Tired of crypto KOLs who pump and dump? Learn how to avoid getting rugged and discover smarter marketing strategies for sustainable Web3 growth.
The Problem with Crypto KOLs
The crypto space is full of grifters, with influencers pumping bags and promoting sketchy projects. Many Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) have turned Web3 marketing into a game of “who can shill the hardest.”
Are All Crypto KOLs Scammers?
No, but many are. If you’re running a Web3 project, you need to be smarter about who you work with.
How to Avoid Getting Rugged by Bad Actors
1. Stop Paying for Fake Influence
The biggest scam in KOL marketing: projects throwing money at influencers who don’t convert.
Reality Check: Bot armies are cheap, and engagement can be farmed.
Instead of Chasing Vanity Metrics, Ask:
Does this KOL have a real, engaged audience?
Are their past promotions actually converting for other projects?
Do they produce valuable content beyond “ngmi/wagmi” tweets?
If their entire feed is endless hype with zero substance, run. A Web3 KOL Agency can help you avoid this trap by vetting KOLs who actually bring engagement and conversions.
2. The Engagement Trap: Don’t Buy Into Fake Hype
Some Crypto KOLs hype up projects they don’t believe in just to farm clout by pumping projects they got free allocations in, or joining engagement pods to create artificial hype.
You might think you’re getting massive exposure, but in reality, you’re just getting played.
Work with Crypto Marketing Agencies that focus on authentic marketing services where influencers are selected based on real impact, not just engagement pods.
3. Pay-for-Post is Dead—Look for Skin in the Game
Old-school KOL marketing services don’t work anymore, as audiences are catching on to low-effort shills.
What to do instead?
Look for long-term partnerships, not just one-off tweets.
Get KOLs invested in the project (literally).
Build real relationships with creators who align with your vision.
A Blockchain Marketing Agency like KOLxGrowth ensures that Crypto KOLs are aligned with your project’s long-term success, not just quick cash grabs.
4. Community Over Crypto KOLs—Turn Your Users Into Ambassadors
Your best promoters aren’t influencers—they’re your own users.
Instead of funneling money into KOLs, start focusing on community-driven marketing.
Encourage user-generated content (memes, Twitter threads, TikToks).
Reward genuine contributors with exclusive perks.
Build an active community where engagement happens naturally.
5. Work with Agencies Who Actually Vet KOLs
If you’re serious about getting results, work with professionals who know what they’re doing.
An experienced Web3 Marketing Agency (like KOLxGrowth) has already done the hard work of vetting KOLs, tracking performance, and filtering out the scammers.
A good Crypto Marketing Services provider will:
Match you with KOLs who actually convert.
Ensure long-term relationships.
Help structure deals where KOLs are invested in your success.
Final Thoughts: Smart Strategies for Web3 Success
Crypto KOLs marketing is broken, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it the right way.
Stop wasting money on fake engagement & hype.
Stop paying KOLs who dump after one tweet.
Build real partnerships with KOLs who actually care.
Empower your community to be your best marketers.
The days of easy shills are over. If you want long-term success in Web3, you need smarter marketing strategies.
Contact KOLxGrowth today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your Web3 marketing goals.
Leave a Reply