As the nearly limitless potential of blockchain technology has led to more and more sectors integrating the technology into their operations, workers are finding that the blockchain is becoming a part of their daily work lives. However, widespread misunderstanding of blockchain technology has led some people to the false conclusion that it’s a technologically and financially complex development, leaving many unwilling to learn how understanding blockchain could help them progress in their careers.
Although the blockchain industry has suffered a hit over the past year, with the prices of major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum dropping significantly, there is no better time to find a non-finance, non-tech career in blockchain. As blockchain-based ventures, like NFTs, altcoins, and technology platforms enabled by blockchain, attempt to hang on or redevelop their growth in a market that is unfairly hostile to their success, they are looking for new ways to connect with the public.
Spreading the Word About Blockchain
One mistake many people make when approaching blockchain is associating blockchain exclusively with cryptocurrency. This is understandable, as most people don’t even understand the higher-profile blockchain projects such as Bitcoin, much less the more niche projects. As such, a big focus of the blockchain industry right now is outreach and getting the public to understand better what blockchain really is. Professionals from all sorts of industries are needed to help support these efforts.
The gaming sector has proven to be one of the best outlets to help build a community around a blockchain project. Gaming communities are already tight-knit, and the success of a blockchain project like an NFT or altcoin depends on the project’s ability to form a devoted and passionate community. Hence, the two are a perfect match. However, the benefits run both ways. Blockchain technology can improve the gaming experience by increasing transaction speed and opening the door for the tokenization and commoditization of in-game objects.
Copywriters in Blockchain
However, blockchain innovators won’t be able to achieve this growth alone. Although many people in the blockchain industry are skilled in the financial or technical aspects of working in blockchain, they don’t always know how to communicate their message effectively. The blockchain industry has many opportunities for technical copywriters who have an in-depth understanding of blockchain. From website copy to white pages, many blockchain entities need assistance writing official documents that are a pivotal part of their business’s success.
Additionally, blockchain ventures will often need a PR firm to help them get the word out about their project. With the number of NFT projects, altcoins, and other blockchain-based ventures that popped up during the initial blockchain boom, the ones that succeeded were those that got the most media attention. After all, projects like NFTs and altcoins are only worth as much as someone is willing to pay. The way to create that demand is by making the public aware of the project’s existence and value.
“Blockchain technology is still a very new and complex concept for many people to understand, so naturally, any companies or projects that are using blockchain technology as the foundation of their product(s) already have an uphill battle,” explains David Triana, a publicist at award-winning public relations firm
However, Triana — like many publicists working in the blockchain industry — did not start in the blockchain industry.
“Before I began working with clients involved in Web3, I had zero knowledge about blockchain, crypto, or NFTs,” he says. “But, as you work with these people and become engrossed in their projects, you begin to develop an interest and drive to learn.”
Triana says that this willingness to learn is the key for success in the blockchain industry when you do not come from a technical background.
“Blockchain technology is the future, plain and simple. Understanding what it is and how it can be used automatically makes you, as a professional in whatever field you're in, become an invaluable source for information and strategy,” he asserts.
“The best advice I can give is to be a sponge. Learn as much as you can from the trusted voices in the space and get involved. Being active and intentional with your time is what elevates your understanding of any subject.”
Creative Professions and Blockchain
Blockchain projects also involve a significant amount of marketing materials that must be synthesized by a creative professional.
Pitch videos are one of the most powerful tools that can be used to explain a blockchain project to potential investors or buyers, but to be effective, they should be polished and professionally produced. Video editors, videographers, graphic designers, and animators are just a few of the creatives who might be necessary to launch a blockchain venture successfully.
Granted, amidst the market conditions the crypto industry is facing right now, the ad spend of crypto companies is significantly slowing. However, in the time before the crypto market’s downturn, crypto companies were among the most significant spenders in advertising. Since the market is (eventually) expected to return to its thriving state, the industry’s spending on advertising will likely resume alongside this growth.
Another field that shows a great deal of potential for creative professionals is NFT creation. Artists can make a significant amount of money if they understand how to mint their work as an NFT (or partner with a blockchain company that does). And with how NFTs have evolved since their introduction, an NFT is no longer just a JPEG connected to a line of blockchain code. Artists in several different mediums, including musicians and filmmakers, have found great success releasing and marketing their work as an NFT rather than through a traditional platform.
“The rise of NFTs and blockchain technology demands that artists grasp the significance of this new paradigm,” says Aaron Rafferty, NFT expert and Co-Founder of
StandardDAO andBattle PACs .
“This transformation has the power to unlock untold creative and commercial opportunities, as artists can safeguard their digital creations as one-of-a-kind assets on a global stage.”
“For artists who lack blockchain experience, fear not!” Rafferty exclaims. “By partnering with NFT-focused services, the technical aspects can be handled with ease by a third-party, freeing the artist to focus on their craft. These services provide a complete solution from creation to listing on marketplaces. However, I suggest conducting extensive research and selecting the platform that best aligns with your needs. Be cautious of hidden fees, carefully review the terms and conditions of the marketplace, and make sure to choose a platform with a reputable track record. With the right platform and a standout body of work, the potential for NFT success is limitless.”
Many artists do not recognize the benefits of using NFTs as their medium. Of course, there are the commonly-touted benefits like the ability to charge high prices, or the ability to earn royalties ad infinitum thanks to the fundamental blockchain coding; there is also the added benefit of creating a devoted following around one’s creation due to the fervor in the NFT community.
Once a blockchain project is launched, success requires a continued commitment to the project’s growth, primarily through community-building. However, the technical minds behind the project likely won’t have the time to manage the community relations of a project because their duties related to the operation and further development of the project can be time-consuming. Social media professionals are needed to help blockchain ventures manage their social presence on external platforms, such as Twitter, and internal platforms, like Discord.
Even if you aren’t in the tech or finance sectors, it is more important than ever to have at least a basic understanding of what blockchain does. Blockchain technology is now so widespread and has managed to reach so many industries that skilled professionals of all kinds — from writers to marketers and artists — are necessary at this stage of the technology’s growth for it to continue in its development. The blockchain industry is full of opportunities for people to develop their careers while contributing to a technical revolution. Don’t let these opportunities go to waste.