8 User Acquisition Strategies Web3 Platforms Use to Scale in High-Risk Niches

Running a Web3 platform in a high-risk vertical, such as crypto casinos, leverage trading, or gambling dApps, is challenging. Ad restrictions, trust issues, and user churn are only the beginning.

Mainstream advertising platforms like Google, Meta, and X (formerly Twitter) often prohibit these promotions. As a result, acquiring users at scale requires creative, data-driven strategies designed specifically for this space.

This article will explore 8 proven user acquisition strategies that successful high-risk Web3 platforms use to grow efficiently and sustainably.

1. Leverage Native Advertising

Native advertising remains a reliable paid acquisition channel for high-risk Web3 projects.

These ads are embedded within relevant content on crypto-specific websites, often appearing as part of the user experience rather than as intrusive banners. Examples include:

• Sponsored content on blockchain media outlets;

• Banner ads within crypto portfolio apps or DeFi dashboards;

• Text ads or widgets that are placed in crypto news aggregators.

Native ads work because they reach users who are already engaged with Web3 topics. When executed correctly, they deliver strong click-through and conversion rates. Outbrain’s Native Advertising Statistics report shows native ads get 53% more views than display ads, with higher engagement and CTR.

To be effective, use crypto-specific native ad networks that support high-risk categories. These networks have access to compliant publishers and understand the nuances of Web3 audiences.

One such example is Whale.io, whereby the banner and button ads across top crypto websites led to over 8 million impressions and 21,000+ clicks, significantly increasing visibility in a competitive space.

2. Segment Your Campaigns Precisely

Targeting everyone with the same message does not work, especially in a fragmented and complex market like Web3.

Successful platforms segment their campaigns based on:

• Device type (desktop vs mobile);

• Geographic location (due to compliance and legal restrictions);

• User intent (traders vs. gamblers vs. investors);

• Funnel stage (new users vs returning vs power users).

Each segment should receive tailored creative, message, and landing page. This ensures better alignment between user expectations and your platform’s value proposition.

A high-conversion message for a cold audience in a compliant European country may not work at all for a retargeted user in Southeast Asia. Customization drives efficiency and scale.

3. Invest in High-Converting Creatives

Creative assets directly impact performance. Generic banners or uninspiring visuals result in wasted ad spend.

High-performing campaigns use:

• Interactive banners with gamified elements (e.g., spin-the-wheel, play-to-win);

• Compelling calls-to-action that highlight urgency or value;

• Video creatives that demonstrate the platform’s features or benefits;

• Localized assets that match the language and culture of the target audience.

Top platforms continuously run A/B tests to find the best-performing variations. Even small changes in headlines or colors can significantly improve conversion rates.

Track the performance of each creative across user segments and adjust accordingly.

4. Use First-Party Data to Drive Engagement

Third-party cookies and traditional web tracking methods are becoming less reliable, especially in the decentralized Web3 ecosystem.

Leading platforms rely on first-party data to fuel their acquisition and retention efforts. This includes:

• Monitoring wallet connections;

• Tracking user behavior across landing pages and onboarding flows;

• Capturing sign-ups via email, Telegram, or Discord.

This data enables advanced segmentation, personalized retargeting, and behavior-based marketing campaigns. For example, users who connected a wallet but did not complete registration can receive a follow-up email or an incentive.

Platforms that invest early in first-party data infrastructure see improved retention and reduced acquisition costs over time.

5. Partner With High-Impact Influencers

Influencer marketing remains a powerful strategy for reaching niche crypto communities. However, effectiveness depends on quality, not reach.

Avoid partnerships based solely on follower counts. Instead, focus on influencers who:

• Have engaged and loyal audiences in the Web3 space;

• Understand and can explain your platform’s value clearly;

• Are open to performance-based compensation (e.g., referrals, affiliate commissions).

Effective campaigns often include:

• In-depth product reviews or tutorials on YouTube;

• Exclusive contests or trading competitions promoted by influencers;

• Custom referral links tied to blockchain-based analytics.

These partnerships drive traffic and build trust, especially for high-risk Web3 offerings.

6. Optimize Your Landing Pages

Getting a click is only the first step. The next challenge is converting that interest into meaningful action.

Many platforms lose users due to poor landing page design, unclear messaging, or slow load times.

To increase conversions:

• Use a clear headline that focuses on user benefits;

• Include a strong call-to-action (e.g., “Claim Bonus,” “Connect Wallet”);

• Highlight social proof such as user stats, testimonials, and audits;

• Ensure pages are fast, mobile-optimized, and localized for the target audience.

Your landing page should support the user journey from curiosity to action without friction. Continually test variations, monitor drop-off points, and iterate based on performance data.

7. Build a Performance Feedback Loop

Scaling user acquisition requires constant iteration. Leading platforms create systems to track, analyze, and optimize campaigns in real time.

Key metrics include:

• Cost per click (CPC) and cost per acquisition (CPA);

• Click-through rate (CTR) and conversion rate;

• Customer lifetime value (LTV);

• Retention rates by channel and campaign.

With accurate data, you can identify which segments are the most profitable, which creatives drive results, and which channels should be scaled or paused.

Regular performance reviews and automated dashboards help decision-makers react quickly and allocate budget where it delivers the best return.

8. Acquire High-Quality Backlinks Through Marketplace Content

Search visibility is essential, even for platforms operating in high-risk categories. One highly effective strategy is to build backlinks through content placements on crypto-relevant sites.

The platform purchased content via a vetted advertising marketplace in a recent campaign. This content was:

• Published on high-authority blockchain media;

• Structured as articles or reviews with natural backlinks;

• Timed to coincide with feature releases and ad pushes.

This tactic drove 10–20% organic traffic growth, helped secure higher rankings for branded and non-branded keywords, and strengthened the platform’s domain reputation in a saturated market.

Backlink acquisition through trusted content marketplaces offers two-fold benefits: SEO visibility and increased brand trust.

Final Thoughts

User acquisition for high-risk Web3 platforms is challenging, but certainly not impossible.

Platforms can grow even in a restrictive marketing environment by leveraging native advertising, targeting granular segments, optimizing creatives and landing pages, and building data-informed performance loops.

These strategies are being used today by real Web3 companies to onboard thousands of users and achieve strong ROAS (return on ad spend), despite operating in difficult verticals.

If you are launching or scaling a platform in this space, these tactics offer a clear roadmap to sustainable growth.