If you haven't heard of Second Life, the online virtual world and latest internet phenomenon, by now, I predict that you will hear of it again within the next month and by the end of the year on a weekly basis.

If you're interested in business and have a need to use PR, then my advice is that you perform a search for Second Life as soon as you finish the article and 'gem up'. It's that much of a big thing.

But I'm not writing this article because I want you to use Second Life, that's up to you. As a freelance copywriter and marketing consultant, I have an interest in the future of the public relations, of brand building and of experiential marketing and I believe that's what Second Life can offer and that's why it's going to be huge.

5 Senses Brand Experience What your brand gets out of Second Life is what I call a 5 Senses Brand Experience. It's web browsing in 3-D, something very difficult to create with the copy on a 2-D website, with the strapline on a print ad or an image on the TV pushed in between the show you're audience is trying to enjoy.

The brand experience in a virtual world is comprehensive. You can totally interact with your audience using sights, sounds, touch, colours, music and messages. It's interactive, engaging and memorable; the best thing is it's permissive.

They're only there, experiencing your brand because they want to be.

PR Opportunities The PR opportunities are enormous. Here's a few ideas; Be the first in your industry to open an office in Second Life, you'll show yourself to be innovative and forward thinking when you use press releases and newsletters to tell the media about it. Invite your customers for a meeting in your Second Life office, take a picture and mail a copy to the media - image led stories are always popular. You could even offer a prize to the first person to complete a quest within your land while they are experiencing your brand. It's different and interesting, so will get written about.

Just about any copy published with your brand next to Second Life is going to be beneficial. Soon everyone will be doing it, so don't wait until it becomes ordinary.

So a 'second life' for your business will add dimensions to your brand. With PR, you can make it an opportunity to engage with new markets. That must be worth a second thought.

About the Author

Richard Jebb is a Freelance Writer who specialises in writing for business. Copywriting, Internet Marketing, Marketing literature, PR, Award Entry Submissions and Website Content are some of the business tools he can make work for you. Contact Richard Jebb by emailing him at richard@wordsthat-work.co.uk. www.wordsthat-work.co.uk