The Best ICO and Crypto Marketing Approval Strategies for the UK

The UK's crypto and ICO marketing landscape is undergoing significant changes, largely due to new regulations introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). These regulations are reshaping how crypto and ICO projects market themselves, especially in terms of financial promotions and investor engagement. 

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This puts crypto providers in a difficult spot, where they want to encourage users to use their technology, but they have to be very careful about what they’re encouraging. This article will look into the most effective marketing strategies in 2023, taking into account these new regulatory frameworks.

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ICO Marketing Strategies

Content Marketing

Whether you’re marketing crypto or holidays to Spain, content is king. In the fast-paced world of crypto and ICOs, there’s a lot to talk about, and this presents an opportunity for building trust as a thought leader. The key is to create a narrative that not only explains the technical aspects of your project but also connects with your audience. Utilise various formats like blog posts, whitepapers, and video explainers to offer a multi-dimensional view of your project. 

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If you’re serious about this being a long-term project, then long-term crypto marketing strategies need to be considered. Search engine optimisation (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) are essential for increasing your project's online visibility. Utilise keyword research to identify terms that potential investors are likely to search for and incorporate them into your content. Run targeted ad campaigns, but be mindful of the platforms you choose, as some may have restrictions on crypto-related advertising.

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Remember, your content needs to be carefully considered; it should offer real value, such as market insights, tutorials, or thought leadership pieces that position your brand as an industry expert. The new FCA rules require that all financial promotions, including content, must be clear, fair, and not misleading. Therefore, your content strategy must be aligned with these principles to avoid issues of non-compliance. If you're looking for support with this, read more here.

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Social Media Marketing

Social media platforms are the lifeblood of crypto marketing. However, merely having a presence on Twitter, Reddit, or Telegram isn't enough—you need to foster a community around your project. It’s possible to do this by engaging with your audience through regular updates, AMAs (Ask Me Anything sessions), and interactive polls. 

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Use analytics tools to track engagement metrics and adjust your strategy accordingly. While you can't offer financial incentives due to the new FCA rules, you can still run campaigns that encourage user-generated content, thereby organically boosting your project's visibility.

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Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing can be a double-edged sword. While influencers can give your project a significant reach, it's crucial to partner with those who have a genuine following and credibility in the crypto space—guilty by association can be a real problem. Conduct thorough background checks and opt for long-term partnerships rather than one-off promotions. 

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The focus should be on creating educational and insightful content that resonates with the influencer's audience, thereby subtly promoting your project without overtly pushing for investments. The FCA's new rules mean you'll need to be more cautious. The influencers you collaborate with must align well with your target audience and should not offer financial incentives to invest.

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Press Releases

Press releases are not just for announcing partnerships or milestones; they can be a strategic tool for shaping your brand image. Craft your press releases carefully to highlight the unique selling points of your project and why it matters in the broader crypto ecosystem. But don't stop at issuing press releases. Build relationships with journalists and editors in the crypto space for more in-depth features and interviews. This not only gives you more media coverage but also adds an extra layer of credibility to your project.

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Press releases can propel your project into the limelight. However, they must be fair and not misleading, according to the FCA's new rules. Additionally, they should include mandatory risk warnings.

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Email Marketing

In the age of social media, email marketing often gets overlooked, but it's a powerful tool for maintaining ongoing engagement with your community. Segment your email list based on user behaviour and investment history. Tailor your messages for different segments, offering exclusive insights or early access to new features or tokens. While you can't offer financial incentives, you can create a sense of exclusivity and urgency that encourages higher engagement rates.

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Token Airdrops: Community Building and Engagement

Token airdrops have become a popular way to attract attention to a new project. By distributing a certain number of tokens for free or in exchange for a small task, you can quickly build a community of holders who have a vested interest in your project. Again, ensure it complies with the newest regulations by not being seen as a financial incentive.

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NFT Collaborations: Bridging Communities and Adding Value

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have become a cultural phenomenon, capturing the imagination of both the crypto community and mainstream audiences. It’s one of the most powerful ways to get people interested who are not crypto-enthusiasts. 

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Collaborating with artists, celebrities, or other projects to create NFTs can serve as a unique marketing strategy that goes beyond traditional methods. These NFTs can be digital collectables, exclusive access tokens, or even utility tokens that offer specific benefits within your project's ecosystem. Such collaborations can generate buzz, attract a diverse audience, and add a layer of tangible value to your project.

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All NFT promotions must remain clear and not misleading. If the NFTs are considered a form of investment, mandatory risk warnings must be clearly displayed.

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New Regulatory Considerations

While some of the marketing methods above have been contextualised within the new FCA marketing rules, below is a condensed summation of the regulatory considerations.

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Risk Warnings and Summaries

The FCA mandates standard risk warnings on all financial promotions for cryptoassets. These warnings must be clear and prominently displayed, informing potential investors of the high-risk nature of the investment.

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Cooling-off Period

For first-time investors, a 24-hour 'cooling-off' period is required. This means that at least 24 hours must elapse between the moment a new investor requests to view a financial promotion and when they can actually invest.

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Client Categorisation and Appropriateness Assessment

Before making a direct offer financial promotion (DOFP), firms must categorise investors as being either 'Restricted', 'High Net Worth', or finally, 'Certified Sophisticated'. An appropriateness assessment is also required to ensure the investor understands the risks involved.

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Adapting to the New Norms

Ensure that your marketing materials are in line with the FCA's requirements for clarity, fairness, and accuracy. This includes not only your content but also any financial promotions you may run.

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Given the mandatory risk warnings and the cooling-off period, investor education becomes even more important. Use this opportunity to leverage valuable, educational content that helps potential investors make informed decisions.

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Utilise advanced analytics and AI to segment your audience better and personalise your marketing messages. This will not only improve engagement but it will genuinely help in complying with the new regulations.

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Conclusion

The new FCA regulations have introduced a layer of complexity to crypto and ICO marketing in the UK. However, they also present an opportunity to build more transparent and trustworthy relationships with potential investors. If you’re unsure that you’re remaining compliant, get in contact with Englebert, we can help advise you through marketing strategies that align with these new rules.