Towards the end of 2021, Facebook introduced a name change and a new concept: Meta. In a release posted on Facebook’s website, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, “Meta’s focus will be to bring the metaverse to life and help people connect, find communities and grow businesses.”
The release also said, “Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented reality and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology.”
Meta is the beginning of a new technology shift that is already happening. Many believe games like Roblox and Fortnite are creating what will be the future of a new community - the metaverse.
What is the metaverse?
The metaverse is not a new form of technology. Instead, the metaverse is expected to transform the internet and existing technology. Matthew Ball first described the metaverse and Zuckerberg later adopted his vision.
Zuckerberg predicted that the metaverse will be “a hybrid of today’s online social experiences, sometimes expanded into three dimensions or projected into the physical world. It will let you share immersive experiences with other people even when you can’t be together – and do things together you couldn’t do in the physical world.”
The metaverse isn’t just augmented reality or virtual reality. It’s how we experience AR, VR, and other technology in our everyday lives and how we use that technology to build new communities.
Think about virtual avatars who interact in a virtual world, like with Fortnite. The avatars connect with others, buy in-game merchandise, and personalize their experience with items like clothes and decorative accessories.
How Meta and the metaverse will change marketing
The opportunities for marketing with Meta and the metaverse are endless and also not yet known. We anticipate having more channels to get a message across, which can expand a company’s digital footprint and be extremely beneficial to our clients.
The metaverse will ultimately focus on personalization and connection – two key parts of any highly-effective marketing strategy. It can provide new opportunities for brand awareness, bring a new meaning to virtual tours, and change the way we hold digital gatherings like meetings and webinars. It also provides new advertising platforms, like digital billboards in a virtual world.
Facebook changing its name to Meta is likely a marketing move in itself. Facebook has been under fire for multiple reasons, including data, privacy, misinformation, and more.
In 2022, Meta could offer new opportunities from a distribution and communication standpoint. We just don't have all the answers yet, but we are excited to explore the possibilities and find the best results for our clients.