The Metaverse is here so it’s time to know what it is and why small business owners need to starting thinking about augmented reality marketing.

What is the Metaverse?

Simply stated, the Metavese is where users "live" within a digital universe. It is made up of a combination of multiple elements of technology: virtual reality, augmented reality and video. It will be a virtual place where users can work, play and stay connected with each other. Picture going to virtual concerts with your friends (even if they live thousands of miles away), attending affordable conferences from renowned experts, or immersing yourself in another culture by visiting any part of the world and shopping in their local markets.

When We Will See the Full Effects of the Metaverse?

While some of these experiences exist already including ultra-fast broadband speeds, virtual reality headsets and always-on online virtual gaming worlds, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of the newly named Meta (formerly Facebook), estimates it could take five to ten years before the key features of the Metaverse become mainstream. At that point, though, he believes that the Metaverse will replace the internet offering a fully immersive experience instead of just looking at it.

Where Can I Experience the Metaverse Right Now?

Microsoft currently uses holograms and is developing mixed and extended reality (XR) applications with its Microsoft Mesh platform, which combine the real world with augmented reality and virtual reality. The U.S. Army is currently working with Microsoft on an augmented reality Hololens 2 headsets for soldiers to train, rehearse and fight in.

Fortnite holds concerts by Ariana Grande and even an immersive re-take of Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 historic "I Have A Dream" speech.

Want to see more examples? Check out USA Today’s article on the biggest Fortnite crossover events so far

How Will Small Businesses Benefit from Metaverse Capabilities?

While online shopping has steadily gained speed since its inception, COVID pushed it to the top way of buying almost anything. With Metaverse, augmented reality will bring the online shopping experience to yet another all-immersive level.

Imagine having an avatar with your exact measurement with the ability to try on any dress and then see how it looks from any angle. Maybe you could test drive a new car with realistic 360 visual and audio input with the ability to exactly how it will look out the windshield and side view mirrors while taking a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway. Imagine a world where avatars can purchase limited edition digital 2D and 3D art (NFTs - Non-Fungilble Tokens). Yes, this one already exists and brands are making millions.

Your business could provide accessories to customer’s avatars themselves like the Gucci Virtual 25 digital sneakers that can be worn in various AR (augmented reality) apps. As you may suspect, the core audience of Metaverse marketing will probably be in the 13-35-year-old demographic. This is a high-spending group who are already immersed in the gaming world so the latest and greatest accessory will always be in demand.

Now What?

Use your imagination! Imagine having creating your own Metaverse 3D furniture store where customers can mix and max furniture and decor to create their perfect room. Imagine creating a virtual hair salon where you can walk through the spa-like atmosphere and try out different hair colors and cuts. Imagine creating an immersive learning experience where you can teach and interact with your audience and they can learn from each other as well. The possibilities are truly endless.

So start thinking about your Metaverse strategy and how your new marketing can appeal to all five senses instead of just sight and sound. Five years is not that far away.

Please contact Charlotte’s Web Designs, LLC for creative ways to market your small business right now.