The use of traditional marketing strategies such as content marketing and SEO remains essential, but the evolution towards Web3 introduces the blockchain, tokens, and communication platforms such as Discord and Telegram. This guide explores the key differences between Web3 marketing and Web2 marketing strategies and how you can leverage them for your marketing strategies.

Web3 creates a shift to user-centric data ownership, where individuals have more control over their online activities

What is Web2 marketing?

Web2 marketing relies on web platforms and social media to promote products and services online. Tactics include static websites, SEO, social media, and email marketing, emphasizing online presence, customer engagement, and interactions for product growth. It features a one-way flow of information with limited user interaction and lacks advanced tools for immersive user experiences.

Examples of common Web2 platforms

What is Web3 marketing?

Decentralized technologies and their privacy-centric environment sets Web3 marketing from Web2 marketing apart. Blockchain technology enables asset tokenization, secure data storage, digital identities, and diverse projects. Web3 Marketing prioritizes user-centric strategies, fostering relationships, interactions, and mutual value creation. 

Examples of common Web3 platforms

Differences between Web2 and Web3 marketing

Web3 introduces many unique growth and acquisition tactics. Here are a few key differences:

1. Decentralization and Ownership: 

Users are increasingly seeking control and ownership of their data. Web3 marketing differs from Web2 in that it empowers individuals to own data, enhancing privacy, transparency, and autonomy. 

2. Tokenized Incentives: 

Web3 marketing leverages blockchain to create tokenized ecosystems, enabling the development of reward systems such as loyalty programs and airdrops with incentives. These systems outperform web2 rewards and increase customer engagement.

3. Interoperable Platforms: 

Web3 marketing promotes seamless user experiences by fostering interoperability across platforms and services, as opposed to the siloed nature of Web2 marketing. In Web2, social media platforms own user data, while in Web3, users retain ownership of their assets and data, empowering them with control and portability across brands and ecosystems.

Web3 marketing enhances user experiences by fostering interoperability across platforms and services

4. Smart Contracts and Automation: 

Web3 Marketing leverages smart contracts to execute marketing campaigns, payments, and agreements in a trustless and automated manner. Integrating automation and smart contracts reduces reliance on intermediaries and increases transparency in customer interactions. In contrast, Web2 marketers rely on trusted third-parties and publishers, which has limited transparency. 

5. Community-Centric Approach: 

Web3 marketing drives community engagement by enabling active participation in decision-making, content creation, and governance, as opposed to the passive roles of Web2 marketing. The web3 community congregates on platforms such as Twitter and Discord, where brands not only join existing servers but also create their own to facilitate interactive community.

Web3 empowers community users through active participation in decision-making and governance.

How to keep up with the Web3 marketing?

To market effectively in Web3, it is critical to stay on top of the latest trends and developments. Here are some common strategies:

Ideas & storytelling 

Prioritizing value creation over quick profits is the key to long-term success in Web3. Web3 startups that focus on ideas, values, and uniqueness in branding, including logo, typeface, and communication strategy, often outperform those that focus on direct advertising. Ethereum exemplifies this approach with a well-defined ideology and visual design that serves as a beacon for the decentralized future. 

Example of Ethereum brand style guide from Ethereum.org

Web3 thrives on open-source principles and emphasizes values in its interactions with users. Building a brand story rooted in these values not only attracts team members but also establishes a strong foundation for future growth. Embracing these values is essential to navigating Web3's evolving landscape and fostering meaningful connections with customers.

PR & creative marketing

In Web3, effective public relations and creative marketing are important for startups seeking investment from venture funds. Building investor interest through trusted media outlets such as Bloomberg, Coindesk, and Cointelegraph is critical. Web3 has given rise to unique phenomena such as meme coins and fan tokens, which are heavily influenced by social media and online community sentiment. 

Social networks 

The rise of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter defined the Web2 era and revolutionized targeted advertising for marketers. In contrast, Web3 social networks, including Twitter, Discord, and Reddit, are more blockchain-friendly. Decentralized social networks built on top of the blockchain, such as Bluesky Social, Amino, and Wrapcast, are actively emerging, demonstrating the evolving landscape of Web3 social platforms.

Community building and engagement 

Web2 marketing strategies often overlook the importance of community building, but in Web3, fostering a strong community is critical to success. Web3 projects must incorporate unique cultural elements such as memes, specialized lingo, and distinctive profile pictures to attract and engage potential users. Offering rewards for participating in project milestones further incentivizes community involvement.

Create community tokens and implement loyalty programs to incentivize user participation and retention

Partnerships

Web3 marketing, like Web2, often relies on strategic partnerships to expand audiences. In addition, Web3 partnerships require not only compatible visions but also technical integration to create a robust ecosystem. When considering potential partners, Web3 projects must ensure their technical excellence, positive reputation, consistent branding, and the resources to maintain long-term communication. 

Open your gateway to Web3 mastery with Formo

Formo Web3 analytics provides comprehensive Web3 marketing solutions that enable Web3 projects to supercharge their community building and brand development.

Elevate your brand and drive growth with Formo Web3 analytics

Embracing Web3 marketing is critical for products and services seeking success in the blockchain ecosystem. By leveraging Web3 principles, we unlock growth opportunities and drive innovation. This transformation enables us to create compelling narratives, foster connections, and achieve sustainable success in the dynamic Web3 landscape.