A connected experience means every touchpoint with a brand works together — whether physical or digital. From scanning a QR code on packaging, to receiving personalised content in-store, to exploring products through augmented reality (AR), a connected experience brings it all together.

The aim is simple: remove friction and make every moment feel natural. With the right strategy, even something as simple as a cereal box can become a gateway to loyalty rewards, setup help, or immersive brand storytelling.

This approach is made possible by a growing range of technologies — including QR codes, NFC tags, AR, and visual search tools. These allow people to unlock new layers of content, instantly and on their own terms. 

The data is clear. QR code use jumped by 23% in just six months, with nearly 90% of people now using them regularly. That’s not just a spike — it's a sign that consumers want more interactive, meaningful brand moments.

And it’s not just QR codes. Our 2025 Connected Experiences Research Report has found that 83% of people have engaged with at least one connected experience in the past month. For 42%, it happens most of the time when the opportunity is there. That shows appetite for these experiences is already high, and still growing. 

People aren’t just engaging out of curiosity. They’re buying more because of these experiences too:

• 37% are more likely to buy a product if it offers a connected experience 

• 27% are even willing to pay more for it 

If your brand isn’t offering these kinds of interactions, it’s likely your competitors are – and are gaining an advantage in so doing. 

Done right, connected experiences don’t just add value; they unlock entirely new opportunities to build loyalty, trust and revenue. Here are some of the most important benefits:

1. Better retention and lifetime value 
   When you meet customers where they are, with relevant, helpful content, you’re more likely to keep them coming back. Connected experiences can reward loyalty, simplify post-purchase support, or encourage repeat purchases.
   
   
2. Personalisation at scale
   By gathering real-time insights across channels, brands can break down data silos and tailor interactions. That means more timely, relevant messages and better customer journeys overall.
   
   
3. Faster path to purchase
   Reducing friction helps people make decisions faster. Whether it’s an AR preview of a product or a setup video accessed via packaging, these small touches smooth the journey and speed up conversions.
   
   
4. Staying competitive in a platform world
   Tech giants like Amazon and TikTok are setting the bar high for seamless experiences. For direct-to-consumer brands, keeping pace means crafting their own connected ecosystems – or risk losing out.
   
   
5. Greater agility
   Connected experiences let brands react in real time. Whether it's adjusting content based on consumer behaviour or adapting quickly to market shifts, this approach gives marketers more control and flexibility.

Our report, based on insights from 2,000 consumers in the UK and US, uncovers a few key trends:

• High awareness, but uneven confidence: While 98% of consumers are familiar with QR codes, only 32% feel confident using AR tools. 

• People want more guidance: 31% say they struggle to understand how connected experiences work. Clear instructions can close that gap.

• Privacy matters: 37% are hesitant to engage because of data concerns. Brands must be transparent, give people control, and explain how data is used. 

• There’s real appetite for learning: 75% of consumers say they’re willing to learn how to use new tools if it improves the experience.

This shows that the future of connected experiences isn’t just about technology — it’s about trust, clarity, and value. 

Connected experiences are set to evolve fast. Our research highlights rising interest in visual search, dynamic loyalty rewards, and immersive technologies like 3D web environments.

Brands need to look ahead — not just to what customers want now, but what they will expect next. That includes: 

• Predictive experiences that anticipate needs

• Personalised rewards based on behaviour 

• Frictionless journeys across all channels

• Greater integration between loyalty, product info and digital content 

The most successful brands will be those that take action today — designing connected experiences with people at the centre.

The 2025 Connected Experiences Research Report offers even deeper insights, stats, and strategies to help brands move from transactions to relationships. Whether you're rethinking your digital roadmap or exploring new channels for customer engagement, this report will give you the data and direction to lead the way. 

[Download the full report now] to get the latest findings and practical guidance. Or contact us if you’d like to explore how we can elevate your own connected experiences for your customers. 

What is a connected experience in marketing? 
A connected experience in marketing refers to a seamless journey where all brand interactions — whether digital or physical — are integrated. It includes things like QR codes on packaging, in-store digital displays, and personalised content delivered via mobile. The aim is to make every touchpoint feel consistent, useful, and intuitive.

Why are connected experiences important for brands? 
Connected experiences help brands meet rising consumer expectations for convenience and personalisation. They allow brands to engage customers in real time, gather useful data, and build deeper relationships. Brands that invest in connected experiences tend to see higher engagement, loyalty, and conversion rates.

How do connected experiences improve customer engagement? 
They reduce friction in the customer journey and offer added value — such as exclusive content, loyalty rewards, or helpful product information. When done well, connected experiences feel less like marketing and more like support, entertainment, or discovery.

Which technologies enable connected experiences? 
The most common technologies include:

• QR codes

• NFC (Near Field Communication) tags

• Augmented Reality (AR)

• Visual search tools 
  These tools allow customers to access dynamic content by scanning, tapping, or interacting through their smartphone.

Are consumers willing to share their data for connected experiences? 
Yes — but only if brands are transparent and respectful. Our research found that most consumers are open to sharing their data in exchange for benefits like discounts, rewards, or convenience. However, they expect clear explanations of how their data is used, and the ability to opt out.

What are the biggest barriers to connected experience adoption? 
The three main obstacles are:

• Lack of clear value or incentive

• Concerns over data privacy

• Confusion about how to use the technology 
  Brands can overcome these by providing clear instructions, building trust, and showing the real benefits of engaging.

Which industries benefit most from connected experiences? 
Connected experiences are valuable across many sectors, but they are especially powerful in:

• Retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG)

• Food and beverage

• Personal care

• Technology and electronics 
  These categories often involve physical products and high customer engagement, making them ideal for interactive features.

How can my brand get started with connected experiences? 
Start by identifying key touchpoints where your customers already engage — such as packaging, store displays, or apps. Then think about how you can add value through content, convenience or rewards. Pilot small initiatives, measure engagement, and scale based on what works. Our full report offers step-by-step insights to help guide your approach.