AI is here

Miaosen Ye
Marketing in the Age of Digital
2 min readOct 9, 2023

Link: https://www.wsj.com/articles/metas-new-ad-campaign-reminds-people-that-vr-is-already-here-c77afc1c?ns=prod/accounts-wsj

Have you ever noticed how brands, even tech giants, must pivot their strategies based on market feedback? Meta’s journey from a distant, almost fantastical depiction of the metaverse to its tangible applications today is a captivating example.

Why This Caught My Eye

Meta has been at the forefront of introducing the metaverse concept. Their early visions were replete with futuristic landscapes, but the recent shift to present-day practicality reveals a lot about audience reception and market readiness. It’s a lesson in adaptability and understanding the pulse of consumers.

Marketer’s Gold: Lessons from Meta’s Strategy

1. Adaptability is Key: If there’s one thing Meta’s journey underscores, it’s the importance of being agile. An initial approach might not resonate, and the ability to recalibrate based on feedback is invaluable for marketers.

2. Bridging the Knowledge Gap: By shifting the focus from a distant future to today’s applications, Meta makes VR relatable and accessible. It’s a potent strategy, showing the audience a product or technology’s immediate relevance and value.

3. Brand Storytelling is a Marathon, Not a Sprint: Meta’s evolving narrative reminds marketers that brand storytelling isn’t about instant gratification. It’s about building a report, assessing feedback, and refining the story over time.

Three Reasons Why Shift Matters

  • Making Tech Relatable: Meta’s new ads, showcasing welders, doctors, and sports stars like Marcus Rashford using VR, resonate because they ground the technology in today’s reality. It’s easier to grasp and appreciate the value when it’s relatable.
  • The Timing Factor: As industry expert Greg Kahn points out, while it’s essential to be ahead of the curve, aligning with market readiness is equally critical. There’s a delicate balance between being visionary and meeting the audience where they are.
  • Balancing Vision with Practicality: While awe-inspiring visions can captivate, practical solutions often drive decisions. Meta’s pivot illustrates the importance of blending the two for maximum impact.

Conclusion

Meta’s journey provides invaluable lessons for marketers. Whether it’s the importance of adaptability, making technology accessible, or understanding market readiness, there’s a wealth of insights to glean. Even though Metahas faces many challenges, their future version will help them overcome all the challenges.

What are your thoughts on Meta’s strategic shift? Share your thoughts below!

--

--