Driving Direct Sales Through Virtual Environments
As virtual world gaming platforms gain popularity the perception of how and what commerce means in a virtual environment is shifting. 2nd Life has started it’s own economy that now has thriving exchanges with real world economies. That economy is largely based on the ability to purchase and sell virtual items. However, the larger question for many real world companies is “How can I use virtual world platforms to drive direct product sales?”.
Companies like Disney and Webkinz have found one distinct answer. By selling real world products that come with special codes that are redeemable in game, they drive sales of real world products. Disney has used this method to sell videos and park memorabilia. Webkinz has the strategy that when you buy a stuffed animal you get it’s virtual counterpart.
Until recently, though, barring the cost of entry to building your own virtual world, there was no way to actively engage in the sales of real world products in virtual world environments for the small to medium companies. With the recent beta launch of Virtual Family Kingdom, though, that all changed.
Because VFK was created as a world for a community instead of a world based on a specific product promotion, the playing field has opened for any company that wants to explore the new direct sales medium of virtual worlds to get involved. The possibilities are infinite, and the world has chosen to start with art as it’s first introduction to real commerce in the virtual environment.
Although this strategy doesn’t work in every case, for example Mattel was unable to make it a profitable strategy with Barbie and so turned to membership based payments, many companies have done very successful promotions in this way. The questions that you need to ask are:
1. Does your target audience engage with a virtual world environment. This may seem obvious, but there are certain groups of people that use virtual worlds, and there are groups that don’t. If you are marketing to a group that isn’t interested in virtual environments, there is obviously no reason to go further with a virtual promotion.
2. Is the virtual character or object that a person gets in exchange for a real product purchase considered valuable enough in that persons mind to make them go for the sale?
3. Would the person be buying the real world object anyway? If so, adding a code for a virtual bonus can just make the offer more appealing from the start.
4. Are you adding value to the end user’s life by putting the promotion together?
That last question is probably one of the most overlooked yet crucial questions when entering the marketing arena in any way – how are you adding value to your customer’s life? If there are significant ways, and your users are already engaged in a virtual world or game in a way that will make virtual items valuable in their mind, combining real world with the virtual can be a powerful promotional strategy.
About the Author
Justin Handley helps small business owners uncover hidden profit centers and implement explosive growth techniques. Learn more about how you can rapidly grow your business and your bottom line at d5labs.com
Games Virtual Families Questions
How do I make them have kids on the game Virtual Families?
I really want to know so can somebody tell me..
drag man on lady if you hear kissing sounds they will go “make” babies and maybe they will have a baby.they wont feel like it if they are sick depressed and if they already have a small child running around
PS: buy a baby booster in the store to increase chance of having a baby.
PSS: They will kinda look like dancing while doing this
PSSS: if you have low food supply dont have them make a baby. the baby will also eat.
Where can I play Virtual families by online without download or play free trail?
I like play Virtual Families so mach.I don’t like download because I don’t want to pay money by Credit or buy this game and spent time download this game too. Free trail just play only 1 hour need alot of time download too… Hope you all help me ok…If soneone can find the best web site for me to play I’ll thank you million time
meez, gaia online, frenzoo are all without downloading. Take a look =)
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Virtual Families £4.41 Adopt and nurture a character and help them live their life inside your computer! Dictate everything form their daily routine to their career in this addicting family simulation game. Earn money to decorate the house, buy groceries, and other essentials. Shape your character’s personality by rewarding certain behaviours and punishing others. Find suitable mates for all your characters and start y… |
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Anipalz Hamster £6.99 Anipalz are fun loving virtual pets with real cool sounds, just like a real pet. Your pet will soon become your favourite family friend. Take it for a walk and teach it new tricks; the more you train it, the more it likes you. The responsive ‘Touch & Go’ sensor pad guarantees hours of fun with your new Anipalz!… |
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Anipalz Cat with touch sensor pad £1.19 Anipalz are fun loving virtual pets with real cool sounds, just like a real pet. Your pet will soon become your favourite family friend. Take it for a walk and teach it new tricks; the more you train it, the more it likes you. The responsive ‘Touch & Go’ sensor pad guarantees hours of fun with your new Anipalz!… |
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