Metaverse and Digital Marketing:

The Metaverse? the new cyberspace? Yes, you maybe wondering what does it have to do with digital marketing, well your answer is right here! let us scroll together.

The “new big thing” is made up of a mix between virtual reality and augmented reality, However, although talking about the metaverse now is almost equal to mentioning the internet back in the 90s. Some big brands are already up to speed and including the new ways into there marketing plans.

What does all this have got to do with marketing? the answer you’re looking for is EVERYTHING. as marketing is all about keeping up with trends and is reactionary to any change in customer behavior. The metaverse also has its own virtual economy which should and is expected to have an effect on marketing and the traditional trading ways.

How can the metaverse affect you?

1-As an end user

We can summarize the new experience awaiting in one word, “EASIER”. Putting aside what probably is the main motive behind the metaverse which is entertainment, the new virtual world is meant to make your everyday life experience easier.

-Not meeting your friends enough due to distance, planning ahead..etc? Say goodbye to that, With the metaverse you’re expected to meet anyone, anywhere, whenever you choose with just a click.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A DECENT AVATAR! and enjoy your weekly karaoke party or game night from home.

-This new blessing will not only facilitate our social life, but also our main time consumer, Yes you guessed it! our work life.

picture a life where you are allowed to have a beachside meetings with your work mates, take meeting notes while floating around a space station, or easily teleport from your office to home without the headache of transportation, all without taking a step outside your front door.

Honestly come on, after the online work from home Covid phase this is everyone’s dream life who are we kidding?

No kidding online shopping is an efficient substitute for the traditional ways, but just like any other thing, it has it’s flaws, and the metaverse is here to fix it.The Metaverse is where these two previously separate worlds of commerce combine to provide an experience that will redefine e-commerce forever. taking the best of both words, literally!

Unlike current online shopping, nothing will be left for imagination, you will be able to use your phone or tablet to see what furniture and other home décor will look like in your space. you will also be able to try on clothes and see how you look in them and what size fits.

Metaverse technology and AI will allow companies to provide customers a highly personalized experience. The metaverse will be a seamless experience that makes it easier for shoppers to find exactly what they want without limitations of current online shopping.

2-As a firm/brand:

As new trends emerge and – as a result- consumer behavior change, you as a company must adapt, not only adapt, you must lead and innovate. you can buy a land in decentraland for instance which is “The virtual destination for digital assets, you can buy and sell LAND, Estates, Avatar wearables and names in this Marketplace”

so buckle up and learn from the business giants who are keeping up with the growth of the metaverse:

How to take the leap:

Although the Metaverse is currently active and running only at the United States, The United Kingdom and Canada, It is only a matter of time until it reaches us here in Egypt and the entire world in general, thus you as a brand must be ready and prepared to adapt with this change, those recommended steps may come in handy for when the time comes.

1. Establish your metaverse brand experience.

The Metaverse may be not here yet, but some of the technology needed is available, your company must already start establishing some Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality experience, One may also depend on artificial intelligence for website algorithm for example, the main idea is to be ready with the technology needed.

2. Redefine your consumer journey to include the metaverse.

It took years for brand to adapt to digital platforms and include them in their customer journey -as a main not an extra-, now with more experience and awareness a good marketer should include the metaverse in his plans, considering it an essential not an entertainment luxury

3. Incorporate Visual Search Optimization into your digital playbook plan

be ahead of the wave! don’t wait until you’re drowning to start resisting plan ahead and be ready, The possibilities in the metaverse are infinite. The metaverse gives you potential for innovation in , marketing, and branding. Whether advertising through a video, virtual billboard or interactive ad, you can find endless ways to spread your message and engage with consumers globally.

Innovative brands to look up to:

McDonald’s:

The famous fast food chain purchased a land in decentraland and are already preparing 10 different trademarks related to a metaverse space, Apparently , the company will be using the metaverse space as a vehicle for fast-food delivery.

Nike:

In November 2021, sports wear brand NIKE launched NIKELAND through Roblox, an interactive world where visitors get to play mini-games and indulge in a lifestyle centered on sport and play

Samsung:

In January 2022, The technology giants launched its first metaverse store in Decentraland. Samsung 837x is modeled after the physical store at 837 Washington Street, New York City. Since its opening, Samsung’s digital store has received over 120,000 customers.