Client Description
io.net is the world’s largest GPU DePIN built on Solana, offering unmatched flexibility, speed, and on-demand computing access for machine learning.
io.net is a key partner of the Render Network and Filecoin, and has recently achieved multiple tier-A listings of their native token, $IO, including Binance, KuCoin, Crypto.com, and more.
Gameplan
We partnered with io.net in August 2024, at a pivotal moment in their journey. After securing significant backing from Solana and establishing partnerships with industry giants like Filecoin and Render, io.net was poised for transformation. The project was undergoing substantial product changes, integrating new partners, and rebranding from scratch.
Without an in-house marketing team, io.net turned to us for a comprehensive, 360° marketing solution. Our mission was clear: to relaunch the project comprehensively. We took charge of crafting the launch strategy, establishing a new brand voice, driving social media engagement, and building a vibrant community.
The solid foundation we laid was key to io.net’s remarkable success, ultimately leading to their listing on Binance and other Tier-A exchanges in 2024.
Here is how it was done
- Strategic Approach
- Social Media Management
- Strategic Partnerships
- Community Management
- KOL Marketing
- Display Ads Management
1. Strategic Approach
As we grew the community, we also focused on generating buzz for the $IO token launch. Our strategy was clear:
- Establish a strong communication foundation and build a solid public image, setting the stage for a successful $IO token launch.
We implemented two key business strategies:
- Community Growth: We showcased strong community growth as a core pillar of io.net’s success.
- Business Development: We generated excitement and demand for the io.net token release.
Our marketing strategy was guided by these KPIs:
- Twitter followers – 50K.
- Average unique views per post – 25K.
- Average ER – 6%.
- Telegram followers – 5K.
- Discord members – 20K.
- Average number of chats per hour – 20.
By building an excited base for future investment, we:
- Positioned io.net as attractive to multi-million dollar investments from VCs.
- Enhanced community retention by providing tangible anticipation.
We focused on two community personas:
- Early-adopters/crypto-curious individuals looking for the next big project with wealth potential.
Examples: retail crypto investors, crypto natives. - Tech-savvy individuals in AI/ML.
Examples: AI developers, ML engineers, tech specialists, and AI curious.
Social Media Management
Our priority was to establish a formidable social media presence for io.net, rebranding and invigorating the community under a new identity.
We started with a content strategy to position io.net as a leader in DePIN and AI, using content pillars, engaging templates, and narrative research.
In every piece of content, we focused on:
- Data-Driven Content: Each awareness campaign was rich with exclusive, actionable insights into AI and GPU computing trends, establishing io.net as an innovative thought leader.
- Partner-Centric Content: We leveraged partnerships to enhance credibility and reach, engaging existing and new audiences within Web3.
Take a peek at some of the best-performing posts
Takeaways
- A balanced approach of educational content, partnership announcements, and interactive posts drove participation and retention.
- Highlighting partnerships in detail made io.net appear as part of a larger, interconnected ecosystem.
- Providing value through content was key to resonating with the audience.
Strategic Partnerships
The challenge was to stand out in a crowded AI and DePIN market. We made io.net the trendsetter by leveraging partnerships with Render Network, Filecoin, and Solana for credibility and visibility.
We acted as the liaison between stakeholders, driving partnership marketing.
We transformed these integrations into community-driven marketing initiatives.
Takeaways
- Strategic partnerships significantly boosted io.net’s credibility and industry position.
- Engagement rates increased by 33% post-announcement.
- A 15% increase in user sign-ups from partner communities.
- Clear, engaging messaging was essential for community conversion and loyalty.
- Utilizing multiple channels ensured comprehensive coverage and maximized impact.
Community Management
To foster a strong and engaged community for io.net, we established and set up io.net’s Telegram and Discord communities. But we didn’t just stop at setting up the channels. We created detailed community mapping and comprehensive FAQs to guide new members, ensuring they felt welcomed and well-informed from the start. Through regular interactions, we cultivated a sense of belonging and loyalty. The result? These communities have seen explosive growth, with 101K+ members on Telegram and 541K+ on Discord.
The result was:
- 101K+ members on Telegram
- 541K+ on Discord
KOL Marketing
Given io.net’s early stage and low brand awareness, we prioritized YouTube KOL campaigns over Twitter for higher social proof and credibility building.
We collaborated with KOLs for project mentions, platform reviews, and shout-outs, keeping content organic and value-driven to spark genuine interest.
Display Ads Management
We crafted ads with compelling visuals and copy, focusing on driving sign-ups and enhancing brand visibility. Our approach included:
Check out the visual direction we took with Twitter ads
Takeaways
- Targeted ads were pivotal for visibility and follower growth.
- Impressions: Over 500,000 in the first month.
- CTR: An average of 2.5%.
- Budget: Optimized within a $5,000 monthly budget, achieving a 20% engagement increase over three months.
Final Insights
By employing a mix of strategic partnerships, social media management, KOL endorsements, and targeted advertising, we significantly expanded io.net’s reach and positioned it as a leader in decentralized computing.
Key Insights:
- Data-centric content for narrative building: Engaging, informative content was key to growth and engagement.
- Strategic partnerships enhance credibility and reach: These collaborations were crucial for positioning and community expansion.
- Community management fosters loyalty: Building dedicated communities led to high engagement and advocacy.
Note: This campaign was executed by LKI Consulting.
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