NFT marketing strategies you’re missing: What experts don’t want you to know

Table of Contents

• What are NFTs and how did they begin?
• The role of NFT Marketing Agencies for startups
• Tools and services for startup NFT marketing
• Top NFT marketing stats
• How successful startups built their NFT brands
• Conclusion
• FAQ

What are NFTs and how did they begin?

The concept of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) traces its roots back to the early days of blockchain technology, with the goal of creating unique digital assets that could be verified and owned independently of traditional systems. It all started in 2012 when the idea of «Colored Coins» was introduced on the Bitcoin blockchain. Colored Coins were experimental tokens designed to represent real-world assets like property or shares, but their capabilities were limited. However, this concept laid the groundwork for exploring how blockchain could secure and verify ownership of digital items. It wasn’t until 2014 that the first real NFT, called «Quantum», was created by Kevin McCoy, a digital artist, and Anil Dash, a technologist. McCoy minted Quantum on the Namecoin blockchain, making it the first known instance of a digital asset tied to blockchain ownership. This event is widely regarded as the birth of NFTs as we know them today.

Quantum marked a turning point, showing that blockchain could go beyond currency to create and sell unique items. Over time, the Ethereum blockchain became a preferred platform for NFTs due to its smart contract capabilities, which made it easier to design and trade these tokens. By 2017, projects like CryptoPunks and CryptoKitties popularized NFTs, bringing them into the public eye. These innovations motivated massive interest in digital art, collectibles, and other unique items, consolidating NFTs as a revolutionary new form of digital ownership. Today, NFTs are not only reshaping art and entertainment but are also being used in gaming, real estate, and even brand marketing, which shows their transformative potential.

Key takeaways

• The evolution and significance of NFTs: NFTs evolved from early blockchain experiments like Colored Coins and first materialized with “Quantum” in 2014. The Ethereum blockchain played a key role in popularizing NFTs through projects like CryptoPunks and CryptoKitties. Today, NFTs impact diverse sectors such as art, gaming, real estate, and marketing.
• Marketing as a necessity for NFT startups: Effective marketing is vital for NFT startups to gain visibility, attract supporters, and establish credibility. It helps build communities, creates a loyal audience, and demonstrates the startup’s vision, making it essential for survival and growth in a competitive market.
• Key NFT marketing strategies for startups: Essential strategies include storytelling, social media marketing, influencer partnerships, community engagement, and SEO. These tactics work best when integrated into a cohesive marketing plan tailored to the project’s unique needs and budget constraints.
• The role of NFT Marketing Agencies: NFT marketing agencies provide expertise in branding, digital advertising, influencer outreach, and community building. Partnering with an agency can help startups maximize their budget, save time, and achieve professional guidance for a successful project launch.
• Success stories highlighting effective strategies: Examples like Dapper Labs’ NBA Top Shot and Zora showcase how strategic partnerships, audience targeting, and community-driven approaches can lead to success. These cases underscore the importance of innovation, niche targeting, and effective execution for building strong NFT brands.

Why NFT marketing is important for startups

For startups entering the NFT market, effective marketing is not just important — it’s necessary. The NFT space is growing, with new projects launching daily. Without proper marketing, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd and struggle to gain visibility. Startups need to invest in marketing early to make their projects known, attract initial supporters, and build credibility. Early traction in the NFT market often determines a project’s long-term success. When people see a project gaining attention, they are more likely to trust it and join the community, creating a snowball effect that can boost growth.

One of the biggest benefits of NFT marketing is its ability to promote community building. A strong and engaged community is a cornerstone of success for any NFT project. Marketing efforts like social media campaigns, AMAs (Ask Me Anything sessions), and collaborations with influencers can help startups connect with potential supporters. These strategies create excitement around the project and encourage more people to join. In turn, a loyal community can amplify the brand’s message, increasing awareness and helping the project stand out in a competitive market.

Most times Startups face challenges like limited budgets and resources, but smart marketing can help overcome these barriers. All you need is to focus on targeted strategies, such as using social media platforms, partnering with like-minded creators, or launching giveaways, startups can achieve great results without overspending. Additionally, effective marketing makes the project more accessible and appealing to a wider audience. It shows potential investors and buyers that the startup is serious about its vision, This can  increase the chances of success. For startups in the NFT space, marketing is not just an option — it’s a necessity for survival and growth.

The key NFT marketing strategies for Startups

To succeed in the competitive NFT space, startups must adopt a range of marketing strategies tailored to their needs. Below are actionable approaches that can help startups create visibility, build trust, and grow their communities without requiring a massive budget.

Content and storytelling

Why it matters: Startups need a compelling story to set themselves apart in the crowded NFT market. Storytelling gives a project meaning and helps potential buyers or investors connect emotionally.

How to use it:

• Share the journey behind your project — what inspired it and the vision behind it.
• Use blogs, videos, or infographics to explain how your NFT works and what makes it unique.
• Develop a clear brand voice that aligns with your target audience.

Outcome: Great storytelling builds a memorable identity and attracts early adopters.

Social Media Marketing

Social media is one of the most effective ways for startups to promote their NFTs:

Platforms to focus on:

• Twitter: Post regular updates, host Twitter Spaces, and engage with followers through threads.
• Instagram: Use high-quality visuals, reels, and behind-the-scenes content.
• Discord: Create a server to engage directly with your community. Use channels for announcements, FAQs, and discussions.

Tips for organic growth:

• Post consistently and interact with your audience.
• Use trending hashtags and collaborate with other creators to expand reach.
• Host giveaways to generate discussion around your project.

Influencer partnerships and collaborations

Why partner with influencers? Startups can benefit from influencers’ established audiences and credibility. Collaborating with artists, content creators, or NFT enthusiasts helps increase your project’s reach and builds trust with potential buyers.

How to approach collaborations:

• Identify influencers or creators whose values align with your project.
• Offer incentives, such as a percentage of sales, exclusive NFTs, or free tokens.
• Focus on micro-influencers with a niche following for budget-friendly partnerships.

Examples of collaborations:

• Partner with NFT artists to co-create unique pieces.
• Collaborate with gaming influencers for NFTs tied to in-game assets.

Community building and engagement

Importance of community: A strong, loyal community is necessary for long-term success in the NFT space. It not only drives sales but also helps spread the word organically.

How to build a community:

• Set up a Discord server as your community hub. Organize channels for different topics like announcements, support, and member-led discussions.
• Host AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions to engage directly with your audience.
• Reward active community members with perks like exclusive NFTs, early access, or special roles.

Engagement strategies:

• Post regular updates to keep your community informed.
• Organize virtual events, such as NFT drops or live Q&A sessions.
• Encourage user-generated content, like fan art or testimonials.

SEO and cost-effective advertising

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

• Optimize your website with relevant keywords like “NFT marketplace” or “best NFT project.”
• Create blog posts or guides that educate readers about NFTs, driving organic traffic.
• Use metadata, alt text for images, and internal linking to improve rankings.

Affordable advertising options:

• Use Google Ads with low-budget campaigns targeting specific NFT-related keywords.
• Explore paid promotions on platforms like Reddit or Twitter, where NFT discussions are highly active.
• Retarget website visitors with ads showcasing your NFTs, encouraging them to take action.

Combining these strategies, startups can effectively market their NFT projects, build a loyal audience, and stand out in this competitive market. While each approach serves a specific purpose, they work best when integrated into a cohesive marketing plan tailored to the project’s goals.

The role of NFT Marketing Agencies for startups

NFT marketing agencies provide specialized services to help startups find their way in the space . These agencies offer different kinds of support, including developing a brand identity that resonates with target audiences, managing digital advertising campaigns, and building engaged communities on platforms like Discord and Twitter. They also assist with influencer outreach, connecting startups with creators who can promote their projects effectively. By tailoring strategies to each project’s unique needs, marketing agencies make sure startups stand out and capture attention in the NFT market.

For startups with limited time and resources, partnering with an NFT marketing agency can be a wise decision. These agencies bring in-depth expertise and proven strategies to the table, allowing startups to focus on developing their projects while the agency handles promotions. They can also help maximize a startup’s budget by using cost-effective methods to generate hype and attract early supporters. This professional guidance often leads to more successful project launches, as agencies know how to position a brand for success and reach the right audience quickly.

Choosing the right NFT marketing agency is wise for a startup’s success. It’s important to consider the agency’s industry experience, past results, and ability to work within your budget. Startups should review case studies or testimonials to see if the agency has successfully handled similar projects. Transparency is also key—look for agencies that provide clear plans and measurable goals.

By selecting an agency that understands your vision and target market, startups can set themselves up for long-term growth and success in the NFT space.

Some of the most popular NFT marketplaces include:

• Rarible – You can buy, sell, and mint NFT art on multiple blockchains on this platform.
• Axie Marketplace – This marketplace supports the Axie Infinity Token, also known as Axie Shards.
• SuperRare – You can collect and trade single-edition artwork on this platform. The platform runs on the Ethereum blockchain, which makes it more secure.
• Mintable – This is an open marketplace for crypto assets. Mark Cuban backs it; therefore, it is one of the most popular marketplaces to list your non-fungible tokens.
• Nifty Gateway – This is one of the biggest marketplaces. Some of the most significant sales, like Grimes and Beeple, happened on this platform.

NFT marketplaces are an integral part of your marketing strategy, and you should try to list your non-fungible tokens on the top marketplaces for the best results.

Tools and services for startup NFT marketing

Startups in the NFT space can leverage many affordable tools and platforms to effectively promote their collections without straining their budgets. For social media management, tools like Buffer and Hootsuite allow startups to schedule posts, track engagement, and manage multiple accounts seamlessly. Discord and Telegram are excellent community-building platforms, providing features for real-time interaction and engagement. To analyze performance and audience behavior, startups can use free or low-cost analytics tools such as Google Analytics and Social Blade, to help them measure the impact of their marketing campaigns.

Email marketing platforms like Klaviyo and Sendinblue are budget-friendly options for reaching potential buyers directly with updates about NFT drops or exclusive offers. For launching and managing NFT collections, platforms like OpenSea, Rarible, and Mintable provide accessible and economical solutions for creators. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and integrated promotion tools, reducing the need for additional resources.

Using these tools strategically, can help startups to streamline their marketing efforts, and build a loyal audience

Top NFT marketing stats

Here are some statistics that show how NFT has grown in popularity:

• The NFT market is expected to reach $60 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of more than 19%.
• More than 25% of US adults are interested in collecting non-fungible tokens.
• The top 5 countries with the most NFT buyers are in Asia.
• As of 2021, there are around 3,60,000 NFT owners.
• Each day thousands of NFT sales are made across hundreds of NFT marketplaces.
• Men are twice as likely to collect NFTs compared to women.
• Around $10 – $20 million in NFTs are traded over blockchain every week.
• The most popular categories of NFTs include metaverse, gaming, arts, and sports.

How successful startups built their NFT brands

Several startups have successfully built strong NFT brands by leveraging strategic marketing, community building, and innovative storytelling. One prominent example is Dapper Labs, the company behind NBA Top Shot. Using blockchain technology, Dapper Labs created a platform where fans could buy, sell, and trade officially licensed NBA highlight clips as NFTs. Their success was fueled by partnerships with the NBA, targeted marketing to sports enthusiasts, and an intuitive user experience. In early 2024, NBA Topshot NFT sales averaged around 43,000 NFTs per week, which was a 94% increase from the previous week. However, sales dropped to an average of 26,000 NFTs per week during and after the playoffs.

Another impressive case is Zora, a platform focused on empowering creators by allowing them to mint NFTs with dynamic pricing models and retain royalties on future sales. Zora’s stress on decentralization and community ownership attracted a loyal following of artists and collectors. Their approach helped them to  raise according to Google Zora’s last funding share class was Series C, and its total funding was $69.35 million. Some of Zora’s investors include: Balaji Srinivasan, WndrCo, Haun Ventures Management, IDEO CoLab Ventures, and Variant (Brooklyn).

The key takeaways from these startups are clear: effective partnerships, understanding your audience, and creating a unique value proposition are necessary for building a successful NFT brand.

By targeting specific communities and offering features that resonate with them, startups can differentiate themselves and gain traction in a competitive market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NFT marketing for startups is a critical aspect of establishing a strong presence in the NFT space. From creating a unique brand identity and storytelling to leveraging social media, influencer partnerships, and community engagement, startups must implement a comprehensive strategy to stand out and build a loyal following.Examples, such as Dapper Labs’ NBA Top Shot and Zora’s community-driven platform, shows how targeting specific audiences, forming strategic partnerships, and promoting innovation can lead to remarkable success. As seen in these cases, startups that combine creative marketing with professional expertise often see better results. Therefore, whether you’re working with an agency or handling your marketing in-house, the key to success lies in executing a well-rounded NFT marketing strategy. For startups, the next step is to begin applying these strategies to create visibility, attract supporters, and nurture long-term growth. Start small, track results, and, if needed, consider working with an NFT marketing agency to guide you through the process, ensuring a more structured and expert-driven approach to achieving your goals quicker.

FAQ

What is an NFT, and how does it work?

An NFT (Non-Fungible Token) is a unique digital asset representing ownership of a specific item or piece of content, such as art, music, videos, or virtual goods, stored on a blockchain. Unlike cryptocurrencies, NFTs are non-interchangeable, meaning each one is unique and cannot be replaced with another.

Why are NFTs valuable?

NFTs derive value from their uniqueness, scarcity, and the proof of ownership they offer through blockchain technology. Their value can also depend on the creator’s reputation, the utility of the NFT (e.g., access to exclusive events or items), and the demand within the market.

How do I buy or sell NFTs?

NFTs can be bought and sold on various marketplaces like OpenSea, Rarible, or Foundation. To trade NFTs, you typically need a digital wallet (e.g., MetaMask) and cryptocurrency (often Ethereum). After connecting your wallet to a marketplace, you can browse, purchase, or list NFTs for sale.

Are NFTs environmentally harmful?

NFTs can have an environmental impact because most are minted on blockchains that use energy-intensive proof-of-work mechanisms, like Ethereum (before switching to proof-of-stake in 2022). However, many platforms and creators are adopting more sustainable blockchains or practices to minimize their ecological footprint.

What are the risks of investing in NFTs?

Investing in NFTs carries risks such as market volatility, potential scams, and uncertain long-term value. Additionally, an NFT’s worth can decline if its popularity fades or if the creator or project fails. It’s important to research thoroughly and only invest money you can afford to lose.