Reaching 133K Twitter followers and 36K+ Telegram users from 0

Challenge: Grow a strong community to show PoC before Series A funding

We skyrocketed io.net community from 0, turning a new platform into a thriving community with laser-focused strategies. By harnessing partnerships with blockchain titans like Solana, Filecoin, and Render, we didn’t just grow an audience — we built an engaged, loyal following that set the stage for massive token launch success. 

We combined content, influencer power, and relentless execution to deliver undeniable results:

  • 133K+ Twitter followers in just 6 months
  • 23K Discord members
  • 36K+ Telegram members
  • Partnerships with 3 blockchain giants: Solana, Filecoin, Render

About the client

io.net is the world’s largest GPU DePIN built on Solana that offers unmatched flexibility, speed, and on-demand computing access for machine learning.

io.net is a key partner of the Render Network and Filecoin, with multiple tier-A listings including Binance, KuCoin, Crypto.com, and more.

Services provided

  • Social media management
  • Content marketing
  • Strategic partnerships & marketing
  • Growth hacking
  • Community management
  • Influencers management
  • Ads management
  • Ad-hoc marketing

Timeline

  • Started working: August 2023-January 2024
  • Time worked: 5 months
  • Campaigns together: 5+

Gameplan

We partnered with io.net in August 2024, at a critical point in their journey. Fresh off securing significant backing from Solana and forging partnerships with industry giants like Filecoin and Render, io.net was setting up for a major transformation. The project was undergoing drastic product modifications, integrating new partners, and completely rebranding from the ground up.

Without an in-house marketing team, io.net turned to LKI Consulting for a comprehensive, 360° marketing solution. Our mission was clear: to relaunch the project from the ground up. We took charge of everything from crafting the initial launch strategy to establishing a compelling new brand voice, driving social media buzz, and building a vibrant community and user base.

The solid foundation we laid was key to io.net’s incredible success, ultimately leading to successful Series A funding and their listing on Binance and other Tier-A exchanges in 2024.

Strategic approach

As we worked on growing the community, we also shifted gears to create buzz and anticipation around the upcoming launch of the io.net coin. Our strategic direction was crystal clear: Establish a strong communication foundation and build a solid public image, setting the stage for a successful $IO token launch.

To achieve this, we implemented two key business strategies:

  1. Community Growth: We made it our priority to showcase strong community growth, positioning it as a core pillar of io.net’s success.
  2. Business Development: We fueled business development by generating real excitement and demand for the io.net token release.

Our marketing strategy was guided by these KPIs:

  1. Twitter followers – 50K.
  2. Average unique views per post – 25K.
  3. Average ER – 6%.
  4. Telegram followers – 5K.
  5. Discord members – 20K.
  6. Average number of chats per hour – 20.

By building a base of people who are excited to invest in the project in the future, we:

  • Positioned io.net as a project worthy of multi-million dollar investments from VCs.
  • Enhanced community retention by providing members with something tangible to anticipate.

To set io.net up for success from day one, we focused on two distinct community personas:

  1. Early-adopters/crypto-curious individuals looking for ****the next big project with the potential to make them rich.

    Examples: retail crypto investors, crypto natives.

  2. Tech-savvy individuals who are professionally involved in AI/ML.

    Examples: AI developers, ML engineers, tech specialists, and AI curious.

Social media management

Our first priority was to establish a powerful social media presence for io.net, rebranding and breathing new life into a small, existing community under a fresh name.

We kicked things off by crafting a content strategy that would serve as the backbone for everything that followed. This wasn’t just about filling up a content calendar. It was about positioning io.net as a true leader in DePIN and AI. We built this on solid content pillars, visually engaging templates, and in-depth narrative research.

In every piece of content we rolled out for io.net, we zeroed in on two critical elements: data and partnerships.

Data-Driven Content

Each piece aimed at building brand awareness was rich with exclusive, actionable insights into the latest AI and GPU computing trends. This approach reinforced io.net’s reputation as both an innovative product leader and a respected thought leader in the industry.

Partner-Centric Content

We strategically leveraged partnerships to enhance credibility and expand reach. By consistently highlighting collaborations, we engaged existing community members and tapped into the broader Web3 audience, maximizing impact.

Takeaways

  • It’s all about the right mix. By combining educational content, partnership announcements, and interactive posts, we kept the audience not just engaged, but excited. This approach drove higher participation and boosted retention rates.
  • Simply dropping partnership announcements isn’t enough. To really make an impact, you need to consistently and meaningfully highlight your partners. When you introduce the depth of each integration one post at a time, the audience starts to see your project as an integral part of a much bigger ecosystem and narrative.
  • Jumping on a trending narrative? That’s a start, but it won’t get the job done on its own. Every piece of content, from the big-picture pillars down to the individual posts, needs to deliver tangible value to the user. For io.net, striking the right balance between educational insights and product highlights was the key to resonating with their audience.

Strategic partnerships

The biggest challenge in promoting io.net? Standing out in a crowded space. With AI and DePIN dominating 2023-2024, the sector was oversaturated. To break through, we positioned io.net as a trendsetter, leveraging strategic partnerships with tier-A projects like Render, Filecoin, and Solana.

These alliances gave io.net a credibility boost, and we worked closely with their marketing teams to fine-tune campaigns for maximum impact. By turning product integrations into community-driven initiatives, we converted partner communities into active, engaged members of io.net

Here’s a quick look at some initiatives and marketing angles we implemented

1. Render

This partnership was a cornerstone in the formation of a single, comprehensive DePIN under io.net. We knew this collaboration had the potential to be game-changing, so we went all in.

Beyond the standard weekly mentions, retweets, and interactions, we dug deep, creating in-depth content that really showcased the value of this partnership. But we didn’t stop there. We also spearheaded an incentives program for early adopters, successfully bringing 10K+ users on board.

This campaign was the catalyst that propelled io.net into the mainstream spotlight, marking the first wave of major attention.

2. Solana

io.net isn’t just built on Solana; it’s a key partner and one of the most significant projects in the ecosystem.

To fully leverage this powerful relationship, we actively promoted io.net’s event appearances, sponsorships, AMAs, and more, ensuring they were always in the spotlight.

3. Filecoin

Filecoin, the largest decentralized data storage marketplace, plays a crucial role in forming a comprehensive DePIN under io.net.

We made sure to consistently highlight Filecoin in our content, using strategic interactions to tap into their extensive community. This approach positioned io.net as a vital addition to the ecosystem, seamlessly integrating it with the broader Filecoin network.

Takeaways

  • Strategic partnerships were a game-changer for io.net, significantly boosting the brand’s credibility and solidifying its position as a leader in decentralized computing.
    • Engagement rates soared by 33% across social media platforms following our partnership announcements.
    • We also saw a 15% increase in new user sign-ups directly from partner communities.
  • Clear and engaging messaging made all the difference. Effectively communicating the benefits of these partnerships, allowed us to successfully integrate partner community members into io.net’s ecosystem.
  • Leveraging multiple channels was key to ensuring comprehensive coverage and maximizing the impact of our partnership promotions. It’s about reaching the right audience at the right time.

Community management

To foster a strong and engaged community for io.net, we established and set up io.net’s Telegram and Discord communities.

But we didn’t just stop at setting up the channels. We created detailed community mapping and comprehensive FAQs to guide new members, ensuring they felt welcomed and well-informed from the start.

Through regular interactions, we cultivated a sense of belonging and loyalty.

The result? These communities have seen explosive growth, with 101K+ members on Telegram and 541K+ on Discord.

KOL marketing

Given that io.net was an early-stage project with low brand awareness, we decided to prioritize YouTube influencer campaigns over Twitter. Why? Because YouTube offers higher social proof and is a powerful tool for building brand credibility.

As a part of our initial efforts to boost brand awareness and bring new followers to io.net, we have collaborated with several KOLs to include mentions of the project, review the platform, and give shout-outs to the team.

As part of our initial push to elevate io.net’s visibility and attract new followers, we teamed up with several KOLs. These influencers dropped mentions of the project, reviewed the platform, and gave shout-outs to the team, amplifying io.net’s reach and appeal.

Let’s be honest, no one wants to be hit over the head with obvious paid influencer content. That’s why we took a different approach with our KOLs. We kept the mentions organic and value-driven, highlighting io.net as an up-and-coming gem without sounding overly-promotional.

By letting the right influencers introduce io.net in a natural way, we created excitement that didn’t feel forced. When multiple KOLs start talking about the same project, people take notice.

Final insights

By combining paid advertising, extensive email marketing strategy, hands-on lead nurturing and acquisition activities, along with PR, we built a solid foundation to bring more users to the hi Super App in five months of active execution.

Key insights:

  • The goal for lead generation and nurturing should directly translate to your marketing campaigns. Loyalty and referral campaigns are at the core of user retention. Collaborating with the Product Team is key in driving changes and actionable results.
  • When user acquisition is the primary goal, diversified email marketing and ad campaigns are the major drivers behind brand awareness. Combining email campaigns for maximum reach with paid advertisement highlighting USPs of the project brings both quantity and quality to leads.

Want the same results?

Ready to jump in the world of marketing?

Submit an application

Ready to jump in the world of marketing?

Submit an application

Ready to jump in the world of marketing?

Submit an application

Feja

Chief Happiness Officer & Supervisor

8+ years of experience

Feja is the Chief Happiness Officer & Supervisor of LKI Consulting whose main job is to bring happiness to our team and Clients.

Feja is a mix-breed rescue from “LESE” animal shelter, and she is one of the crucial team members of LKI Consulting. 

At LKI Consulting she is responsible for supervising the whole team, asking for pets, and offering her unique perspective which usually ends in a game of ‘no-take, only throw’.

Alexandra Murha

Operations Coordinator

1+ year of experience

Alexandra Murha is the Operations Coordinator of LKI Consulting who ensures operations processes in the Agency run smoothly. 

Currently, Alexandra assists the LKI Consulting team members with the management of daily operational activities, performing administrative tasks, and coordinating weekly communications with Clients. 

At LKI Consulting, she is responsible for managing Marketing Associates, conducting research, and providing operational support across multiple Client initiatives.

Milda

Vilkaitis

Digital Strategist

8+ years of experience

Milda Vilkaitis is the Digital Strategist of LKI Consulting specializing in the digital marketing industry with an organic focus. 

Currently, Milda disrupted the traditional SEO approach, and offered startups or established businesses custom-tailored experience that delivers long-term results. 

At LKI Consulting she is responsible for helping businesses gain authority, and visibility, obtain a stronger market position in their industry, and ultimately generate new quality leads through the power of SEO (ASO included).

Akvile Mikalauskaite

Graphic designer

10+ years of experience

Akvile Mikalauskaite is the Art Director of LKI Consulting.

During the last 10 years, she directed 150+ design projects focusing on Fintech, Tech, and Web3 Clients, helping them with visual representation. 

Akvile is the creative soul behind the greatest brand books that LKI Consulting has created.

Viktorija Domarkaite

Creative Project Manager, 

10+ years of experience

Viktorija Domarkaite is a Creative Projects Manager of LKI Consulting. For the last 10+ years, she has managed the visual representation of B2B and B2C clients from 15 countries. 

Currently, Viktorija has 300+ projects in her portfolio with specialization on Fintech, Crypto, and Advertising segments. 

At LKI Consulting, she is responsible for turning our Client’s creative ideas into both functional and aesthetic web, UX/UI, graphic, and motion design aligned with the brand.

Maryna Barysheva

COO

5+ years of experience

Maryna Barysheva is a COO of LKI Consulting specializing in deep tech, layer 1, Defi, and SaaS. 

After working with blockchain projects from 15+ countries and managing marketing for Interactio – a 100-M valued B2B tech startup – she knows what it takes to develop a winning external communications, brand awareness, and global GTM strategy.

Maryna also frequently makes appearances on international panel discussions and delivers keynotes on the latest marketing trends. Apart from her public speaking engagements, she mentors young startup entrepreneurs on business development, operations, and growth.

Sarunas Papinigis

Partner

15+ years of experience

Sarunas Papinigis is a partner of LKI Consulting who focuses on fintech and investment companies. He is responsible for developing marketing and communication strategies, market survey and data analytics. 

During the last 10 years, he created and developed customer loyalty programs ranging between 1-20M members for top retail chains in Asia and Europe and generating 2-10% sales and profit uplift.

In previous 15 years, he worked in various sales positions in Coca-Cola, Nestle, Unilever and GSK while building the sales distribution from scratch.

Laura K. Inamedinova

Founder & CEO

8+ years of experience

Laura K. Inamedinova is a Founder & CEO of LKI Consulting who takes no bullshit attitude to business. Thanks to her exquisite data-driven strategies and fresh outlook on the Web3 space, she helped her Clients grow x10 and raise over $1B.

A former contributor of Forbes and Huffington Post, she has been recognized internationally among Top 10 Women Entrepreneur by Entrepreneur Magazine, HuffPost acclaimed PR expert, Top 10 Women in International Business by SiliconValleyTimes. 

Inamedinova is the voice of over 129 conferences in 17+ countries around the globe.