Marketing in Second Life

From Business Montlhy on SecondLifeNow.com

Marketing In Second Life®



It does not take a genius to point out that marketing a new business in Second Life® is much like launching a new marketing campaign in real life. With a lot of impulse buying being part of human nature, our minds often trick us in to making purchases simply because of recognition. The one major advantage of course is that advertising costs little in our virtual world.

Marketing your Second Life® business is similar to marketing a web site in the early days of the Internet. Those that are user friendly, contain flashy designs, and provide reasons to keep coming back will always be on top of its game. The more new products displayed in your shop, the more repeat business you will gain, and it’s a simple concept that most of the top retailers in Second Life® apply to their business model. A shop that is not easily accessible has an obscure entrance, or lacks organization is more likely to never be visited again. Just as in real life, brand is everything. When you have a positive image and a logo or design that is easily recognized, people will buy your products repeatedly.

You may find Second Life listed under the game category, but make no mistake about it; the average citizen is a very savvy consumer conscience shopper. Releasing a product with flaws and bugs can have a huge negative impact on your brand, which will last forever. While first to market is still a key issue, product quality is equally as important. In real life it is important to have Focus Groups and marketing analysis, the same holds true in Second Life. Let people you know test your products and listen to what they have to say.

The biggest challenge is appeal. In real life, you buy soap to get clean, shoes because your old ones are worn out, and food because you are hungry. In Second Life®, the only reason someone will be purchasing your product is for luxury and recreation. No avatars have any real needs, so most of the things they purchase are simply because they like to play with gadgets, express themselves or even simply to have a conversation piece. Because of this fact, originality is extremely important to your marketing efforts.

The last tip I will add in this short tid-bit is remember it’s a small world after all. Your personal reputation in Second Life® can make or break your account balance. The majority of the population will not purchase a product tagged with a creator they have a negative opinion for. Remember to always represent yourself with integrity, understanding, and tolerance.

From Business Montlhy on SecondLifeNow.com

... ©!

Nope it is not a copyright it is a trademark.

this stinks

Beau, I find it very hard to believe you wrote this, I didn't find one typo.

You could have at least had the courage to post this under your main character's account instead of an alt.

Beau, I think this is a good article!