Web3 Marketing in the Metaverse 101

As the world fully immerses itself into a digital universe, opportunities for the metaverse and other Web3 marketing are on the rise. Gradually, brands are entering the digital universe; poking around and testing new ideas. As of now, it’s all very fresh, which means the time is ripe for learning, experimentation and making a splash.

Why Brands Are Pivoting to Web3 and the Metaverse

The reasons brands are giving their focus to the metaverse are seemingly endless, but they’re particularly passionate about marketing to Millennials and Gen Zers. These generations are up-to-date and engaged in digital consumerism, and expect brands to show up.

Major metaverses, such as Fortnight and Roblox, are giving brands the opportunity to be present in the digital world. Last September, Vans and Roblox launched a virtual skatepark where users try new tricks and win points to use in the virtual store for customizing their avatar.  The partnership has been so successful that they’ve seen 48 million users accessing the skatepark, leaving the park with fewer bumps and bruises.

Real-World Companies Step into the Digital World

Chipotle is offering a limited-time digital universe experience, also hosted by Roblox. The Burrito Builder, appropriately launched on National Burrito Bowl Day (April 7), allows the first 100,000 players to earn Burrito Bucks and buy real Chipotle entrees on its app. Chipotle’s interactive game marks the first time a brand enables Roblox users to earn and exchange meta currency with real-life materials. 

Finally, Gucci Garden on Roblox gives fashion enthusiasts a virtual experience with the designer powerhouse, Gucci. Showcased in May 2021, this digital world is a replica of the real-life installation of Gucci Garden Archetypes, which was in Florence, Italy. The space allowed users to interact with each other, explore the garden and buy digital pieces. 

Like Gucci, many brands are effectively joining the metaverse without having to leverage on games. Virtual reality is far beyond games; you can go to exhibitions, ride roller coasters and shop. Anything and everything that taps into an individual's interests will exist in the metaverse, all without having to leave their home.

Decentraland vs. Sandbox: What’s the difference between Decentraland and Sandbox?

Currently, Sandbox and Decentraland are important crypto companies in this digital ecosystem, and you’ll want to pay attention as you enter the metaverse. 

The first Ethereum-based metaverse, Decentraland, enables people to explore, develop, and profit from content and apps. Gamers, programmers and businesses can participate in this blockchain virtual world and buy ownership of land with digital assets. 

Meanwhile, the gamer-friendly metaverse platform Sandbox allows users to build houses, play games, collect NFTs and partake in missions. Successfully achieving these missions leads to fun prizes. Sandbox also provides blockchain training so that users can participate in its growth.

Is Sandbox better than Decentraland?

Which is better? That depends on your preference, of course, but Sandbox is statistically preferred. The platform has more investors, collaborations, employees and has a reputation for being more cutting edge. 

Additionally, Sandbox uses Polygon NFT layer two technology and uses less energy—100 times less than Ethereum. 

Users also agree that the ease of use with Sandbox is better, enabling an easier way of accessing the network, with more varieties like email accounts, a Metamask wallet, and media platforms. Meanwhile, Decentraland only offers access by linking wallets. 

Finally, Sandbox value continues to rise significantly faster than Decantraland. Having collaborations with names like Snoop Dogg and Adidas, Sandbox is working with 175+ businesses.

Joining Now is a Wisest Strategy for Web3 Marketers

The metaverse is very young and brands are eager to jump into the deep end. The prices to market and advertising campaigns within the metaverse are cheap, which is great for brands who are innovative and looking for cutting-edge strategies. 

What’s the best strategy? Keeping an open mind and elevating creativity, plus optimizing engagement. Technology is green in terms of measurement and tracking, so expanding the message requires an amplified streak of thinking big