While the blockchain sector encompasses all parts of the political spectrum, many projects are intentional about how they are perceived. Specifically, some blockchain projects go out of their way to cater to a left-leaning crowd and brand themselves as more progressive.
But developing this sort of reputation cannot be done overnight. Instead, it takes consistent effort over months or even years. But if done right, these efforts can lead to a very positive reputation and goodwill that can serve you well into the future. Here are some of the ways you can brand your project:
Define Your Blockchain Project Use Cases
Outside of the veneer of branding, it is important that your actual use cases reflect progressive values. Several blockchain projects have been used for environmental preservation, protecting freedom of speech, and other such good causes. If yours is still at the ideation or development stage, you’re best off developing positive use cases for it.
Not only is your blockchain project progressive by default, but it will also get positive attention from the public. Blockchain consumers who want to support progressive movements will flock to your project, bring in others, and help to reinforce your branding, which benefits you. Make sure that you also publicize these progressive use cases within your white paper, on social media, and much more to get the most reach.
Imbibe Progressive Business Practices
Another way to brand your blockchain project in a progressive light is to have as many ethical practices within the business itself. Examples of this include using sustainable blockchain models to reduce environmental impact, running a Decentralized Autonomous Organization, paying workers a living wage, and so on.
The business itself will be seen as a progressive one if it is known to engage in the fairest practices possible. As industry and societal shifts happen, certain practices will be seen as not overly progressive but baseline. Think of how cosmetic brands used to state how they did not test on animals as a way to signal progressivism. Now, a cosmetic brand being cruelty-free is expected, and even more conservative buyers expect it. You’ll have to stay on top of these shifts to avoid alienating your audience.
As you do this, you should make sure to publicize it via your website, social media pages, press releases, and much more. Over time, it will become an integral part of your branding, earning you tons of goodwill.
Donate to Good Causes
Corporate social responsibility has been a thing for centuries and is an easy way to align yourself with certain customer bases. If you want to seem more progressive, donating to progressive-leaning causes and letting your customers know this is a good idea. Some businesses make one-off donations during certain periods of political turmoil, and this can generate goodwill that lasts long after. Some businesses also make it a part of their permanent practice, donating a portion of proceeds.
As you do this, however, it is worth considering the long-term implications. Some causes, like animal rights and support for the homeless, might be seen as fairly neutral ones that everyone can get behind. Some causes are considered far more left-leaning and can ignite controversy for you. So, consider if this aligns with your goals before you proceed.
Engage With Progressive Media
Generally speaking, certain media platforms cater to a more left-leaning crowd, and any business looking to brand itself as progressive will need to align itself with them. This includes publishing your press releases with them, granting them interviews, inviting them to your events, and much more. Subconsciously, consumers will begin to categorize your project as a progressive one and treat it as such.
Put Out Statements When Relevant
In the age of social media, there is a higher expectation than ever before for projects to speak out about social issues. Because consumers see their consumption habits as an extension of their political and social leanings, businesses that signal that they hold similar views enjoy a lot of support from such consumers.
While it should not be a constant, you might want to speak out about certain issues. It could be to condemn some developments, express your support for others, and much more. This should be done with caution to avoid controversy, as saying the wrong thing is worse than saying nothing.
If other projects in the blockchain space are being very vocal about these issues, however, you don’t want to be seen as uncaring.
Hire Progressive Spokespeople
Spokespersons and ambassadors are a classic branding tool that offer not just access to the spokesperson’s audience but their branding as well. If your blockchain project wants to come off as progressive, hiring spokespeople who already align with this branding can do much of the heavy lifting for you.
Your best bet would be to search through a pool of existing blockchain influencers and highlight the ones that lean more progressive. A quick look at their social media pages, their public statements, and the brands that they already align themselves with should give you an idea. By partnering with them, you can secure an audience that is seeking out progressive blockchain projects and thus will be primed to support you.
Host/Sponsor Progressive Events
There is no shortage of progressive events that you can sponsor as a blockchain project. Whether it is
- Marathons
- Workshops
- Art displays, and much more
Sponsoring these events is a way to both brand yourself and give back to the community. If your current audience is already interested in such events, this is yet another avenue through which they can connect with your business. If they are not, it is a way to court new customers.
Conclusion
For many blockchain projects, being seen as progressive is a massive part of their long-term PR and branding plans. But such a reputation does not fall into your lap. Instead, it has to be cultivated through deliberate efforts, whether that’s sponsoring events, putting out statements, or developing your business processes towards this purpose. Reach out to us here at BTCWire, and we’ll craft the blockchain project image of your dreams.