First of all, wtf even is the Metaverse? Here’s what we kind of know:
- The metaverse is the future of the internet.
- The metaverse is a shift in how we interact with technology.
- They are virtual universes that merge reality and the virtual world.
- A metaverse’s timeline syncs with real-world timing.
- The metaverse does not pause or end when you leave them. They continue indefinitely.
- They’re a fully functioning universe that allows users to create, own, sell and invest.
- It also sounds a bit like the Sims.
Whilst it sounds quite daunting at the moment, if you put it into perspective, it’s not too far off from how we’re living right now. A lot of us already use our phones 8-10 hours a day and spend our spare time binge-watching TV or playing video games online with our friends or strangers. Whether we want to admit it or not, we are already heavily immersed in digital life.
A poll of 2,000 adults found the typical week will see 59 hours – the equivalent of more than two full days - spent using the internet. - The Independent / NordVPN
According to Meta, the metaverse they are envisioning is still 10-15 years away, however there’s no denying that things are starting to look less IRL and more VR lately.
Companies are now thrusting themselves towards virtual trends before they get left behind. So far already in 2022 we’ve seen a booming rise in VR headset sales, Gucci sold a digital bag for $4,115 (their physical bags cost $3,400 in stores), a virtual H&M clothing collection with Maisie Williams and PLT using their first virtual model.
It’s all escalating pretty quickly right?
So what does this mean for marketing in the metaverse?
- The metaverse isn’t just a trend, it’s here to stay so make sure you stay up to speed with the latest updates.
- The metaverse we are all imagining isn’t quite here yet (and may be years away still) but virtual trends and worlds are happening right now.
- Create virtual experiences that tie in with your real-world marketing.
- Could you offer immersive experiences that users can interact with?
- Keep up to date with Decentraland to see what others are doing in a virtual world.
- The metaverse will allow brands to reach new audiences in fresh and creative ways.
- Start thinking about how and when your brands can show up in the metaverse.
- Connect with already existing members and experts of the Metaverse to build strong campaigns.
- Be open and willing to experiment but also aware of the challenges you may face.
- Consider that the later you join, the costlier it may become for marketing efforts.
And that’s just scratching the surface! We strongly advise you jump down that rabbit hole of metaverse research so you can help to keep your brands relevant.