Maybe you just stumbled in here by accident, but hey, you're more than welcome! The topic is pretty interesting and could be helpful for just about anyone.
Here I talk about next spheres:
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The situation on the Web3 market
Today, there’s a noticeable imbalance between the number of Web3-educated users and the number of projects using a decentralized system. New initiatives are launched constantly, but the Web3 community’s growth is stuck.
That’s why competitiveness is huge, and it’s harder to survive and claim your piece of the pie (during investment rounds, of course).
There are 2 solutions:
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Our suggestion is to consider branding as a way of improvement. It has its own benefits:
- It offers ready-to-use guidelines to stay consistent, engage the already existing community, and attract new people.
- You'll come across as a business that investors want to back.
- It impacts trust building and loyalty: users are more likely to retain and recommend you to others. In other words, it's an option for the long run.
- It is not an obstacle if you want to change an objective. Products or ideas might be changed, but you can save the style and stay recognizable if you don’t wish to lose recognition through changes.
Although branding suits any project, the best time to implement it depends on its nature. Some projects need complete branding to perform well, while others would rather feel good with essentials.
So, let’s dive into this so as not to miss the golden moment of investment.
Branding based on project types and their needs
Here, I consider the most popular types of projects. They might differ in stages, requiring branding for improved results. So, let’s see…
DeFi
Under Defi I imply everything related to cryptocurrency: tokens, memecoins, blockchain native coins, financial apps and more.
Coins and tokens have slightly different purposes, but they aim to attract a general audience to operate on a blockchain platform.
It’s better to cover branding at the beginning to catch the first audience quickly. If you manage to build identity later, that would be a problem for audience extension. Already existing users might not recognize the currency after changes. Grab at the start and stay familiar. It's no different with DeFi dapps. A solid branding package and clear guidelines are key to grabbing users' attention
Speaking of memecoins, such projects target a specific audience. Here the approach is the same concerning timing, but memecoin does not require that much effort, as “serious” currency. It should be quick and emotionally evocative.
Solution: Full branding package (brand guidelines, logo, identity, marketing materials, messaging etc.) after MVP is ready. For memecoins: package might be a bit lighter due to specific target segment (logo, mascot, and tone of voice). Though, here’s a flexible case. That depends on your wishes.
Marketplace & Aggregator
Marketplaces and aggregators are platforms that attract audiences without specific requirements. They don’t build a community. Such projects primarily address consumeristic needs. Their aim is not related to financial speculations, hype, or playing on emotions.
The approach is more mechanical here. Thus, you need a rather sleek design that doesn’t confuse users with errors and sharpness so the user experience is on top. That’s how you keep users. However, don’t neglect to attract attention at the beginning.
Solution: Basic branding package (logo, typography, colors). Pay attention to UX/UI for better results.
NFT
I decided to set NFT projects apart from the category above due to their specifics. NFTs have experienced a purpose transformation over time. Now, they do not appear like “picture market sales.” Still, even if they remain a tokenization of digital and tangible property, they attract attention with an idea and a visual identity.
What truly distinguishes NFTs is their ability to combine technological innovation with creativity. And no matter what it serves: picture, video, fashion, games, or real estate.
Solution: Full branding strategy at the launch phase. In addition, consider getting your NFT collection style and branding handled in one go by the same design team. It saves you money and effort later.
DePin
I also would like to include projects focused exclusively on infrastructure. The nature of such projects requires targeting a very specific, deeply tech-savvy audience. People looking for APIs, protocols, or other developer tools respect the convenience of use rather than aesthetics.
What’s more interesting is that users often notice that DePin projects neglect user experience. They appear extremely uncomfortable and discouraging to use. It's not branding that decides here.
Solution: Basic branding including logo, colors, and…probably that’s it. What I really suggest is to focus on the quality of UX/UI.
Gaming
Everything is simple with the target audience here: gamers. The game is successful when caught with funny gameplay, an engaging story, or rewards that keep you coming back(especially in Web3, you know). There’s almost no space to fit branding until the game’s main concept grabs attention.
Solution: consider branding at the late stage of project development if needed. I’d better suggest spending on a designer experienced in GameDev.
Community-driven projects
And the cherries on top are DAO and social media.
Projects like these thrive as long as people keep talking about them. Their goal is to bring people together around shared interests or objectives. To stay relevant, you are forced to promote your project as much as possible, bring emotions, and actively engage with initiatives to keep things exciting.
Solution: That’s the case where a complete branding strategy becomes essential. I mean a full pack of visual identity, messaging with tone of voice, stickers, and mascot. Do not hesitate to invest in it at the very start.
The specific audience requires a unique design and consistent adaptation (regular marketing materials updates and merchandise). To preserve your style, it is better to choose a team or an agency for long-term cooperation.
Summary
The longer a market exists, the more it demands onboarding, branding, and marketing from startups. Branding exclusively ensures consistency, community engagement, investor commitment, and long-term trust.
Every project, in fact, has some design needs. Branding and good UX\UI have become a foundation, not an “unexpected” gain for users. Some projects are better off focusing on usability first. Other projects should immediately work on branding for marketing campaigns.
Perhaps you appear to run a project or carry ideas worth implementing. Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’d love to collaborate. The team here at Amen Agency is all about helping you achieve your goals. Nothing beats the joy of using the product you’ve put so much heart and effort into.
- DeFi
- Marketplace & Aggregator
- NFT
- DePin
- Gaming
- Community-driven projects
Solution 1
Educate client segments not familiar with web3 yet.
Solution 2
Make a step up within the current market situation and expand by means of marketing and branding.
Solution 1
Educate client segments not familiar with web3 yet.
Solution 2
Make a step up within the current market situation and expand by means of marketing and branding.
Solution 1
Educate client segments not familiar with web3 yet.
Solution 2
Make a step up within the current market situation and expand by means of marketing and branding.