There are many ways to earn money in the virtual world, but how can you get the word out about your product or service? Below are a few suggestions. Feel free to leave feedback on this article if you have more ideas you'd like to share with the community!
Get Listed In Directories
There are a few directories you can use to advertise your business. Make sure you choose the right directory for the type of business you have - some businesses will be able to use all of them!
World Directory (Explore Tab)
The World Directory can be accessed by clicking the "Explore" button in the virtual world. Here, members can look up businesses by category, or by searching using keywords. To list your world in the world directory:
- Log in to the Social Center then navigate to the following tabs: Property>Manage Property
- Use the drop-down to select the world your property is in
- Then find the property and click Manage
- Click the Keywords tab to open the listing and keywords page
- Choose a category and subcategory for your property from the drop-down
- Click UPDATE to save your changes
It is recommended that after you list your property you also add a description. This can be done on the same page, under “About Your Property”. Make sure you click UPDATE to save your changes.
Adding tags to your property makes it easier for people to find in the directory. Tags should be common words people might enter to find a property like yours. To add tags:
- Log in to the Social Center then navigate to the following tabs: Property>Manage Property
- Use the drop-down to select the world your property is in, then find the property and click Manage
- Click the Keywords tab to open the listing and keywords page
- In the box marked ‘Enter Keywords for Your Property’, add up to 25 words, separated by commas
- Click UPDATE to save your changes
Business Directory
The Business Directory lists licensed businesses in RLC. A directory listing includes your username, business name, website URL (optional), multiple category options, and a photo. Members can contact businesses by sending them a Social Center message.
To get listed in the Business Directory, you'll need a Business License. Learn more about Business Licenses and how to get one in the What Are Business Licenses? help article.
WG Directory
Red Light Center working people are RLC members who offer virtual sex sessions to other members. The WG Directory is a great place to advertise your rates and services, upload photos, tell members a bit about your sexy self and get reviews! Gold and Platinum Listed WGs can also upload a 512x512 billboard ad, which is linked to their Directory Listing and displayed in rotation with other WGs’ ads in several locations in the 3D world.
To learn more about WGs visit the What Are RLC Working Girls/Guys? article.
To become a WG and get listed, visit the How Do I Become a WG? article.
Use the Events Calendar
The Events calendar lists current and upcoming events hosted by members and by RLC. It is accessible through in the virtual world as well as in the Social Center. Here's how to list your event:
- Visit https://www.utherverse.com/Events/
- Click the Create Event link
- Select the event type from the drop-down menu
- Read the Rules & Regulations then check the box
- Fill out the fields and options, and click Next
- If you enter the VWW link to a venue that does not belong to you, the venue owner will have to 'approve' it before your event can be listed
- Enter a description for your event
- Select the calendar - if you left the rating at 'auto' or selected 'non-adult', only the Utherverse Events calendar will be visible. Adult events will have the RedLightCenter calendar available
- Pay the appropriate listing fee
- Await approval. Once your event is approved it will appear in the calendar
For more information about the calendar and event types, and a more in-depth tutorial on listing events, visit the Events Calendar help article
For information about weddings, visit the Weddings help article
Rent a Billboard
There are multiple billboard spots available throughout the virtual world, where you can advertise your business, service, or event to members.
To learn more about advertising in RLC, visit the How To Set Up an In-World Ad article
For a list of billboard spots (with pictures!) please visit the In-World Ad Locations article
Word of Mouth
World of mouth is a great way to let people know about your services! You can do this several ways:
- In Person: Let people know how you can be useful to them! The key to this is tact. Let people know what you do when it seems like it might be helpful to them, or in a way that doesn't make it seem like your business is all you ever talk about.
- Bulletins: You can send a 'bulletin' out to your friends, and it will appear on their main Social Center page. While this is a great way to get a message out, don't abuse it! People who over-use the bulletin system tend to get ignored.
- Visit your Social Center page then click the following tabs: Messages > Bulletins
- Type a subject (title) and then your message
- Click Submit. Your bulletin will now show up in the Bulletins section of your friends' main Social Center page
- Private Messages: You can send private messages to your friends and others, but make sure you don't end up spamming them or you may end up ignored!
- Forums: There are several subforums for different businesses and events. Posting to the right forum is a great way to get the word out about your business, and connect with other businesses too! Access the forums at forums.utherverse.com and be sure to familiarize yourself with the forum guidelines
- Hire a Promoter: Promoters are familiar with the best avenues of advertising and already have a network of people to advertise to. You can find promoters through the forums, business directory, or advertisements. Make sure you check promoters' references before hiring, as RLC does not govern transaction between members: hire at your own risk!
Offer Coupons or Samples
Offering a discount or a sample of your work is a great way to attract new customers and give them a taste of what you can do. You can let people know about these offers on your profile, or any of the methods listed earlier on this page. You could also:
- Donate to a Swag Bag: RLC offers a Loyalty Gifts bag as well as limited-time, seasonal bags. The Loyalty Gifts bag is open to all members, and more gifts become available on the yearly anniversary of a member's sign-up date. Seasonal bags are only available for a limited time throughout the year, and each one is different. For more about Swag Bags and how to donate to them, visit the Swag Bags help article.
- Sponsor an Event: Many events offer prizes for best costume or outfit, or for winning games. Get in touch with event hosts to find out how you can donate a prize or Rays. This is a great way to not only get the name of your business out there for recognition, but to be seen contributing to the community in a fun and positive way.