In Facebook’s community update earlier this week, CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared the company’s latest numbers. There are now 1.65 billion people on Facebook each month, 1 billion on WhatsApp, 900 million on Facebook Messenger and 400 million on Instagram. Facebook also introduced reactions, live video feed, and artificial intelligence for the blind and visually impaired. This is all well and good, as the tech giant continues to evolve to meet the needs of users worldwide.
But what caught our eye at SteerPoint was Facebook reporting they’re now shipping the virtual reality system Oculus Rift to homes. What does this have to do with digital marketing, you ask? Bear with us as we go down the rabbit hole a bit:
Oculus Rift isn’t an entirely new phenomenon. In fact, there are other VR hardware systems entering the marketplace in the near future as well (Notably the HTC Vive). But the Rift hitting doorsteps is newsworthy, as it’s the next example of the latest and greatest tech innovations being consumed en masse.
What’s so great about virtual reality? Well, people love video games, and this is the next in video game progression. Your entire visual spectrum is engulfed in a game, and you use head and hand movements to travel, complete tasks, etc. The sales pitch is that people are actually in the game more than ever — which is perfect for those who love video games.
So as people continue to buy into the technology and it becomes more functional, experiencing products and services in virtual reality will be commonplace. And at that point in time, it will be up to companies to evolve and be seen inside of certain games.
For instance, you’ll find a game where you can climb Mount Everest. When tasked with scaling the mountain, you’ll need gloves because it promises to be cold. But what kind of gloves will you wear? At that point, it would be wise for a company like North Face to partner up with developers and put their product in the game.
Developers are very business savvy. They know how to leverage brand exposure for income and will continue to do so. For example, a banner for Gatorade on a virtual basketball court guarantees users will see Gatorade every they engage in game play. So as VR grows into a commonplace for American households, the possibilities can become endless. Maybe you’ll be able to try on clothes at a virtual store. Or cast a line on the newest fishing pole.
The hands-on experience of VR allows you to experience how a product looks, feels and moves. And because marketing tends to be a copycat industry, companies who wisely use the platform to showcase their products or services will have a leg up against those who don’t.
In the past, we’ve preached the need to utilize all platforms to get your point across. Marketing is in some ways less an indictment of your message, and more an indictment of your participation across all platforms. Marketing takes creativity and staying on top of latest trends, as being left behind can be devastating to your brand.
So think for a while how people might be able to experience your company in virtual reality. Because maybe the next wave of technology will require you to be on Oculus, just like you have to be on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
SteerPoint is a full-service digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, social media, content creation and web development. Give us a call to see how we may be able to help your business reach new heights!