A few years ago, I sat in a cafè with my laptop, browsing Twitter and Discord, trying to understand the web3 world.
At the time, I was a freelancer juggling multiple gigs: writing blog posts for crypto startups, running social media accounts, and learning how blockchain worked.
Back then, "web3 marketing agency" wasn’t a buzzword, but the potential was clear.
Today, Web3 is buzzing, and marketing is one of its biggest challenges. Why? Because Web3 isn't just a product or a service; it’s a culture, a movement, and a community.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably already aware of the opportunities and want to jump in. Good news: starting your web3 marketing agency is doable.
Here’s a practical guide based on my own journey, mistakes, and the lessons I’ve picked up along the way.
How to Start a Web3 Marketing Agency
1. Understand the Web3 Space (Immerse Yourself)
Web3 isn’t just a buzzword—it’s an ecosystem with its own rules, culture, and language.
When I first started, I spent hours on Twitter Spaces, joined every relevant Discord server, and read whitepapers like bedtime stories.
Web3 is a fast-moving world with its own language—words like “decentralized,” “DeFi,” and “NFT” might seem like jargon, but they’re critical to understanding your audience.
Action Tip: Pick one or two niches in web3 to focus on. For instance, NFTs, decentralized finance (DeFi), or blockchain gaming. You don’t have to be an expert in everything, but you do need to understand the pain points of your niche.
2. Build Your Personal Brand First
In web3, reputation carries more weight than traditional credentials. Before launching an agency, establish yourself as a knowledgeable individual in the space. Personal branding helps potential clients trust you and your expertise.
Start by sharing insights on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Comment on industry trends, break down complex ideas into simple posts and engage with creators and founders.
Over time, this consistency will position you as a thought leader.
Action Tip: Dedicate 1 hour daily to engage with web3-related content on X & LinkedIn.
Post your take on emerging trends or highlight common mistakes projects make in marketing.
Authenticity and consistency build trust.
3. Leverage Your Experience
Having worked with multiple agencies, I knew what web3 clients often complain about: poor communication, generic strategies, and a lack of understanding of web3-specific challenges. I built my agency by doing the opposite.
Ask yourself:
What gaps have you noticed in other agencies?
What unique skills or perspectives can you bring to the table?
For me, it was the ability to blend storytelling with technical concepts—making complex ideas simple and engaging.
4. Find Your Core Services
In the early days, I offered everything—content creation, community management, influencer outreach—you name it.
Big mistake. I quickly realized I was stretching myself thin. Now, my agency specializes in three things: content strategy, social media growth, and token launch campaigns.
Ask Yourself:
What are you good at?
What’s in demand?
What can you deliver consistently?
Some core services to consider:
Content creation: Blog posts, whitepapers, Twitter threads.
Community building: Managing Discord and Telegram groups.
Social media marketing: Growing and engaging audiences on platforms like X.
Influencer partnerships: Connecting projects with web3 influencers.
5. Build a Small Team (Or Start Solo)
You don’t need a huge team to start. When I landed my first big client, it was just me and a virtual assistant.
Over time, I brought in a graphic designer and a community manager. Small, dedicated teams work wonders.
Expert Tip: Hire people who understand web3 culture, not just marketing. It’s easier to teach skills than pa assion for the space.
6. Finding Your First Clients
My first client came from a Twitter DM. I noticed a startup struggling with engagement and sent them a few quick tips they could implement.
They were so impressed that they asked for more help, and that turned into a long-term contract.
Here’s how to find your first clients:
Twitter (X) & LinkedIn: Engage with web3 founders. Comment on their posts or DM them with ideas to improve their marketing.
Discord: Join project servers and provide value by answering questions or offering advice.
Freelance Platforms: Search for web3-related marketing jobs on platforms like CryptoJobsList, AngelList, or LinkedIn.
Referrals: Let your network know you’re starting a web3 agency and ask them to connect you with potential clients.
7. Set Up a Pricing Structure
I won’t sugarcoat it: I undercharged when I started. I assumed web3 projects couldn’t afford higher rates. Big mistake. Many projects have serious funding and are willing to pay for quality work.
Pricing Options
Monthly retainers (ideal for ongoing work like community management).
Project-based fees (good for one-off campaigns).
Revenue-sharing or token-based compensation (risky but potentially lucrative).
8. Stay Adaptable
Web3 evolves at lightning speed. Last year, everyone was hyped about NFTs; now, attention is shifting to decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN), RWA & AI Agents. To stay relevant, you need to keep learning and adapting.
How to Stay Ahead:
Follow web3 news outlets like CoinDesk, Cointelegraph, Decrypt, and The Defiant.
Attend web3 conferences and Twitter Spaces.
Follow top web3 influencers and thought leaders.
Experiment with new strategies and tools.
Be Super active on X.
9. Invest in the Right Tools
The right tools can streamline your operations and improve results. From social media scheduling to blockchain analytics, invest in resources that enhance your efficiency.
Recommended Tools
Social Media Management: Hootsuite, Buffer, or TweetDeck.
Project Management: Notion or Trello.
Analytics: Dune Analytics or Nansen for blockchain insights.
Community Engagement: Tools like Collab.Land for managing token-gated communities.
10. Build Relationships, Not Just Campaigns
One thing I learned from working with traditional agencies is that long-term success comes from strong relationships, not just flashy campaigns.
Every satisfied client is a potential advocate for your agency.
Expert Tip:
Always overdeliver, especially for your early clients.
Follow up regularly to ask for feedback.
Collect testimonials and case studies to build your credibility.
Relationships, not campaigns, are the foundation of a thriving agency.
What You Should Avoid While Starting Your Web3 Agency
Building a web3 marketing agency is an exciting venture, but the path is not without pitfalls. The space is young, dynamic, and filled with opportunities—but also challenges.
Avoiding common mistakes can be the difference between success and frustration. Here’s what to steer clear of as you begin your journey:
1. Trying to Be Everything to Everyone
Many new agencies fall into the trap of offering every possible service to attract clients. From content creation to tokenomics, you might feel the pressure to wear multiple hats to appear competitive.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Stretching yourself too thin leads to mediocre results. Clients value expertise over generality, especially in a niche field like web3.
2. Ignoring Web3 Culture
Traditional marketing tactics don’t always translate well into the decentralized world. Web3 has its own language, culture, and values—things like community involvement, transparency, and decentralization are at its core.
3. Undervaluing Your Services
Don’t assume web3 clients can’t pay. Many projects are well-funded and willing to invest in quality. Set fair rates from the start.
4. Skipping Personal Branding
In web3, trust is everything. Build your reputation by sharing valuable insights and engaging with the community on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn.
5. Overpromising Results
Avoid making guarantees you can’t deliver, like viral campaigns or token price increases. Be honest and set realistic expectations.
6. Neglecting Contracts
Always have a clear agreement in place to avoid disputes over scope, payment, or deliverables. Protect yourself and your clients with formal contracts.
7. Relying Solely on Cold Outreach
Many new agencies rely heavily on cold messages to attract clients. While outreach is important, it shouldn’t be your only strategy.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Cold outreach often feels impersonal and yields low response rates. Clients in web3 value relationships and community-driven approaches.
8. Not Prioritizing Relationships
It’s easy to treat clients as transactions, especially when juggling multiple projects.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Focusing only on deliverables can lead to short-term contracts and missed opportunities for referrals or long-term partnerships.
Start Now
If you’re waiting for the “perfect” moment to start your web3 marketing agency, let me save you some time—it doesn’t exist. Start small, learn as you go, and focus on delivering real value to your clients.
Web3 is still young, and there’s plenty of room for passionate marketers who understand the space. You’ve got the knowledge, the experience, and now the blueprint.
The future of marketing is decentralized. The question is: will you leap?