Without a Community, Crypto Is Just Code, Says Expert

In the crypto market, a single tweet can skyrocket a coin’s value, helping unknown projects become behemoths overnight. For this reason, the power of the community is more potent than the intricate algorithms and revolutionary blockchain tech.

As many industry experts assert, a cryptocurrency without a devoted community behind it is like a ship without a crew, bound to drift aimlessly.

Some of the top cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Dogecoin, are not just successful due to their technology. The fervor and dedication of their communities have carried them to the heights they have reached.

Still, building such a community requires intention, strategy, and, more importantly, genuine care and engagement.

While the crypto market has an undeniable allure, drawing in investors looking to make their fortune, the community builders work behind the scenes, ensuring the heartbeat of these projects remains strong.

Roxana Gallardo, a well-known community manager behind La Crypto Beach, a talent incubator and a bridge to Web3 technology in Latin America, told BeInCrypto about the importance of nurturing a community. “You can have the most advanced tech, but if there is no community engagement, your project is essentially a ghost ship,” she emphasized.

Gallardo, an industry veteran who has witnessed the rise and fall of countless cryptocurrencies, believes that having a community that rallies behind a project during its lows and celebrates its highs can make all the difference.

“Communities are the backbone of any successful cryptocurrency. They provide feedback, foster trust, and most importantly, they amplify the project’s message in ways that marketing dollars cannot,” Gallardo noted.

Read more: DeFi Community Building: A Step-by-Step Guide

Moreover, a community allows market participants to come together in a safe space to interact with founders and team members. This helps build trust as community members can be “one-click away from clarifying concerns and reduce the risk of being scammed.”

A strong community also allows crypto projects to conduct focus groups and activities to test and improve their product.

The 4 Benefits of Building a Strong Community

Gallardo emphasizes the need for transparency in building a tight-knit community. “Honesty is always the best policy,” she added. “Communities value when they are in the know, even when things are not going as planned. It is about building trust.”

In an industry “rife with fraud and rife with hucksters,” as the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler said, establishing trust is more than a nicety — it is a necessity. Gallardo recommends regular updates, Q&A sessions, and even behind-the-scenes looks into the project’s operations.

Read more: Comprehensive Guide to Web3 Community Management

Additionally, Web3 community manager Gregor Rivas shared with BeInCrypto different techniques that can help ensure continuous engagement within a crypto community.

“During this year, the methods that I have found most effective in promoting participation and engagement within the community are: community challenges, which are ideal for promoting a culture of participation in the community; voice chats, which are great to educate community members about the project, receive feedback, and talk about other topics; and interactive games, where the objective is to have fun and ensure that the vast majority of community members can participate,” Rivas said.

According to Gallardo, these initiatives will significantly help a cryptocurrency project on four fundamental pillars:

• Builds Trust: When a community is engaged, it sends a clear signal that the project is genuine and promising. This increases users’ trust in the project.
• Provides Feedback: The community not only supports but also offers valuable feedback. This feedback is essential to identify issues and improvement opportunities that sometimes go unnoticed.
• Encourages Adoption: Community members often serve as the best ambassadors for a project. They act as passionate advocates and promote the project within their networks and contacts, leading to greater adoption.
• Creates a Sense of Belonging: Being part of a community gives members the feeling of being part of something bigger than themselves. This strengthens their emotional connection to the project and their commitment to its success.

Read more: How To Build a Loyal Crypto Community From Scratch

Therefore, true community building involves “giving a voice to its members,” Gallardo noted. “Let them have a say in the project’s direction to create a sense of ownership and responsibility among members,” she recommended.

Celebrate Together, Weather the Storms Together

Communities are not just for the good times. Gallardo recalls times when projects faced challenges, and the community held everything together.

“During downturns, it is the community that provides support and belief in the project’s vision. They are your most ardent defenders and promoters,” Gallardo stated.

Still, managing communities and keeping members focused on the long-term vision present numerous obstacles. Gallardo points out that market volatility, the complexity of the technology, and the lack of regulation all pose significant challenges.

It is crucial to remind community members that investments in crypto, like any investment, come with risks and that markets can be volatile.

“These factors can elicit strong emotions, confusion, and distrust within the community, making it difficult to build and sustain trust throughout the project’s lifespan. Crypto community managers must be adept at moderating discourse, educating community members, and managing expectations to overcome these challenges,” Gallardo added.

Read more: Best Crypto Community To Join for Beginners

Likewise, to address skepticism, especially during crypto market downturns, Rivas focuses on a strategy centered around maintaining clear and transparent communication with the community.

“In cases of misinformation or FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) generated by some users, we first verify the information, then proceed to clarify the situation by making announcements and talking directly with the community members. In disputes, a warning call is made to community members so they follow the community’s rules to avoid being sanctioned or expelled from the community,” Rivas said. 

Gallardo also highlighted the importance of providing financial education and resources to enable community members to make informed decisions. There is a need for inclusive spaces that foster education to cultivate long-term thinking.

Therefore, consistently providing support and education through the ups and downs is essential to maintaining a strong community.

“Crypto can be complex. If you want your community to champion your project, arm them with knowledge. Regular webinars, educational content, and open forums can go a long way,” Gallardo emphasized.

Read more: Crypto Communities Vote Matters, Paving the Way for DeFi

As complex and multifaceted as the crypto market is, it hinges on the human element. Hence, the community that supports, promotes, and believes in a project’s vision.

“Without a community, crypto is just code. With a community, it becomes a movement,” Gallardo concluded.