In the metaverse, brands are unleashing their creativity to capture audiences’ attention, transforming virtual spaces on a canvas limited only by their imaginations. In this virtual realm, brands can craft immersive experiences that transcend traditional advertising, allowing consumers to interact with products and services in ways that blur the line between reality and fantasy.
Here, members of Forbes Agency Council share creative ideas for using VR-based tactics to market real-life goods and services within the metaverse. Check out their insights below to learn how companies can connect with their target audiences and create memorable encounters that resonate long after users remove their VR headsets.
1. Pop-Up Shops
Creating VR pop-up shops as temporary showrooms would greatly support showcasing new products and services. By adding game-like elements to the demonstrations, companies could incorporate a fun and interactive way to engage with audiences while educating them. Gamification helps increase participation and provides a positive brand experience. – Henry Kurkowski, One WiFi
2. VIP Rooms
Let your RFID-enabled products serve as keys to VIP rooms in the metaverse where users can unlock superpowers and exclusive offers. Many luxury brands already chip their merchandise with unique IDs tied to each item. Imagine buying your next Gucci handbag and unlocking a VR game where you fly around and hunt for limited-edition items and deals. Shopping was never so fun! – Dennis Consorte, Consorte Marketing
3. Quest-Based Games
One very popular theme I’ve seen working in the metaverse space is a quest-based game approach that involves unlocking hidden treasures and achieving milestones. It redefines the entire metaverse experience for the user and increases stickiness. – Daksh Sharma,Iffort
4. A VR Healthcare Hub
Create a virtual reality healthcare hub in the metaverse where patients can explore 3D models of medical conditions, participate in interactive wellness workshops, and attend virtual consultations. This immersive experience builds trust and educates patients in an engaging, cutting-edge way, setting your brand apart in healthcare marketing. – Christy Saia-Owenby, MOXY Company
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5. Virtual Runways And Try-Ons
Bridge the gap between digital and physical experiences by creating immersive brand experiences that engage users on a sensory level. Take fashion brands, for instance, that host a virtual runway in the metaverse where users can try on digital outfits and purchase real versions. This approach engages the audience and also drives real-world sales, making it a powerful and innovative approach. –Christina Mendel, EYUKO
6. Virtual Showrooms
Virtual showrooms have the ability to showcase products for customers and let them visualize how your product will look in their life. An interactive map with 360-degree views that can be personalized to each individual shopper really blurs the line between digital and physical shopping. From clothing to furniture, customers can make informed decisions, and they will appreciate that you gave them that. – Jason Hall, FiveChannels Marketing
7. A VR Marketing Workshop
One creative idea marketers can use is to host a virtual reality workshop where users can explore a virtual space and see your marketing strategies in action. Add interactive elements like live demos and Q&A sessions. This experience not only showcases your expertise, but also lets potential clients engage with your services in a fun and memorable way. – Ajay Prasad, GMR Web Team
8. A ‘Memory Palace’
Create a “memory palace” for your brand in the metaverse—a virtual space where users explore rooms representing your brand’s journey, values and products. Each area holds interactive elements like puzzles and hidden knowledge, making the experience memorable. This approach combines education, exploration and gamification, leaving users with a lasting impression and a deep connection with your brand. – Dmitrii Kustov, Regex SEO
9. A Virtual Treasure Hunt
Create immersive brand experiences by designing a virtual world where users can interact with your products or services in a gamified environment. For example, host a virtual treasure hunt where participants collect digital assets or exclusive NFTs tied to real-world rewards. This not only drives engagement, but also fosters a deeper emotional connection with your brand in the metaverse. – Kenny Tripura, Edkent Media
10. A Customized Dream-Car Showroom
Launch a virtual reality showroom where users can explore and customize products in real time. An automotive brand, for example, could create an immersive VR space where users can design their dream car from the chassis up—choose colors, interiors and accessories and then virtually test drive their creation on dynamic, interactive tracks that adjust to the car’s specifications. – Cagan Sean Yuksel, Dreamspace
11. Virtual Influencer Collaborations
I’d recommend collaborations with virtual influencers. Marketers can launch challenges through influencers and inspire the audience to create user-generated content about their brand, enable interaction with the influencer through VR, or let the virtual influencer take over the brand’s account for a day. These are just a few of the ideas that could be realized. – Michael Kuzminov,HypeFactory
12. A Personal Injury ‘Repair’ Shop
The last thing you’d want to do in a virtual reality setting—especially in the metaverse—is adopt a serious tone. Everything should be funny, unrealistic and dreamlike. For example, imagine a personal injury firm in this whimsical setting. If a user “meets with an accident” and breaks into cartoonish pieces, the firm helps “repair” them so they can continue having fun. The key is to keep things light. – Austin Irabor, NETFLY
13. Virtual Concerts, Game Shows And Giveaways
The time to market in the metaverse is not next year. It’s now. Once you’ve found your ideal audience, execute tactics that entertain them while also giving them a way to interact with your brand through concerts, game shows, treasure hunts and giveaways. Make sure your tactics align with and expand your brand identity. And whatever you do, do it now. Inaction equals failure in the metaverse. – Mary Ann O’Brien, OBI Creative
14. Sponsorships For New Virtual Influencers
A new era of influencer marketing is going to emerge in the metaverse, with people uploading their likenesses into virtual reality spaces and leveraging their recognizable personas to promote products and services in the virtual world. Brands should be ready to quickly leverage virtual influencer sponsorship opportunities as they arise in this evolving tech landscape. – William Gasner, Stack Influence
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