical frameworks and practical guidelines for incorporating AR and VR into online marketing strategies.
Integrating AR and VR into online marketing offers a unique opportunity for businesses to provide interactive and personalized experiences to consumers. These technologies have the potential to transform the way products and services are presented and perceived, enabling brands to create engaging and memorable experiences that go beyond traditional marketing approaches. However, the effective adoption and use of AR and VR in marketing strategies requires a thorough understanding of their impact on consumer behavior, brand perception, and overall marketing effectiveness.
Chapters 1 and 2 of this thesis aim to systematically present the literature in the field and the latest statistics. In order to be able to understand the impact of the two technologies on the marketing strategy, this thesis will take a holistic approach to the concept of online marketing, analyzing the current state of knowledge in terms of the online business environment, consumer behavior and online marketing strategies .
The exploratory research presented in Chapter 3 will examine key dimensions related to the impact of AR and VR on online marketing. These dimensions include consumer attitudes and perceptions towards AR and VR experiences, the influence of immersive technologies on consumer decision-making processes, the effectiveness of AR and VR in increasing brand engagement and loyalty.
Chapter 4 presents quantitative research, the analysis being structured in two parts (two marketing experiments and a survey-based survey), which aim to statistically demonstrate the benefits of implementing AR and VR in marketing strategy and which ends with the formulation of clear directions in order to implement these technologies.
The results of this research contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the fields of marketing, consumer behavior and technology adoption. In addition, the marketing program in Chapter 5 provides practical directions for SMEs looking to harness the potential of AR and VR to gain a competitive advantage in the digital marketplace.
In conclusion, this PhD thesis aims to explore and analyze the impact of RA and VR on online marketing strategy. By investigating the integration, implications and challenges associated with these immersive technologies, this research aims to contribute to the understanding of how AR and VR can shape the future of marketing. By exploring consumer behavior, brand engagement and marketing effectiveness, this study will provide insights and practical recommendations to guide marketers in harnessing the power of AR and VR to improve their online marketing strategies.
I would like to give special thanks to the scientific leader, Prof. dr. Cristinel Petrișor Constantin for the way he guided and supported me in the process of developing this thesis. Your marketing knowledge and extensive academic experience were important factors that contributed to its successful completion. I also want to express my gratitude to all the members of the guidance committee, made up of Prof. Dr. Gabriel Brătucu, Prof. Dr. Gheorghe Epuran and Prof. Dr. Cătălin Maican, for your ideas, advice and guidance, which really contributed to my academic development.