From zero to 17 million: Saruns’ path to rapid user growth in web3

Laying the groundwork for high-scale growth

Rapid user acquisition often begins long before the first marketing campaign. Saruns emphasized the importance of clearly defining your project’s purpose. You need to articulate not only what problem you’re solving, but also why it matters to the community. In his view, this clarity helps shape the entire user journey—from on-boarding to meaningful engagement.

Having worked with emerging technologies, Saruns learned early that a well-structured pitch resonates with potential partners, investors, and even early adopters. He highlighted the significance of building a trustworthy reputation. That often involves transparent communication, regular updates, and a willingness to acknowledge setbacks. Especially in web3, authenticity can be a powerful growth driver.

Crafting a resonant message

One point that stood out was how Saruns centered his messaging on tangible benefits. Instead of lofty buzzwords, he focused on demonstrating real-world value. For instance, explaining how users can save on fees or gain access to new financial tools is more effective than abstract promises of innovation.

Saruns also discussed the importance of market timing. Entering a niche too early can mean a slow user ramp-up, while entering too late leaves you battling entrenched competitors. Spotting the right window often involves tracking community sentiment and analyzing broader market trends. According to Saruns, the biggest wins come from being both prepared and adaptable: have a solid plan, but be ready to pivot based on real-world feedback.

Multi-channel marketing: Where users congregate

As a web3 founder, it’s tempting to rely solely on crypto-focused channels like Telegram or Twitter. Saruns warned against this, noting that your prospective user base might be scattered across multiple platforms. He advocated for a diversified approach—engaging on Reddit, LinkedIn, Discord, and even traditional media outlets if they’re relevant to your audience.

The strategy? Understand each platform’s unique culture. On LinkedIn, a professional tone can spark B2B discussions, while Reddit might reward in-depth, authentic dialogues. By tailoring his messaging to each channel, Saruns ensured consistent traction rather than dumping the same content everywhere.

Gamification and referral loops

A standout tactic was embedding gamification elements into user flows. Saruns found that incentives, when well-crafted, can encourage user-generated growth. Whether it’s granting access to exclusive features or offering token rewards, gamified referral loops often bring a sense of camaraderie.

However, he also cautioned listeners about overreliance on gimmicks. Gamification should align with the project’s ethos. If it feels purely transactional, users may come for short-term gains and vanish once the incentives dry up. The ideal scenario: design referral and rewards programs that genuinely add value to the community.

Prioritizing user feedback and iteration

Saruns underscored that user acquisition numbers alone don’t guarantee a thriving community. Regularly checking in with users, gathering feedback, and iterating is key to long-term success. Feedback loops can happen through structured surveys, open AMAs on social media, or even direct Discord conversations.

He described a cycle of continuous testing: deploy a new feature, measure adoption and user satisfaction, then refine as needed. This iterative approach strengthens trust and can reveal undiscovered market segments. By staying close to user sentiment, you ensure that rapid growth doesn’t overshadow the need for sustainable product development.

Culture and team synergy

Behind every successful startup is a cohesive team. Saruns mentioned how internal culture can influence user-facing strategies. A team aligned on core values—like transparency or community empowerment—tends to communicate more consistently with external stakeholders.

He also touched on managing distributed teams, which is common in web3. The global nature of blockchain projects can bring diverse perspectives but also requires robust communication protocols. Setting clear objectives, delineating responsibilities, and maintaining open channels (e.g., weekly syncs, shared dashboards) can harmonize a team spread across time zones.

Staying resilient under rapid growth

Scaling at high speed comes with unique pressures. From server overloads to user misunderstandings, Saruns recounted moments of intense stress. His remedy? Anticipate potential bottlenecks and have contingency plans. Whether it’s load balancing on the technical side or community managers ready to handle a surge in user questions, preparation is crucial.

Saruns also highlighted mental health—something often overlooked in the frenzy of user acquisition. Founders and team members should maintain realistic schedules, identify burnout risks, and celebrate milestones. A supportive work environment keeps morale steady, reducing the likelihood of costly mistakes or a fractured team.

Building trust and credibility

In web3, suspicion can be high. Saruns noted that providing verifiable information—like code audits, transparent tokenomics, and documented governance processes—can settle doubts quickly. This level of clarity resonates with both crypto veterans and newcomers, fostering a sense of security and shared ownership.

By being open about the project’s roadmap, Saruns managed user expectations. Rather than overpromise, he preferred incremental progress updates, celebrating each accomplished milestone. This method keeps users engaged and confident, especially when combined with reliable, consistent communication channels.

Final thoughts

The story of going from zero to 17 million users underscores both the excitement and challenges of building in web3. Saruns’ approach stresses the importance of genuine community engagement, clear market positioning, and internal resilience. Rapid growth isn’t an accident; it’s a product of strategic planning, flexible adaptation, and respect for your user base.

If you’re a founder aiming for explosive user growth or just someone curious about the dynamics behind web3 startups, this conversation provides valuable insights. It proves that success in crypto isn’t all about hype; it often comes from a grounded strategy and an unwavering focus on delivering value.

Listen to the full conversation
To explore the nuances of Saruns’ journey and discover more tactics for scaling a web3 project, listen to the full episode on your preferred platform:

• Spotify: Listen here
• Apple Podcasts: Listen here

Feel free to share this episode with friends or colleagues who might appreciate a candid look at strategies that really work in web3. Every story of success or challenge contributes to a deeper collective knowledge of what it takes to build at scale in a competitive environment.

‍