I believe the right marketing is often key to a products success
How can we fix the current issues with marketing? I would suggest hiring one or two persons whose sole jobs is connecting with builders and users and supporting them via social media postings, creating press releases and hosting events.
I asked chat GPT to summarise my thoughts…
The Internet Computer (ICP) ecosystem, like any Layer 1 blockchain or foundational tech platform, faces a strategic decision when it comes to marketing projects and apps built on it. Here’s a breakdown of why it matters and what the consequences could be:
Should the Internet Computer Team Help Market Projects Built on Their Tech?
Yes – absolutely. Here’s why:
1. Network Effects Are Key to Layer 1 Success
- Layer 1s (like Ethereum, Solana, or ICP) succeed by bootstrapping ecosystem activity.
- Highlighting successful apps attracts users, developers, and investors, creating a virtuous cycle.
- Without visibility, even the best tech can languish in obscurity.
2. Most App Teams Lack Reach
- App teams (especially early-stage ones) often lack resources to do effective marketing.
- Platform-level promotion can serve as credibility validation: “If ICP is featuring this, it must be legit.”
3. Market Education & Trust
- Marketing ecosystem projects helps educate the public on real-world utility of the tech.
- It also shows momentum and ecosystem growth, which is critical in attracting talent and capital.
What Happens If There’s No Platform-Level Marketing?
- Low user acquisition: Good projects die unnoticed.
- Developer attrition: Devs choose other ecosystems where apps get support and visibility.
- Missed network effects: Fewer apps → fewer users → weaker platform.
- Reputation decay: ICP may be seen as inactive or unsuccessful, regardless of its tech merits.
Should Marketing Be Left Only to the App Teams?
Not entirely. Here’s a better model:
Shared Responsibility (Platform + App Teams)
- Internet Computer Foundation (or equivalent org) should:
- Feature top apps in newsletters, social, events.
- Run hackathons, showcases, and contests.
- Provide PR support to breakout projects.
- App teams should:
- Tell their own stories.
- Engage their own communities.
- Grow with help, not dependence.
This mirrors how Solana, Polygon, and Avalanche built developer ecosystems — by promoting, funding, and championing early-stage apps.
Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Should Internet Computer help market apps? | Yes, significantly. It’s critical to ecosystem growth. |
| What happens if they don’t? | Projects stay invisible, devs and users leave, ICP’s adoption stalls. |
| Should app teams do all marketing? | They should do some, but platform support is essential for reach and validation. |
If you’re part of the ICP community or decision-making, encouraging structured, visible, and sustained ecosystem marketing is one of the highest-leverage actions for adoption and long-term relevance.