The Next Crypto Bull Market Is At Hand. Ten Essential Tips For Investing In Cryptocurrency.

The recent green light for Bitcoin ETFs has thrust cryptocurrency back into the limelight, and with 2024 shaping up to be a pivotal year for the financial markets, many investors are pondering whether they should tap into the asset class that has delivered the most impressive returns over the past decade, as per Black Rock's analysis. 

The SEC's approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs marks a notable milestone, giving a significant regulatory stamp of approval to the most prominent cryptocurrency in the world while also providing exposure to the rapidly growing crypto market. This development will likely alleviate some concerns investors may have had about investing in the space, making it more accessible and appealing to a broader range of investors.

Before diving into the world of cryptocurrency, there are ten essential tips to remember. This article aims to provide investors with valuable insights by highlighting ten critical factors to consider when investing in cryptocurrency.

Image source: ishares.com.pdf

Ten Key Tips To Know Before Investing In Crypto 

#1. Exchanges

First and foremost, it's important to understand the various types of exchanges, platforms, and products available that offer crypto. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have recently gained popularity, providing crypto exposure and a secure and regulated way to invest in cryptocurrency. However, ETFs and similar products face three main issues. 

One concern is that their trading hours are limited to regular stock market hours, unlike the continuous 24/7 trading of cryptocurrencies. As a result, there may be discrepancies in pricing between the ETFs and the actual assets, as well as challenges in entering or exiting positions before significant price fluctuations occur.

Another issue is that they do not permit you to possess the actual asset outright. In cryptocurrency, taking custody of your own funds is typical among seasoned investors. While the self-custody approach may not suit everyone and carries its own set of risks, the advantage is that it removes the counterparty risk associated with ETFs.

The third issue is the limited availability of exchange-traded products that allow investors to invest in altcoins, which are cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin. While some investors may be content with Bitcoin (BTC) exposure, others seek opportunities in alternative cryptocurrencies that offer the potential for significantly higher returns, ranging from 10 to 100 times.

Image source: Investopedia

#2. Volatility

Before investing in cryptocurrency, it's crucial to understand that prices can fluctuate rapidly and unpredictably, especially for alternative coins. Price swings of 10% or more in a short period are common for Bitcoin, while altcoins can experience even more significant fluctuations, with price changes of 20% or more in minutes. This high level of volatility can be stressful and may lead to impulsive decisions based on emotions rather than sound investment strategies. Consequently, many investors tend to buy during strong market upswings and sell during sudden downturns.

Cryptocurrencies experience significant price fluctuations primarily due to their speculative nature. The main reason behind this volatility is that cryptocurrencies are designed to challenge and potentially replace traditional financial systems. Each crypto project aims to address specific aspects of the financial system. Tokens that provide real-world utility within a particular niche may be less speculative.

An additional factor that plays a role is the significant use of leverage trading within the cryptocurrency environment. During bearish periods, minor price declines can snowball into substantial crashes as leveraged traders are forced to liquidate their positions, while in bullish markets, small price increases can rapidly escalate into massive price surges as leveraged traders scramble to maintain their positions.

Fortunately, two strategies can help mitigate the impact of volatility in cryptocurrency trading. Firstly, investing in cryptocurrencies with a larger market cap can provide a lower-risk option, as they tend to experience less price fluctuation than smaller-cap cryptocurrencies. However, this stability comes at the cost of potentially lower returns. Secondly, traders can reduce their exposure to volatility by using less leverage or setting stop losses at prudent levels, informed by technical analysis. Being knowledgeable about chart patterns and trends can aid in making informed decisions.

#3. Categories of Cryptocurrencies

This relates to the third essential aspect to consider before investing in cryptocurrency. It is crucial to understand that not all cryptocurrencies are the same. Generally, there are two main categories of cryptocurrencies – coins and tokens. Coins are digital currencies utilized to cover transaction costs within their respective blockchain networks, like BTC within the Bitcoin blockchain. On the other hand, tokens are digital assets that can be created through smart contracts on specific cryptocurrency blockchains, such as Ethereum or Solana.

The value of coins is typically tied to the blockchain they are a part of. In contrast, tokens often derive value from their usefulness or utility within a specific decentralized application (dApp) or protocol. This distinction is noteworthy because coins tend to perform better than tokens in the cryptocurrency market, likely due to the greater level of effort and investment required to create a new blockchain from scratch.

It is possible for anyone to generate a cryptocurrency token quickly using specific decentralized applications. This has led to a proliferation of tokens, with millions available, while only a select few cryptocurrency coins have gained widespread recognition and utility. Most tokens lack practical use or value, whereas those that serve a purpose tend to exhibit more significant potential for success.

The success of a coin or token is ultimately determined by the narrative it's associated with. Take Bitcoin's BTC, for instance, which is widely regarded as the digital equivalent of gold. This narrative is just one of many that can impact price movements. This article delves into other significant narratives that can shape the performance of coins and tokens.

#4. Quality Information

Finding reliable information about cryptocurrency projects can be a significant challenge. This is due to a shortage of educational resources, the intricate nature of most crypto projects, and a general lack of information available. As a result, it can take time and effort to make informed investment decisions in the cryptocurrency market.

The lack of understanding surrounding cryptocurrency has led to significant financial losses for many investors. Many have sought to solve this issue through online publications and transparent crypto platforms’ blogs and videos, which aim to educate the public about the nature of cryptocurrency and the scams that have plagued the industry conceived by nefarious opportunists seeking to exploit others' ignorance.

Image source: Coinmarketcap

#5. Market Cap

Before investing in cryptocurrency, it's essential to understand the distinction between a crypto's market cap and its price. Many people assume that a crypto's price determines its potential for growth, but in reality, the market capitalization holds greater significance. Many first-time investors in the cryptocurrency market are unaware of this fact. Consequently, some cryptocurrencies with lower price tags tend to perform better than those with higher price tags. 

This is because new investors often assume that a low-priced cryptocurrency has more room for growth and will eventually reach the same level as Bitcoin, making them rich in the process. Practically speaking, it is essential to consider both the price tag, which is attractive to new and inexperienced investors, and the market cap, as it ultimately influences a cryptocurrency's potential increase or decrease in percentage terms.

You can gauge the potential growth of a coin or token by comparing it to more established cryptocurrencies within the same niche or category and observing their growth during previous market upswings. Setting realistic expectations and understanding that smaller-cap assets are unlikely to surpass the dominance of BTC or ETH in the foreseeable future is essential.

#6. Self Custody

Before investing in cryptocurrency, it's crucial to understand the importance of self-custody. In the crypto space, a famous saying goes, "Not your keys, not your crypto." This means that if you don't possess the private keys to your crypto wallet, you don't truly own the cryptocurrency inside it. Self-custody is crucial because it ensures that you have complete control over your digital assets and that they're securely stored in a wallet that only you can access.

So, if you're not given a 12 or 24-word seed phrase, also known as a private key, when creating an account and are required to copy and secure that key in a safe place, you're likely using a custodial service. In other words, your cryptocurrency is being held by a third party, similar to how a bank holds your money. Interestingly, the money in your bank doesn't technically belong to you either, as explained in this article.

It is essential to take control of your own cryptocurrency to achieve true financial independence, which means having the freedom to use your assets as you please and when you please. You need to establish a cryptocurrency wallet and consistently store the coins or tokens you are not currently trading in that wallet.

Cryptocurrency wallets come in various forms, including mobile, browser, and desktop versions. However, a hardware wallet is advised for optimal security, especially for significant crypto holdings. This physical device allows you to store your cryptocurrency offline, providing additional protection.

#7. Portfolio Diversification 

Creating a diversified crypto portfolio is an important consideration before investing in cryptocurrency. While all coins and tokens are part of the crypto market, it is essential to understand that they come with different levels of risk, rewards, and utility.

Bitcoin’s BTC is viewed as a secure investment haven within the cryptocurrency sector. During market downturns, investors often flock to BTC as a safe haven, causing its value to increase. On the other hand, when the markets are thriving, investors tend to move their funds from BTC into more speculative cryptos, starting with Ethereum (ETH) and then to other smaller cryptocurrencies down the list.

Furthermore, stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies supported by and pegged to traditional currencies, particularly the US dollar, are also considered safe options during times of turbulence in the cryptocurrency market. However, not all stablecoins are created equal, and some are considered safer than others due to their unique characteristics and uses.

A diversified cryptocurrency portfolio should include a mix of established large-cap assets, mid-sized coins with growth potential, and a few small-cap projects with promising futures. It's crucial to avoid over-investing in too many cryptocurrencies, as managing and tracking their performance can become challenging. Instead, focus on gaining exposure to a range of narratives that are likely to drive the next bull market in the crypto space.

Image source: Cwallet.com

#8. Time Horizon

Before investing in crypto, it's essential to consider your investment time frame, and this is closely related to the seventh factor. Cryptocurrency markets tend to fluctuate in a predictable four-year cycle, with the first one to two years typically experiencing a bull market, followed by a bear market during the final two to three years. Understanding this pattern can help you make informed investment decisions and maximize your returns.

These crypto cycles are believed to be influenced by the Bitcoin halving event, which occurs every four years and involves reducing the number of BTC coins given to Bitcoin miners by half. The next halving is anticipated to take place in April 2024.

The cryptocurrency market has traditionally experienced a significant upswing a few months following the halving event. If history is any guide, the next bull run is expected to begin around August or shortly after that, with Bitcoin and most alternative coins reaching new record highs during this time. However, it's important to note that the peak of this cycle may not occur until mid to late 2025, according to recent reports.

If you have been investing in cryptocurrencies before the market reaches its peak frenzy, you will likely see significant profits when it reaches its highest point. Surprisingly, you may not feel inclined to sell your holdings at that point.

As highlighted in the introduction, Crypto has emerged as the best-performing investment category in the past ten years. Retaining and building up significant amounts of well-known cryptocurrencies, such as BTC, during various market fluctuations would have yielded more significant profits than selling them.

This emphasizes that your personal time frame is the key consideration. If you aim for significant profits in the short term, it's advisable to align with the four-year pattern. Yet, if your goal is long-term wealth accumulation, it may be wiser to focus on steady accumulation without overanalyzing the process.

#9. HODL

The ninth key fact to consider before investing in cryptocurrency is that only two assets have consistently outperformed inflation over the past few decades: technology and finance. Notably, cryptocurrency represents a fusion of these two domains and boasts a unique advantage – it cannot be seized or confiscated. This attribute contributes to its value and potential for long-term growth.

This statement applies only to genuinely decentralized cryptocurrencies, as only those can uphold these characteristics. Bitcoin's BTC is considered the most decentralized cryptocurrency, serving as a safeguard or hedge against the entire existing financial system.

Considering the unpredictability of the financial system, it's a good idea to diversify your investments and protect your wealth in case of uncertainty. One way to do this is by investing in an asset that can't be easily seized, such as Bitcoin. Unlike gold, which requires physical storage and security, Bitcoin can be readily stored and transferred using just a seed phrase, which can be memorized for added convenience.

It’s salient to note here that every Bitcoin transaction is recorded on a public ledger and, therefore, is traceable. This transparency can concern individuals who want to distance themselves from the traditional financial system. However, despite this limitation, Bitcoin remains a viable alternative to conventional currencies, apart from gold, particularly for those who value freedom and decentralization.

For emphasis, the notion that central banks aspire to establish a financial system characterized by universal surveillance and control is not a far-fetched conspiracy theory. In fact, various reports have been published explicitly outlining such intentions. This system would enable comprehensive monitoring of all assets, ensuring that every item of value is accounted for and exists within a network that central authorities govern.

In any case, while it may be thrilling to consider the potential earnings in cryptocurrency, it's crucial to bear in mind that preserving these funds could prove challenging if the financial landscape follows its current path. Securing a portion of these profits in a tangible asset for long-term stability is prudent.

Image source: X

#10. Scams

It is crucial to be aware that the world of cryptocurrency investing is rife with scams. The various factors discussed earlier create an environment where misinformation about crypto is prevalent and highly persuasive. Deceptive practices can take the form of fraudulent airdrops and giveaways, with the latter becoming increasingly widespread due to advancements in deep fake technology.

Fraudulent accounts posing as well-known figures in the cryptocurrency space are widespread during periods of market growth. Trying to report or remove all of their comments is futile, and it's crucial to exercise caution when engaging with unsolicited messages or investment opportunities. 

A general guideline is to be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true because they likely are. Additionally, any direct message claiming to be from a prominent crypto personality should be met with skepticism. When interacting with decentralized applications and protocols, it's essential to do your due diligence to avoid losing funds. Finally, storing any coins or tokens not currently being traded on a secure hardware wallet is vital to protect them from potential threats.

This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Which Crypto Narratives Will Dominate The Next Bull Market? Cryptos To Watch In 2024

The key to achieving success in the cryptocurrency realm is to invest in narratives, not just statistics. During the previous bull market, the most captivating narratives were Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), and the Metaverse. These narratives propelled certain cryptocurrencies to astronomical heights, with some experiencing growth of over 500 times their original value. The question now is what narratives will dominate the next crypto bull market and when they will experience a similar explosion in growth.

These projections are provided by key figures in the cryptocurrency industry and should be taken as speculative. This article focuses on the key narratives likely to shape the cryptocurrency landscape, their anticipated increase in popularity, and the projects linked to them that are worth keeping an eye on. The ongoing development of crypto regulations will largely influence the sequence in which these narratives gain prominence.

The rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) was a dominant force in the 2020 crypto bull market, with DeFi tokens experiencing remarkable growth, including Yearn Finance's YFI token, which at one point surpassed the value of Bitcoin. However, recent regulatory proposals aimed at DeFi suggest it may not be the dominant narrative in the current market cycle. Instead, other crypto narratives with fewer DeFi elements may gain more traction.

The success of crypto narratives may depend on the regulatory landscape, but some experts suggest that those with minimal DeFi integrations will have an advantage. This is because they will face fewer regulatory obstacles and enjoy greater adoption. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are the crypto technology with the least regulatory scrutiny, making it likely that narratives centered around NFTs will dominate.

Crypto Narratives Most Likely To Explode

Decentralized Social Media

The rise of decentralized social media (DESO) is anticipated to gain significant traction thanks to a convergence of factors. Growing censorship on traditional social media platforms, potential failures of popular networks, and challenges with monetization in a high-interest-rate environment have created an opportune landscape for DESO's growth. Governments worldwide have implemented laws to restrict social media content following the impact of the pandemic, as highlighted in this article on online censorship.

The implementation of various regulations, including the Digital Services Act (DSA) of the European Union, is causing a noticeable impact. Consequently, engaging in open and unrestricted conversations on major social media platforms is becoming increasingly challenging. An example of one leading social media platform, such as X, is now prioritizing free speech. Unfortunately, the resistance by these platforms may lead to their eventual downfall. X, for instance, has recently lost advertisers and is expected to incur significant financial losses.

The supposed economic downturn has led to a universal decrease in advertising revenue. In response, Google has taken measures to restrict the use of ad blockers on YouTube and has increased the frequency of advertisements in an effort to boost its ad revenue.

Upon initial consideration, it may appear improbable that the typical individual would transition to utilizing a decentralized social media platform due to concerns regarding censorship and advertisements. Nevertheless, upon further examination, it becomes evident that the adoption of decentralized social media is gaining momentum, with decentralized streaming experiencing remarkably rapid growth, as illustrated in the graph below.

Image source: Coingecko

Put in perspective, Odysee boasts a substantial user base exceeding 5 million individuals monthly, which continues to grow. As a decentralized social media protocol, Odysee outshines its competitors significantly. It is worth noting that Odysee is powered by LBRY, a cryptocurrency initiative that faced legal action from the SEC and was subsequently forced to cease operations. Nevertheless, Odysee remains the most prized possession of LBRY, Inc.

Odysee’s assets were recently sold at auction. According to LBRY’s report, while it’s nearly certain the Odysee assets will be assumed by someone interested in resuming its growth, it’s unclear if Odysee will continue to use the LBRY network in the future, switch to another crypto network, or switch to being a traditional web2 platform. 

If another crypto network acquires Odysee, you can bet that the crypto project will see explosive growth. Additionally, there is growing interest in decentralized platforms that replicate the functionality of traditional social media platforms like Twitter, as shown in the graph. These platforms concentrate on specific aspects of digital media, such as decentralized streaming and microblogging, and are designed to operate vertically. 

One decentralized platform that is not on that list yet encompasses all of the above and more. Markethive and its community are dedicated to building an entire ecosystem for entrepreneurs, including marketing, blogging, curation, email autoresponders, page-making systems, video feed, conference facilities, e-commerce, broadcasting, press releases, social network integration, etc.

Having established a comprehensive financial center for all its users and utilizing the Solana network for its Hivecoin token, Markethive is now preparing to introduce its platform to a global audience. Markethive has also removed itself from the centralized cloud services that continue to stifle platforms at the mercy of third-party APIs serving their interests. Currently, several user interface (UI) and UX components of Markethive's arsenal are being integrated in tandem to provide a sanctuary and empower individuals to regain control of their sovereignty. This year, 2024, is shaping up to be a pivotal time for Markethive, as it aims to reach unparalleled success and give back to the community that has embraced its vision.

GameFi

GameFi, the second prominent crypto narrative, is poised to experience immense growth, with some arguing that it's already underway. A glance at DappRadar reveals that the majority of the most well-liked decentralized applications (dApps) are connected to blockchain-based games. These games have amassed a considerable following, boasting millions of monthly active users. The surging popularity of blockchain games shouldn't come as a surprise, given that the traditional gaming industry grapples with challenges akin to those confronting centralized social media platforms.

To begin with, it seems that older video games are preferred over modern ones. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as disappointing visuals, weak storytelling, unnecessary infusion of politics, and overall unsatisfactory gameplay.

In 2022, the video game industry experienced its first year of losses in ten years, resulting in widespread layoffs among major developers. This downturn may be attributed to the pandemic-driven surge turning into a decline or developers ignoring their loyal player base. Regardless of the cause, the gaming industry is struggling financially. Similar to other technology leaders like Google, this situation may motivate game developers to explore alternative revenue streams.

Interestingly, it has been reported that players of Assassin's Creed encountered disruptive pop-up advertisements while playing the game. This occurrence was purportedly a technical glitch, but it shed light on the possibility that the gaming industry is attempting to impose advertisements on players in a similar manner to how YouTube is attempting to do so with its audience. While the typical YouTube viewer might tolerate this, it is highly probable that the average gamer would not welcome having their gameplay disrupted by pop-ups.

The outcome may be that game developers must incorporate GameFi elements to compensate for lost revenue, or players will seek out ad-free alternatives. A mixture of both scenarios will probably occur, which could be why blockchain games have gained significant popularity. If it is indeed the case that game developers are disregarding their primary audiences, then the adoption of blockchain games could even further increase.

This is because crypto technology, such as NFTs, enables gamers to influence the game's design instead of being controlled by ESG-obsessed asset managers like BlackRock. However, there is a limitation: these blockchain games must not involve excessive financialization. If they do, they may attract regulatory scrutiny, similar to what happened to Axi Infiniti in the Philippines.

The likelihood of this scrutiny is likely the reason why there have been limited GameFi integrations. Aside from regulatory hurdles, scalability and speed pose a significant challenge to widespread adoption, as seen in the case of Axi Infinity. Only a few blockchains can effectively accommodate millions of users simultaneously. 

In Axi's situation, they had to develop their specialized layer two solution called Ronan. This implies that you should prioritize the underlying layer one and layer two blockchains that support blockchain games rather than focusing on specific games. Thanks to its subnet architecture, Avalanche is notably gaining popularity as a preferred choice in this area.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a dominant force in the tech industry is a narrative that has gained significant traction recently. While some argue that the AI explosion is already underway, others believe the real breakthrough is yet to come. The current AI hype in crypto and stocks is largely considered just hype, as there have been minimal actual changes thus far. It is widely believed that it will take at least two years for innovative AI companies to release their products and even longer for the general public to embrace and utilize them fully.

The current AI-fueled market frenzy may eventually subside as regulatory measures take effect or other factors come into play. If this bubble does burst, it may create a prime investment opportunity for crypto projects centered around AI technology. These projects will likely perform exceptionally well when the AI narrative regains momentum. Currently, everyday investors like us are unable to capitalize on AI innovation, making these cryptocurrency projects an attractive prospect.

While investing in established companies like Nvidia and Microsoft is possible, their massive valuations limit their potential for significant growth. As a result, private equity remains the most viable option for those seeking substantial returns on AI investments – but this avenue is only accessible to high-net-worth individuals. If this trend persists, investing in AI-related cryptocurrencies might be the only way for everyday investors to generate meaningful profits from the AI sector.

The emergence of new AI companies may be hindered if industry leaders such as Nvidia and Microsoft restrict access to their hardware and software. However, crypto tech's decentralized and open nature could provide an advantage in this scenario. Interestingly, some crypto projects have enabled individuals to access the previously exclusive hardware needed to run AI models, thereby promoting greater accessibility and competition in the field.

Among the projects in this category is the Akash Network. Additionally, numerous cryptocurrency initiatives have been making advancements in the software aspect of artificial intelligence. By merging this open-source progress with decentralized AI hardware, the result is a foundation for robust crypto AIs capable of rivaling those developed by Google and other companies.

In this instance, the main point to note is that if crypto AI were to become popular, the existing players would probably try to influence government regulators in order to prevent the development of decentralized artificial intelligence technology. It is important to note that these incumbents are already campaigning for policies that would hinder their centralized rivals from creating AI technology.

The upside is that AI in the crypto sector is still largely under the radar. This means there aren't many established factors to consider when evaluating its potential. Nobody knows yet whether the crypto industry can support the development of these models. Nevertheless, just as no one anticipated Bitcoin becoming the de facto digital gold, we find ourselves in that very situation. This demonstrates the potential for unexpected developments in the crypto landscape. 

Crypto Infrastructure

Infrastructure in the crypto industry is expected to experience significant growth, particularly in the areas of decentralized storage cryptocurrencies and crypto oracles that provide external data to the blockchain. It is important to note that infrastructure cryptos will play a crucial role in the success of other crypto narratives. For example, decentralized social media will likely demand substantial data storage capacity, while decentralized gaming will rely on extensive data feeds. Additionally, crypto AI will heavily rely on decentralized computing, which differs from decentralized storage regarding technical requirements.

Data storage, data feeds, and computing processes must be decentralized to ensure seamless operation and avoid potential regulatory or technical issues. This is particularly important given that a prominent centralized cloud platform banned crypto in August 2022. Moreover, Meta's use of Arweave for NFT storage demonstrates that decentralized infrastructure can be just as effective as its centralized counterpart. If discriminatory practices persist at the infrastructure level, such as app stores refusing to list certain apps, decentralized alternatives are likely to gain traction

In addition to Arweave, other cryptocurrencies worth keeping an eye on include cutting-edge oracle systems like Pyth, which may have a role in the gaming sector (GameFi); video encoding protocols such as Livepeer, which could have a role in decentralized social networks (DeSo); and data indexing protocols like The Graph, which could have a role in artificial intelligence (AI) development. It's important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other promising cryptocurrencies beyond these examples.

The level of adoption of the three previous narratives will influence the demand for these cryptocurrencies and their competitors. If there is significant adoption, there will be ample demand for these cryptos, potentially leading to an increase in price. However, it is essential to conduct thorough research on the tokenomics of these cryptocurrencies before investing, as this will determine whether the demand translates into a price surge.

Image source: Techopedia

Two More Narratives with Potential

Concluding the discussion, two additional crypto narratives may grow significantly. These narratives can potentially surpass the combined impact of the previous four. The first is the concept of crypto payments, while the second is the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs), which has recently generated much hype. These two narratives are presented together as the final topics in this article due to the numerous regulatory challenges they face, specifically in the case of RWAs for crypto payments.

One of the main challenges involves the regulations surrounding stablecoins, which remain uncertain in numerous jurisdictions, especially in the United States. Congress is currently considering a proposed bill that could facilitate the use of stablecoins for payments, but its passage is unlikely until after the upcoming election due to the political divisions within the legislative body.

In the European Union, the Markets In Crypto Assets (MiCa) regulation technically allows stablecoins to be used for payments. However, the use of stablecoins will be restricted to Euro-backed stablecoins, which some argue are not all that popular. Despite this, regulatory clarity could lead to the adoption of crypto payments, positively impacting high-performance blockchains primed for payments, such as Solana and layer two solutions on Ethereum.

This relates to the regulations around RWAs, which are much further away. Some would say that this is debatable, given that stablecoins are technically RWAs; there are already tokenized fiat currencies and commodities. However, some argue that these differ from the RWAs on which the narrative truly focuses. The RWAs that most people have in mind involve tokenizing assets such as real estate, stocks, and bonds. If this is the situation, then tokenizing these assets on public blockchains is a distant prospect.

Significantly, major organizations and wealthy individuals would likely feel uneasy about revealing their RWA assets on transparent blockchains accessible to the public. As a result, they would opt for private and permissioned blockchains or public blockchains that ensure compliant privacy. When considering this, the transparency of cryptocurrency blockchains could pose a major challenge for narratives centered around institutional interests such as RWAs, which is why we're seeing growing interest in crypto privacy solutions. However, this particular market segment may not experience significant growth until the next cycle; it's an area that holds promise for the future.

This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

How Inbound Marketing Fuels Disruptive Innovation: A Guide for Forward-Thinking Entrepreneurs

In today's fast-paced and rapidly evolving business landscape, traditional marketing strategies are no longer sufficient to drive innovation. To stay ahead of the curve, forward-thinking businesses turn to inbound marketing as a powerful tool to fuel disruptive innovation. In this guide, we will explore the concept of inbound marketing, its role in fostering disruptive innovation, and the benefits it offers to entrepreneurs.

Inbound marketing is a strategic approach focusing on attracting, engaging, and delighting customers through valuable content and experiences. Unlike traditional outbound marketing, which relies on interruptive tactics like cold calling and advertising, inbound marketing aims to build long-term relationships with customers by providing them with relevant and helpful information. By leveraging content marketing, social media, and search engine optimization (SEO), inbound marketing creates a magnet-like effect, organically drawing customers to your business.

Understanding Disruptive Innovation

To understand how inbound marketing fuels disruptive innovation, we must first grasp the concept of disruptive innovation itself. Disruptive innovation refers to the process by which a new product or service disrupts an existing market by offering a unique value proposition. This innovation often starts at the fringes of the market, targeting underserved customers with a novel solution that addresses their unmet needs.

Disruptive innovation challenges the status quo, and forces established players to adapt or risk becoming obsolete. Examples of disruptive innovations include the advent of smartphones, which revolutionized the telecommunications industry, and online streaming services, which disrupted the traditional television and movie rental market. By leveraging inbound marketing, businesses can identify and capitalize on disruptive innovations that have the potential to shape the future.

Now, here's where inbound marketing steps in. Businesses can spot these disruptive innovations early on by using inbound marketing techniques, like creating engaging content or building strong relationships with potential customers. This means they can get in on the action and take advantage of these groundbreaking ideas before they become mainstream.
So, inbound marketing isn't just about attracting customers—it's also about staying ahead of the curve and spotting the next big thing that could shape the future.

The Role of Inbound Marketing in Fueling Disruptive Innovation

Inbound marketing is like the fuel for those game-changing, disruptive ideas. It gives them a stage to shine on and get noticed. Imagine you've got this amazing new solution to a problem nobody's really tackled yet. Inbound marketing helps you get the word out in a way that grabs people's attention.

First, you create content that speaks to the folks who are feeling the pain of that problem you're solving. This content pulls them in because it's all about their struggles and how your solution can improve their lives. So, those early adopters who are always eager to try something new are drawn to what you're offering.

Then, you've got this storytelling magic. You're not just selling a product; you're telling a story about how it can change lives. That storytelling creates a buzz, gets people talking, and excites them about what you're doing.

But it's not just about getting attention; it's about learning too. With inbound marketing, you're not just shouting into the void. You're having conversations with real people, your potential customers, on social media and other digital platforms. And those conversations? They're gold mines of information. You get to hear directly from the people you want to serve, understanding their needs and preferences better than ever before.

And here's the kicker: You can take all that feedback and use it to improve your idea. It's like having a direct line to your customers' brains. You tweak and refine your solution based on what they tell you, making it even more tailored to their needs. And that, my friend, increases your chances of hitting it big with your disruptive innovation.

Benefits of Using Inbound Marketing for Businesses

Businesses that embrace inbound marketing as a strategy to fuel disruptive innovation stand to gain numerous benefits. Firstly, inbound marketing provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional marketing methods. By focusing on creating valuable content and leveraging digital channels, businesses can reach their target audience at a fraction of the cost of conventional advertising. This is particularly advantageous for startups and early-stage ventures with limited marketing budgets.

Secondly, inbound marketing allows businesses to build a brand that resonates with their target audience. By consistently delivering valuable content and engaging with customers, companies can establish themselves as thought leaders and gain credibility in their respective industries. This brand equity not only attracts customers but also attracts potential partners, collaborators, and talent who align with the investor's vision for disruptive innovation.

Lastly, inbound marketing offers a long-term and sustainable approach to customer acquisition. By nurturing leads through valuable content and personalized experiences, businesses can build a loyal customer base that continues to support their disruptive innovations. This customer-centric approach fosters customer loyalty and advocacy, driving organic growth and reducing reliance on costly customer acquisition strategies.

Case Studies of Successful Disruptive Innovations Fueled by Inbound Marketing

TESLA
To illustrate the power of inbound marketing in fueling disruptive innovation, let's explore some real-world case studies. One such example is the electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla. Through their innovative electric cars and sustainable energy solutions, Tesla disrupted the automotive industry. By leveraging inbound marketing strategies through unconventional marketing strategies, Tesla created a passionate community of early adopters who championed their mission and helped propel the company to success.

Tesla is known for its innovative and unconventional marketing strategies that rely on creating an emotional connection with its audience and strengthening its brand presence. Tesla does not use traditional paid advertising but instead focuses on word-of-mouth, social media, influencer partnerships, and launch events to generate buzz and awareness. Tesla also leverages the popularity and influence of its CEO, Elon Musk, who often engages with his followers and fans on various platforms.

Tesla’s marketing strategy can be considered a form of inbound marketing, which is a method of attracting, engaging, and delighting customers by providing valuable and relevant content and experiences. Inbound marketing aims to build trust and loyalty with the audience rather than interrupting them with unwanted ads. Tesla’s marketing strategy is aligned with its mission and vision of creating a sustainable, clean-energy future.

AIRBNB
Airbnb shook up the traditional hotel industry by revolutionizing how people find places to stay when they travel. Instead of relying solely on hotels, Airbnb introduced a platform where regular folks could rent their homes or spare rooms to travelers. This concept opened up a whole new world of accommodation options, giving travelers a chance to experience local neighborhoods and immerse themselves in the culture of their destination.

One of the keys to Airbnb's success was harnessing the power of user-generated content (UGC). By allowing users to post reviews, photos, and stories about their stays, Airbnb built a sense of trust and transparency lacking in the traditional hotel booking process. People could see real-life experiences from other travelers, helping them make more informed decisions about where to stay.

Through clever inbound marketing strategies, Airbnb was able to spread the word about its platform and attract both hosts and guests. They leveraged partnerships to reach a broad audience and establish themselves as a trusted brand in the travel industry.

You can see how Airbnb's innovative approach to accommodation has transformed how people travel and opened up new opportunities for hosts and guests. By tapping into the sharing economy and prioritizing user-generated content, Airbnb has become a powerhouse in the travel industry, changing how people think about where they stay when they're away from home.

These case studies demonstrate how inbound marketing can drive awareness, generate excitement, and build a loyal customer base for disruptive innovations.

How to Implement Inbound Marketing Strategies for Your Business

Now that we understand the importance of inbound marketing in fueling disruptive innovation let's explore how businesses can implement these strategies effectively. Firstly, defining your target audience and understanding their pain points and needs is crucial. This will enable you to create valuable content that resonates with your audience and establishes your expertise in the field of disruptive innovation.

Next, develop a content marketing strategy that aligns with your target audience's preferences and habits. This may involve creating blog posts, videos, podcasts, or other types of content that provide insights, thought leadership, and solutions to their challenges. Distribute this content through various channels, such as your website, social media platforms, and industry publications, to maximize its reach and impact.

In addition to content marketing, leverage social media platforms to engage with your audience and build relationships. Actively participate in relevant industry discussions, respond to comments and inquiries, and share valuable insights. Being present and active on social media can establish yourself as a trusted resource and attract a community of like-minded individuals passionate about disruptive innovation.

Leveraging Markethive for Inbound Marketing in Disruptive Innovation

One powerful tool that businesses can leverage for inbound marketing in disruptive innovation is Markethive. Here at Markethive, we have built a comprehensive inbound marketing platform that provides a suite of tools and resources to help businesses attract, engage, and nurture leads. With content marketing, social media integration, and lead management features, Markethive empowers enterprises to implement inbound marketing strategies effectively and efficiently.

Markethive's intuitive interface and user-friendly features make it accessible to businesses of all levels of experience. Whether you are a seasoned business or just starting out, Markethive provides the tools you need to build a dynamic online presence and drive disruptive innovation.

Inbound marketing is a powerful strategy that aligns with the principles of disruptive innovation. This kind of marketing does not rely on interrupting or annoying customers with unwanted ads or messages but rather on earning their trust and loyalty by providing helpful information and experiences. Inbound marketing also enables businesses to measure and optimize their performance based on customer data and feedback.

Markethive leverages inbound marketing to create a gigantic and disruptive inbound marketing ecosystem. Markethive offers tools and services that empower entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations to generate leads, build relationships, and grow their brands online. Markethive's ecosystem includes a social network, a blogging platform, an email marketing system, a video hosting service, a webinar service, a CRM system, a marketplace, and more. Markethive's ecosystem is designed to be accessible, affordable, and scalable for anyone who wants to benefit from the power of inbound marketing. Markethive's ecosystem is also driven by blockchain technology, which ensures security, transparency, and decentralization.

By using inbound marketing, Markethive is disrupting the traditional outbound marketing industry, dominated by expensive and ineffective advertising platforms. Markethive is creating a new paradigm of marketing that is customer-centric, value-driven, and innovation-oriented. Markethive is building not only a gigantic and disruptive inbound marketing ecosystem but also a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who share a vision of changing the world for the better.

Measuring the Success of Inbound Marketing in Fueling Disruptive Innovation

To assess the effectiveness of inbound marketing in driving disruptive innovation, it's essential to set up key performance indicators (KPIs) and track relevant metrics. These indicators help measure various aspects of inbound marketing efforts and their impact on innovation within a business. 

One crucial metric to monitor is website traffic. This includes tracking the number of visitors to the company's website over time. Increased website traffic can indicate successful inbound marketing efforts, as it suggests that more people are discovering and engaging with the brand online.

Lead conversion rates are another important KPI to consider. This metric measures the percentage of website visitors who take a desired action, such as signing up for a newsletter or requesting more information. Higher conversion rates suggest that the inbound marketing strategies effectively capture potential customers' interest and prompt them to take action.

Social media engagement is also vital in evaluating the effectiveness of inbound marketing. This includes metrics such as likes, shares, comments, and retweets on social media platforms. A high level of engagement indicates that the content being shared resonates with the audience and encourages interaction, which can lead to increased brand awareness and loyalty.

Customer retention rates provide insight into the long-term impact of inbound marketing efforts. By tracking the percentage of customers who continue to purchase from the company over time, businesses can assess the effectiveness of their marketing strategies in building lasting relationships with customers.

Regularly monitoring these metrics and analyzing the data allows businesses to gain valuable insights into the performance of their inbound marketing strategies. By identifying areas of strength and areas for improvement, companies can make informed decisions to optimize their marketing efforts and drive continuous innovation within their organization.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Inbound marketing has emerged as a powerful tool for forward-thinking businesses looking to fuel disruptive innovation. By attracting, engaging, and delighting customers through valuable content and experiences, inbound marketing creates a platform for disruptive ideas to gain traction. Through case studies and real-world examples, we have seen how inbound marketing can drive awareness, build a loyal customer base, and ultimately transform industries.

To implement inbound marketing strategies effectively, businesses can leverage the full suite of tools in Markethive. Businesses can continually refine their strategies and drive disruptive innovation by measuring the success of their inbound marketing efforts through relevant metrics.

In conclusion, embracing inbound marketing as a strategy for fueling disruptive innovation is a wise choice for forward-thinking entrepreneurs. By leveraging the power of inbound marketing, businesses can navigate the ever-changing business landscape and stay at the forefront of disruptive innovation.

Understanding The Cryptocurrency Token and Network Equity Within The Markethive Ecosystem And Beyond

Since the inception of Bitcoin, it has been regarded as the trailblazer and the gold standard of the cryptocurrency realm. Its influence extends beyond being a digital store of value, as it is often used as a reference point for other digital assets in the crypto finance industry. The emergence of thousands of crypto tokens has led to a plethora of use cases, but the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) tendency to classify most tokens as securities might be misguided, as they have not fully appreciated the groundbreaking potential of these tokens.

The concept of tokens is a foundational permutation in blockchain technology, and it is essential to explain this new concept in a way that is easy to understand. Doing so increases the likelihood that the general public, regulators, and the myriad of established entities will grasp the importance of this paradigm shift. This article aims to demonstrate the various aspects of a cryptocurrency token and why it is crucial for those in positions of authority to gain a deeper understanding.

The complexity of understanding the token stems from its nature as a multi-functional abstract. We are not accustomed to encountering something that possesses multiple functional properties, represents diverse units of value, and exists in a digital form that unifies it all. Tokens are a relatively novel concept, and if we persist in attempting to categorize or categorize them using our previous frameworks, we will miss their potential. In essence, tokens can simultaneously embody the characteristics of currency, equity, financial instruments, rewards, rights, and, since blockchain, digital assets.

Traditional Thinking

Until now, we’ve only been familiar with fragmented structures to represent each of these roles. For example; 

CURRENCY: We have employed currencies such as the dollar, yen, euro, pound, and numerous other sovereign fiats for currency. 

EQUITY: In the equity realm, we have shares or stock units, commonly referred to as securities. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: Regarding financial instruments, we have an array of options, such as derivatives, bonds, futures, options, swaps, and so on, which brokers, agents, custodians, or exchanges typically manage. 

REWARDS: For incentives or rewards, we have various companies doling out reward points, frequent flyers, loyalty cards, and the like. 

RIGHTS: For rights, we have government-issued identity cards or share proxies that enable us to participate in the governance of matters that concern us, effectively giving us a voice in decision-making processes.

However, introducing a token that combined all these facets into a single entity led to much confusion in traditional finance, corporate, private, and public arenas.

The advent of blockchain technology has created a distinct category of digital assets: non-fungible tokens. (NFTs) These tokens are unique and transferable units of value that can represent a wide range of items, including a digital artwork of a cat, such as CryptoKitties, a cartoon character, a virtual toy, or a rare in-game item. 

They can also represent real-world items like concert tickets or collectibles. This classification encompasses all the possible use cases for crypto tokens, opening up new possibilities for the future of digital ownership and exchange.

The Six Roles Of A Token

Currency can be exchanged for goods and services or utilized to access computer resources associated with blockchain technology, such as Ethereum’s gas, Bitcoin’s miner fees, transaction fees, etc. 

Equity signifies owning a tangible asset such as real estate or a representation of a commodity like gold.

Financial instruments encompass a wide range of financial services products, both existing and emerging that are destined to transition to a fully digital format in the future.

Rewards are work tokens, representing a tangible outcome that can be earned through various forms of human or computer-based effort. This can include active contributions, such as completing tasks or providing services, as well as passive contributions, such as sharing valuable data or content.

A Right may encompass the ability to participate in decision-making processes such as voting (governance-related) or the ability to access resources like digital content or services that offer tangible benefits.

The Digital Asset signifies a virtual entity, an NFT (non-fungible token) within the blockchain community. These tokens are unique digital objects that exist solely in a digital format and do not have a physical counterpart.

Additionally, tokens can also have a time-based restriction, meaning their usage is limited to a specific period. They can be locked or unlocked, which determines when they can be used.

A crypto token can potentially encompass all of these functions simultaneously, or only a few of them. Alternatively, it might initially serve one purpose and evolve into others. This challenges regulators and others as they struggle to comprehend and regulate this innovative concept that exists in multiple forms concurrently, contrary to our accustomed perception of them as separate entities.

Moreover, each token can have numerous variations in its lifecycle, including creation, acquisition, purchase, sale, granting, storage, and utilization. The most crucial aspect is that these tokens can be exchanged, traded, or transferred between individuals without the need for intermediaries, fostering a seamless and decentralized process.

The token embodies the adaptable spirit of a chameleon, utilizing cutting-edge technology to shatter various barriers imposed by society, government, and commercial entities. This versatile tool condenses numerous constructs into a single, potent symbol of innovation and progress.

This leads us back to the topic of regulation. The focus on securities regulation for governing tokens is misguided. It's like trying to force a square peg into a round hole or applying a solution where it's not needed. This approach not only hinders the development of new business models but also stifles the potential of token-based innovations.

Accordingly, it is essential to acknowledge that the token represents a distinct category of assets. To succinctly describe it, we can refer to it as a novel asset class that warrants its own legal and regulatory framework. Unlike the term "security," which regulators may use to classify it, a token does not always signify a personal financial stake or equity share in a larger financial entity. Instead, it serves as a novel representation of our progressively digital existence. 

William Mougayar's Blockchain Marketplace. Source: Coindesk 

Tokens Create Value Through User-Generated Work

Apart from tokens, protocols, and new forms of securities, there is a broader concept at play here. This concept revolves around the work that is indirectly symbolized by the tokens and its connection to the generation of value through user interactions. In other words, it pertains to the paradigm of creating value through work.

Tokens serve as a tool to achieve a goal. User actions yield tokens, which represent their value in the digital realm. These tokens are directly tied to the worth generated by users' efforts, benefiting both the network and other users.

Social networks have long been associated with user-generated content (UGC), which refers to creating and sharing original content by users. However, as the concept evolves, it may be more accurate to refer to it as user-generated work (UGW) in order to highlight the importance of diverse user participation that yields tangible financial benefits.

Categorizing Token Functions in Three Components

1. Tokens that enable a protocol's functionality, like Bitcoin or Ethereum, are primarily utilized for software development activities carried out by the network participants.

2. Tokens that are inherent to a vertical-specific area of operation, such as Steemit, Filecoin, and Storj, are used for tasks like curating or creating content, storing files, sharing data, etc. 

3. Tokens that expand existing businesses, such as loyalty points provided by established companies, have the potential to create an ecosystem that drives more transactions. We can refer to this as "hybrid models," which is the classification that Markethive belongs to.

The underlying principle is that users' behaviors and engagements within the platform create value, which in turn allows them to earn internal tokens that can be used to facilitate new transactions within the network, thereby generating further value.

► The tokens that are generated resemble the outcome of the user's activities.

► Tokens embody a multifaceted purpose, transcending their traditional role as a medium of exchange. They also serve as a measure of reputation, a reflection of engagement, a symbol of influence, and a gauge of activity within a given community or platform.

► Tokens serve as a representation of the economic activity occurring within the network.

► Acquiring tokens should be achieved honestly, not through manipulative gaming tactics.

► The more aligned the token is with a company's core values and business model, the greater its long-term viability will be.

► Value creation is aimed at various categories of individuals or customers, such as core developers, creators of applications, end-users, speculators, ecosystem collaborators, founders, buyers, sellers, readers, writers, investors, influencers, partners, and more.

The foundation of these tokenized structures is the principle that every participant is entitled to receive a portion of the total value generated through their combined efforts.

The Evolution Of Digital and Social Media

Facebook
Facebook's business model revolves around capitalizing on its users' attention and engagement, including likes, shares, posts, and comments, yet users don't receive any compensation for their contributions. If Facebook were structured as a decentralized entity with a token, users would earn tokens for their participation, which could be traded or redeemed through a liquid marketplace, both within and outside the platform.

Facebook does not engage in economic sharing. However, billions of individuals create and share content for them. Meanwhile, Facebook has been researching user data to understand how friendships on the platform are linked to economic opportunities. They have found that social connections greatly influence people's ability to secure employment, excel academically, and receive assistance in times of crisis. This behavior may harm Facebook as other business models centered around sharing network equity gain popularity.

X (formerly Twitter)
In contrast, Elon Musk's X has relaxed its censorship rules and is currently prioritizing the development of a peer-to-peer payment system. Musk envisions a platform where users can easily transfer funds to others and withdraw their money into verified bank accounts. Furthermore, there are plans to introduce a high-interest money market account to incentivize users to keep their funds within the X platform. This strategy would directly challenge PayPal's dominance in the market, as Musk aims to revolutionize the current banking system.

The payment system will also facilitate X's expansion into the creator economy, which rewards users with at least 500 followers and 5 million organic post impressions in the past three months. These users can now participate in X's Ads Revenue Sharing program, furthering the platform's commitment to empowering creators in the digital economy. 

It’s yet to be determined whether the payment system will include cryptocurrency even though Musk hinted at supporting crypto on the platform, briefly switching out Twitter's bird logo to dogecoin's dog before its rebranding to X.

Markethive
Markethive understands and has embraced the concept of "Tokenization of Work" and has leveraged cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to create a revolutionary platform that is trailblazing a new path in the digital media landscape. This groundbreaking project is the first to venture into uncharted territory that no other platform has dared to explore. Its innovative hybrid model serves as a benchmark for the future of digital media.

Markethive’s vision is a fully decentralized social network inbound marketing and broadcasting platform integrated and operated on a massively distributed database system (the internal giant blockchain), controlled by a smaller external blockchain Markethive’s dApp wallet will utilize. 

Essentially, the Markethive ecosystem has its own financial operating system with its native token, the Hivecoin (HVC), which is used as a medium of exchange and will continually be circulating, earned, and accumulated by users within the Markethive economy.  It allows us to be completely decentralized financially with complete autonomy and protection of our intellectual property, ascertaining a viable and comprehensive ecosystem.

Every member of Markethive, free or upgraded, is rewarded and can earn income with Hivecoin in many different ways daily. The only prerequisite is to refer three people to Markethive. Other opportunities include becoming a shareholder through its Founders Token representing the ILP or the Entrepreneur One Upgrade and using the staking advantage provided by our crypto wallet with Markethive Credits. 

Additionally, members can profit from the multiple cottage industries within the Markethive ecosystem. It is important to note that venture capitalists or corporations do not fund Markethive. Instead, it is the community itself that owns Markethive, with no hierarchy in place.

In Closing

We have come a long way since the advent of social media, and tokenization is just one of the ways to reward its users and promote a more equitable distribution of wealth. However, regulatory obstacles pose a significant challenge to the widespread adoption of tokens. So, to overcome these hurdles, it's crucial to facilitate open discussions about tokens and embrace the various applications that incorporate them. By doing so, we can create an environment conducive to the growth and acceptance of tokenization.