The Metaverse Is Coming… Are You Prepared for the Changes?

The Metaverse is coming. This futuristic platform promises to revolutionize the way we live and work, blending the boundaries between the physical and virtual worlds, so that we are more connected than ever before. 

To put the Metaverse in context, think of today’s virtual Zoom calls, where you stare at a screen of participants. In the Metaverse, you’ll be able to use virtual reality goggles to virtually stand in a room with your colleagues, walking around and talking to them as if you are physically in the same space – even if you are on different continents! 

It sounds futuristic, and maybe a little scary, but it is happening. And soon. According to reports, the Metaverse market will reach USD 1,607.12 billion by 2030, with an estimated CAGR of 50.74% from 2022 to 2030.

As the Metaverse blossoms, it will completely disrupt the way organizations operate. The companies that survive will be those that can weather the storms of change, and embed the Metaverse into their business models. 

Below, we’ll explore in more detail how the Metaverse works and how you can start preparing for its arrival. 

How the Metaverse Benefits Organizations 

We all know that ‘adapt or die’ is the way with technology in the world of business. The Metaverse is no different. However, we don’t recommend you view the metaverse as a scary entity. 

Instead, see it as a new opportunity. This amazing technology will unleash novel ways that you can communicate with customers and prospects, collaborate with employees and partners, and generate sales. 

Ultimately, the Metaverse is designed to make business – and life – easier, fun and exciting. 

How To Prepare Your Business For The Metaverse?

The Metaverse presents small businesses with a novel opportunity to compete against bigger brands and maximize their exposure to a global audience. If you can lead in engaging in the Metaverse, you could grow your business quickly and exponentially.

So, how do you do it? Here are our must-know steps to get started.

Create A Solid Digital Foundation 

Having an online presence is the foundational step before diving into the Metaverse. Make sure your company is active on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and LinkedIn. 

Having a profile on these sites alone isn’t enough. You need to regularly produce content, engage with your followers and make use of advertising capabilities. 

Look into Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality 

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are set to be the cornerstones of the Metaverse, so it’s wise to look into how you can use these technologies to enhance your business. 

Depending on your budget and goals, you could either look at developing your own AR and VR applications, or harness the power of apps that are already in existence. 

For example, clothes retailers may want to use AR and VR to enable consumers to virtually try on outfits from home, while architectural consultants could use these tools to create detailed, 3D images of their proposals. 

Some organizations are already using the powers of AR and VR in this way. Ikea, for example, has created an AR app that allows consumers to use their phones to envision how products would look in their home. 

Of course, using AR and VR requires specialist technical skills, which is why many businesses look to IT consultants to help with designing and delivering these applications. 

Get To Understand Your Audience 

As with any new initiative, understanding your goals and demographic is pivotal to success. The Metaverse, after all, is going to be expansive. 

You need to use customer profiling tools, data analytics and your own inside knowledge to build a picture of your target audience and then aim your marketing and sales efforts specifically at them. 

Create An Enjoyable Experience 

Entering the Metaverse is all about experiencing something new and exciting that you couldn’t find anywhere else. With that in mind, you need to craft a memorable, engaging experience for your audience that will leave them coming back for more.

Using the Metaverse for the sake of it won’t cut it. Your experience should be something that your customers want to repeat again and again – and ideally something they’ll spread word about to other people. This is how businesses go viral! 

To start with, think about the emotional response you want from your customers in your Metaverse space. Do you want them to feel excited, nostalgic, moved? Then, think about how you can deliver that emotion. Don’t be afraid to get creative, here! In the Metaverse, nearly anything is possible, so let your imagination drive you. 

Stay Flexible and Agile 

Trying anything new involves a degree of error and refinement. Keep this in mind as you chart the new waters of the Metaverse. Not every initiative will be an immediate success and that’s ok. 

So, make sure to learn from your mistakes, have fun with the process and keep on innovating. 

Want Help With Embracing the Metaverse? 

Our IT experts can help you turn your Metaverse dreams into reality. Contact us at Unbound Digital for help with supercharging the online customer experience.