Metaverse Investments: Embracing Benefits, Managing Risks

CMOs should approach the metaverse with curiosity and caution—as should all new technologies. Discover the opportunities and risks in 2023.

The world of marketing has been turned on its head, with a host of new technologies that have completely changed the game. One such technology that's causing quite a stir is the metaverse, a virtual world where users can interact with each other and digital content in real-time. But is it all hype, or is there really something special about the metaverse? Everyone wants to know whether it's worth investing in this new phenomenon, which promises to provide more personalised experience, create new revenue streams and improve customer service engagement. 

Metaverse Opportunities

Immersive marketing

The metaverse is quickly becoming a platform for creating a variety of experiences that can engage consumers like never before. One of the significant advantages of the metaverse for CMOs is its potential for creating immersive and interactive experiences. Brands are leveraging virtual technologies to create unique and memorable experiences that can help build brand loyalty and generate buzz. 

For example, fashion brands are using the metaverse to create virtual stores that allow customers to try on clothes and accessories in a realistic and immersive environment such as 'Mall Of The Metaverse' launched by Majid Al Futtaim. In addition to this car manufacturers are creating virtual test drives that allow consumers to experience the features and capitalise on their vehicles in an interactive way. These experiences can create a stronger emotional connection between the consumer and the brand, as the metaverse enables brands to deliver more personalised and targeted marketing experiences. At the same time, brands can gather data on consumer behaviour and preferences, allowing them to tailor marketing messages and experiences to specific segments of their audience.

New revenue streams

The metaverse provides CMOs with opportunities to innovate in their marketing strategies by using the metaverse to create entirely new revenue streams. Brands can sell virtual goods or services, such as virtual clothing or virtual event tickets. Additionally, it can utilise the metaverse to host events, conferences and workshops in a virtual environment, which can be accessible to consumers tuning in from any location in the world.

Another one of the metaverse’s more appealing features include enabling brands to create entirely new marketing channels. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, which were once seen as the cutting edge of online marketing, may become outdated as virtual reality and augmented reality become more prevalent. The metaverse provides brands with the opportunity to connect with consumers in entirely new ways and companies that don't take advantage of this opportunity may risk being left behind.

Metaverse risks

Data privacy

Marketing in the metaverse involves collecting and using personal user data, such as their location, behaviour and preferences. However, as with any online platform there is always a risk of data breaches, cyber-attacks and hacking. CMOs need to ensure that they comply with the regulations surrounding the collection, storage and use of personal data.

Brand safety

In the metaverse, ads may appear next to offensive or harmful content, which could damage the brand's reputation and lead to negative public perception. To minimise this risk, brands can carefully select platforms that have policies in place for dealing with inappropriate content. Additionally, using secure servers and encryption can help safeguard user data and protect against unauthorised access. Finally, technical issues like glitches or bugs can affect how ads are displayed, but with careful platform and content selection, brands can minimise these risks and ensure brand safety.

Intellectual property 

With user-generated content being a crucial aspect of the metaverse, there may be intellectual property issues, such as copyright infringement or trademark violations, that could lead to legal issues for brands. Brands should conduct thorough research and due diligence to ensure that the content they use in their campaigns does not infringe on any existing intellectual property rights.

Financial

Brands must carefully consider the financial risks involved and ensure that the returns justify the investment. One of the financial risks is market volatility, as the metaverse is a new and rapidly evolving market with its own unique trends and fluctuations. However, regulatory risks are also a concern in metaverse marketing. The regulatory environment is still evolving and brands may face potential legal or financial penalties for failing to comply with relevant laws and regulations. Therefore, it is crucial for brands to stay up-to-date with regulatory requirements and ensure compliance to minimise regulatory risks. Some examples of relevant regulations in the metaverse may include data privacy laws, advertising standards and intellectual property laws.

Is the hype really worth it?

For any CMO considering marketing in the metaverse, it's important to approach it with a critical eye. While the potential benefits may be exciting, it is important to carefully weigh them against the potential risks. Compliance with regulations around personal data collection, storage and use is a must, as is using secure servers and encryption to safeguard user data. Careful platform and content selection can help ensure brand safety, and having a clear plan to address inappropriate content is essential to maintaining brand reputation. By working with reputable service providers and conducting regular testing, organisations can avoid technical issues in the metaverse and ensure a successful marketing campaign. Ultimately, whether the metaverse is worth the hype depends on how well brands can navigate its unique challenges and capitalise on its opportunities.

At HotTopics, we are currently experimenting with the metaverse and exploring the potential benefits and risks of this exciting new platform. As we continue to learn and grow, we encourage other brands to approach metaverse marketing with caution and careful consideration of the various factors involved. By staying informed, collaborating with experts and taking a strategic approach, we believe that brands can successfully navigate the metaverse and unlock new opportunities for growth and engagement.

Discover what HotTopics' community of technology leaders are thinking regarding the metaverse here.