As the terms 'augmented reality' and 'virtual reality' are bandied about in offices with increasing regularity, it's important to take a moment to learn the differences between the two emerging technologies and how each can play a role in the future of your business. While both technologies enhance and modify reality, there are a few key differences that will help you decide which technology you need to pursue first. The time to act on AR and VR is now. Make sure that you're well-informed on what's what when it comes to these technologies.

At INBOUND 2018, HubSpot founder and CTO Dharmesh Shah introduced HubSpot's Customer Code during a keynote address. The Customer Code (which is detailed below) is all about solving for customer success. Earlier in the speech, founder and CEO Brian Halligan had announced that the marketing funnel was out and the flywheel was in. Instead of seeing customers as the output of process in the funnel model, the flywheel puts customers in the center and focuses on removing friction to ensure smooth spinning. 

ONEFIRE's team was in attendance that day and we found ourselves nodding along with Brian and Dharmesh. Through first-hand experience, we've learned that putting customer success first is the best approach to doing business. We had plenty of stories to share with other agencies about helping clients grow better. 

Don't have time to build a full-fledged digital marketing strategy? You're not alone. It's a huge undertaking and your business doesn't afford you a ton of free time. While you should consider a digital partner for building and executing a plan for your business, there are some important things you can do in the meantime. Check out the list below and identify a few ways that you can improve your digital marketing presence today:

What is virtual reality? 

We've written plenty about it, so it might seem strange that we're going back to the basics. But, sometimes, being reminded of the basics of a newer technology can help you think through unique applications for your business. Before you start to implement and then maximize the potential of VR in your business, it's important to know exactly what you're working with. 

Many employees need hands-on training to feel confident taking on new tasks. But, many companies don't have the time, resources, or free hands to provide that training. As a result, either employees end up with insufficient training or the company winds up spending too much time and energy to provide adequate training. If that sounds familiar, it's time to take a different approach. Virtual Reality can be used to boost training efficiency, engaging employees and empowering them to learn on their own. 

The backstage pass. It's exclusive. It's expensive. It's ... suddenly available to everybody. 

Virtual reality (VR) has broken down barriers of all kinds. Whether you want to visit a university campus before applying, see far away places before booking a trip, or show off products without paying to ship them, virtual reality has changed what's possible. 

VR can even give you access to experiences that were previously out of reach. If you have a favorite band (or two, or three), you know the feeling. You want to know everything about them. You want to know what the writing process is like. You want to know the meaning behind the lyrics. You want to see them practice. You want to know where they got their outfits. You want to know what they eat, what they drink, and hear stories from the road. 

The modern workplace carries a heavy burden. As work in general has become more flexible and technology has enabled people to get work done from anywhere, the space your company provides can be a huge difference-maker in recruitment. While each individual has their own ideal workplace in mind, there's most definitely an arms race going on between companies to see who can offer the more attractive space.

Everybody wants marketing collateral that 'jumps out,' 'leaps off the page,' or otherwise grabs attention. Augmented Reality can literally make that happen. Dazzling 3D images can be placed over the physical world wherever you need them to be, adding a new element to traditional marketing or reinventing your efforts altogether. Below are three examples of the former. Traditional marketing can still be effective, if new technology is leveraged correctly. See how traditional marketing collateral can come to life with AR:

Close your eyes and picture these moments.

Game 7 of the NBA Finals where LeBron took down the Golden State Warriors, fulfilling his promise to 'Win One For The Land.'

Super Bowl LII, where backup quarterback Nick Foles kept up with future first-ballot Hall of Famer Tom Brady to bring the Philadelphia Eagles their first Lombardi Trophy.

Game 7 of the World Series, where the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians battled for 10 innings before the Billy Goat Curse was finally broken.  

Now imagine that you had a front row seat. 

Your institution does incredible things. Naturally, you want as many people as possible to see what your college or university is all about. From state-of-the-art facilities to breathtaking grounds, put your institution in the best light possible with Campus XR. Give prospective students, donors, alumni, partners, and the community at large an immersive virtual tour of your campus. No matter who you're trying to reach or where they're located, Campus XR gives you the ability to bring people to your campus. Visitors can explore what your institution has to offer at their own pace, on their own time. That will bring more eyes to your campus and more involvement in the experience you're building.