April 21, 2023

4 Proven Web3 Traction Channels to Boost Your DApp User Acquisition

Author: Arham

Discover the secrets of DeFi growth success that I learned through years of trial and error.

As a DeFi marketer who has been in the trenches for years, I understand firsthand the frustration that comes with user acquisition in the web3 space. The technology is complex, user awareness is low, and there is no industry standard to guide marketers on which traction channels work best. But after much trial and error, I've discovered a handful of proven web3 traction channels that can help you overcome these challenges and increase the acquisition rate on your DApp.

In this article, we will explore these four effective traction channels and delve into how you can apply them to your own acquisition strategy.

How Web3 Traction Channels Work? 

A traction channel is a marketing approach aimed at attracting visitors and turning them into loyal users through different sources. In web3, acquiring users can be particularly challenging due to the uncertainty of what will work and what won't. 

I've had my share of disappointing results when implementing web2 channels for DeFi product acquisition, only to realize that these channels needed to be optimized for the specific dynamics of web3. Additionally, there are web3-oriented traction channels designed to cater to this unique audience, further expanding the possibilities for user acquisition. 

So, without further ado, let’s dive in! 

  1. Token Airdrops: The Lure of Free Tokens Done Right

Many marketers in the web3 space dive headfirst into token airdrops without fully understanding how they work. They often distribute tokens randomly or to users who visit their DApp only for the freebies, hoping to see their name on the list one day. It's like having a toy store and sending free credits to parents who don't have children – you're targeting the wrong audience. This misguided approach results in a temporary boost in active users, but it doesn't translate to long-term success.

So, what's the solution? In traditional web2 marketing, building a user persona is essential, but web3 presents unique challenges due to the anonymity and lack of human behavior analysis. That's where the concept of the "Wallet Persona" comes in. A wallet persona is a profile of your ideal user, based on the on-chain activities of the most active wallets on your DApp (we will delve into this in the later articles).

To create a wallet persona, you can use Spock Analytics' Know Your Wallet (KYW) feature to analyze your active users' behavioral insights such as user preferences, spending habits, and other trends, to understand your user aka wallet better. With these insights, you can build a lookalike audience list, ensuring your token airdrops reach the right wallets. By targeting the appropriate audience, your token airdrops will drive user acquisition and foster long-term loyalty to your DApp.

  1. Web3 Cold Outreach: Personalize Your Marketing Efforts

Cold outreach is still relevant in the web3 space, but it's essential to adopt a personalized approach. To achieve this, you need to bridge the gap between web3 Dapp analytics and web2 communication channels to ensure a high response rate.

Imagine running a toy store again, and you have access to data on the shopping habits and preferences of your ideal customers. You could use that data to craft personalized messages to reach out to those customers on platforms where they're most active, such as Facebook or Instagram. The same principle applies to web3 cold outreach – by connecting web3 analyzed data to web2 social platforms, you can better target potential users and increase the effectiveness of your outreach efforts.

To do this, start by analyzing on-chain activities using Dapp analytics tools. Once you have gathered valuable insights, create a tailored message that speaks to your target audience's interests and needs. Then, identify the most effective web2 communication channels for reaching your audience, such as social media platforms or email, and launch your personalized outreach campaign.

  1. Influencer Marketing: Leverage the Power of Web3 Influencers

Partnering with influencers in the web3 space can help you reach a wider audience and build credibility for your DApp. However, the challenge lies in identifying genuine influencers who can deliver targeted users rather than those who charge high $$$ fees without providing the desired results. To make this channel work effectively, it is essential to conduct thorough research on the influencer's audience, their engagement levels, and the potential conversion of their followers into your DApp users.

To begin, identify influencers with a strong following in your target market and analyze their content, audience demographics, and engagement metrics. This will help you ensure that their followers align with your ideal user persona. It's also important to examine their past collaborations and the outcomes to gauge the potential success of your partnership.

Next, collaborate with your chosen influencers to create engaging content that showcases the value of your platform. Provide them with clear objectives, key messages, and a compelling call-to-action to guide their followers towards your DApp. 

  1. Community Building: Long-term Success Channel

A strong community is the backbone of any successful DApp, as it provides a solid foundation for growth and innovation. A vibrant community offers several benefits, including valuable feedback, increased user retention, and word-of-mouth promotion. 

To build a loyal user base, focus on creating valuable content and engaging with users on platforms like Discord, Telegram, and Reddit. By actively participating in discussions, answering questions, and providing support, you can foster a sense of belonging among users, increasing the likelihood of them becoming long-term supporters of your DApp.

It is also essential to use community Dapp analytics tools to analyze engagement activities and measure the effectiveness of your initiatives. This allows you to better understand community dynamics and identify areas for improvement, ensuring that your efforts continue to resonate with your audience.

Building a strong community may not yield immediate results, but it is a long-term investment that drives loyalty, user retention, and organic growth.

Monitor, Analyze, and Keep Experimenting… 

Lastly, it is crucial to constantly track your progress in marketing strategies as it helps you identify patterns, trends, and areas for improvement. This data-driven approach enables you to optimize your acquisition strategies and build a deeper understanding of your users. By staying agile and willing to experiment with new ideas, you can adapt to the ever-changing needs of the market and remain at the forefront of the industry.

Conclusion

User acquisition in the web3 space can indeed be challenging, but it's far from impossible. By leveraging the 4 proven traction channels discussed in this article, you can overcome these challenges and significantly increase the acquisition rate on your DApp. Remember, the key to success lies in constant analysis and result-based experimentation, which will allow you to adapt and optimize your marketing efforts as the DeFi landscape evolves. With experience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures, you can transform your DApp into a thriving platform with a loyal and ever-growing user base.

Interested to learn more about Web3 product growth strategies?

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