Web3 Consumers: The Chain Doesn’t Matter
In the rapidly evolving landscape of Web3; a common misconception persists among developers and startups: the choice of blockchain is the paramount concern for users or sticking with the ethos of web3 is northstar and guiding principles. One case in point is web3 social network or “decentralized” social network. The original selling points of many decentralized social networks were around user data ownership. While I believe this IS the case for web3 social networks, the hard truth is to gain wider adoption of decentralized social networks, most users don’t care about data ownership or setting privacy settings of what is shared and what isn’t (facebook / meta does this largely — while it took them a while to implement this).
While hardcore early adopters of web3 might “buy in”, but rest of the users (web2 or web3) simply careless about what chain or how easy it is to take one’s data from one network to another. Due to this false northstar, what often happens is disproportionate focus on the technical underpinnings of decentralized applications (dApps) at the expense of user experience (UX) and engagement mechanisms. However, as Web3 matures and strives for mainstream adoption, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the average consumer cares less about the blockchain infrastructure and more about the seamlessness of the user interface (UI) and the tangible rewards offered.
Frictionless UI/UX: The Cornerstone of Adoption
The success of any consumer-facing app, whether Web2 or Web3, hinges on its usability. In the Web3 space, where the learning curve can be steep and the technology complex, providing a frictionless UX is not just desirable but essential. Users are drawn to applications that offer intuitive navigation, quick responsiveness, and a familiar feel.
Consider popular Web2 platforms like Instagram or Spotify. Their success is largely attributed to their clean, user-friendly interfaces that make interactions straightforward and enjoyable. Web3 apps must adopt the same principles. Users should be able to interact with dApps without needing a deep understanding of the underlying blockchain technology. Wallet integration, transaction processing, and asset management should be as seamless as logging into an email account.
The Power of Rewards: Status, Tokens, Whitelists
Beyond UX, the driving force behind user engagement in Web3 applications is the incentive structure. Gamification and rewards mechanisms play a crucial role in attracting and retaining users. Tokens, whitelist opportunities, and OG status are powerful tools that can enhance user loyalty and participation.
1. OG Status: Rewarding early and active users with status recognizes their contribution and loyalty. This status can come with unique perks, such as special badges, access to private channels, or enhanced earning opportunities, fostering a sense of belonging and importance within the community.
2. Tokens: Users are motivated by the prospect of earning tokens that have real-world value. These can be used within the app, traded, or staked for additional benefits. Clear, achievable pathways to earn tokens can significantly boost user activity and retention.
3. Whitelists: Being on a whitelist gives users exclusive access to new features, beta tests, or upcoming token sales. This sense of exclusivity can create a strong community of early adopters and advocates who feel a deeper connection to the project.
Paired above with Discord, Telegram, X (formerly Twitter) integration, web3 and web2 users can and will feel a sense of belonging and being in a community, which will lead to more engagement!
User Engagement is King
As the Web3 ecosystem grows, the focus must shift from the technical merits of different blockchains to the user experience and engagement strategies. Users are more concerned with how easy it is to interact with the app and what they stand to gain from using it than with the specifics of the underlying technology.
For Web3 startups, the path to success lies in designing dApps that prioritize seamless UI/UX and implement compelling rewards mechanisms. By integrating with social platforms like Discord, Telegram, and Twitter/X, they can further enhance user engagement, retention, and revenue. By doing so, they can ensure that their applications not only attract users but also convert them into loyal, active participants. In the end, the chain may power the app, but it’s the user experience, rewards, and social integration that will power its adoption.
Written by Robert Kao, co-founder Plato Labs.
About Plato
Plato operates as a rewards protocol, empowering users to Eat2Earn at dining establishments globally, supporting 15 million restaurants. Through their intuitive Plato Eats dApp, available on iOS and Android, they incentivize a network of data collectors with rewards sourced from restaurant marketing budgets. Their collaborative effort culminates in the creation of the world’s premier verified food data source.
Whitepaper | Get Plato App | Twitter
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