People think getting started in web3 is complicated. It’s not.
Like most people, you may have heard of web3 and crypto but have no idea of what they mean, how they work and why they matter 🤷♂️
I get it, new often means scary.
You may think that it's too complicated, too risky, or too technical to get started.
This is not only wrong, it is also preventing you from exploring a new world of possibilities.
Misinformation and misunderstandings about web3 and crypto, stories of people losing their life savings on scams, the complexity of mining bitcoin, or of criminals using cryptocurrencies to launder their dirty cash have created a negative narrative around this whole ecosystem.
And while some of those stories might be true, it does also mean that a significant percentage of the population will not be exploring the potential benefits of web3 and crypto before it’s too late.
But we’re here to change that 🤝
The same stories that are being published about crypto now were already doing the rounds in the mainstream press over 20 years ago about another piece of tech : the internet.
Those who say web3 and crypto is “just a trend” are the same people who were wrong about the internet back then.
https://twitter.com/ValaAfshar/status/1383904613598859270
The truth is that anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection can participate in the web3 ecosystem.
Personally, I was skeptical about crypto until I started exploring the space more deeply. I learned that web3 is not just about buying and holding bitcoin but about participating in decentralized networks that can transform the way we live and work 🚀
I started by creating a wallet and buying small amounts of cryptocurrencies, and I slowly learned more about the different projects and communities in the space.
I started participating in online communities and earning cryptocurrency by providing liquidity to decentralized exchanges.
Today, I feel more empowered and informed than ever before.
If you want to shift your mindset from “old” to “new” and start exploring the world of web3, here’s my advice.
Disclaimer : none of what I am detailing below should be treated as financial advice and you should always do your own research.
That being said, here are a few resources I highly recommend you check out.
They will take you from 0 to 1 much better than any online guide you will come across.
I would know - I’ve been through most.
An online community of early crypto adopters. Their free academy is a series of videos that will walk you through the very basics from creating your decentralized wallet to start investing your money online. I’ve watched every single one of them multiple times over. Definitely a must-have.
After spending 5 years at a leading software development company in France, Jason went all-in on crypto. This is one of the guides that helped me most. A must-read for any newbie. Also features tons of other resources you should check out such as the Bitcoin whitepaper.
The Morning Brew is a daily financial news newsletter with solid crypto insights
Like every industry, web3 also has its own lingo. Learn it before you get started so you can understand it.
Learn everything about the Ethereum blockchain straight from the source.
A slightly more technical but definitely insightful read on the realms of global finance and web3.
Create a wallet and buy a small amount of cryptocurrency to get started.
As you become more comfortable with the technology, you can start exploring more complex projects and investing in different assets.
I recommend starting out with Metamask , a decentralized wallet on the Ethereum blockchain.
As your web3 journey evolves, you will quickly notice there are tons of wallets to choose from and most blockchains have their own wallets (eg. Phantom for the Solana blockchain)
To get you started on Metamask, here’s a how-to video for you ⬇️
Unfortunately, you cannot connect your Metamask wallet directly to your bank.
You currently still need to go through one of the major exchanges to purchase your own crypto.
Think of exchanges as platforms where you can buy and sell any cryptocurrency.
The easiest way to do this is to create an account on one of the major exchanges.
You will likely have heard of them : Binance and Coinbase.
If you just want to dip your toes in the water first, I suggest you transfer some FIAT currency (ie. money on your bank account) onto your Binance/Coinbase account once you’ve created it.
Note there is no minimum amount to get started.
The transfer can take 24-48hrs depending on the service so don’t worry if your money doesn’t immediately appear onto your Binance/Coinbase account.
Once it has, you can start purchasing cryptocurrencies.
I suggest you start out with the two main ones : Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Both exchanges make this process very simple, simply follow the steps there.
Congratulations, you just bought your first crypto 🔥
You have now taken the first steps towards your web3 journey.
If you want to dig deeper, you might want to learn more about the ecosystem.
Forget Instagram, Facebook or Tik Tok. The world of crypto is happening on Twitter.
If you don’t have a Twitter account, you can sign up here ⬇️
Then, make a list of 10-20 accounts you want to follow.
These can be friends, connections, or thought leaders.
Here are a few large accounts I recommend :
a16z crypto : the most famous VC fund in crypto
CZ : founder of Binance
Vitalik Buterin : the inventor of Ethereum
Joseph Lubin : Ethereum co-founder & founder of Consensys, the company behind Metamask
Brian Armstrong : Coinbase founder
Fred Ehrsam : Coinbase co-founder & founder of Paradigm, a leading web3 investment firm
Ethereum foundation : the official Twitter account for the Ethereum foundation
Coindesk : a leading media covering all things crypto
Once you start spending time on Twitter, you will come across all kinds of projects happening on the various blockchains.
They all have some kind of online community you can join for free to discuss these projects. Or you can even become an official member by purchasing their membership NFT’s - digital certificates ensuring your official membership.
If you would like to join your favourite projects’ communities, these are usually advertised on their websites and will usually be on Discord or on Telegram - an encrypted messaging service like Whatsapp, but not owned by Facebook.
Some of my favourites include :
Lens Protocol : an application designed to enable you to own your online data by tokenizing every digital interaction you have whether it be a tweet or a financial transaction. You can then claim these as your own NFT’s and decide what to do with your data. Unlike major corporations like Facebook where your data is stuck in their servers forever.
Ethereum : the 2nd largest web3 project ever created. The Ethereum blockchain has made it possible for cryptocurrencies and tokens to be used across thousands of real-world applications - not just money (which was the original goal of Bitcoin).
I also recommend joining your local crypto communities - check if there are any group gatherings in your city/town and whether they have communities whether it be online or in the form of real-life events.
I joined one here in Brussels - we’re having monthly events + several outings a year, most notably at major conferences in Europe such as NFT Paris and NFC Lisbon.
As you start exploring the world of web3 and crypto, you can expect to experience new levels of financial independence and autonomy. You'll be able to participate in decentralized networks and earn rewards without relying on traditional financial institutions such as banks, governments and insurance companies.
You will be able to invest in projects that align with your values and support causes that you care about. And you'll be part of a community of innovators and entrepreneurs who are driving the future of technology.
The old way of thinking about web3 and crypto is on its way out for good. The technology is evolving rapidly, and new solutions are being developed every day.
Governments and corporations are starting to recognize the potential of web3 and crypto, and they are investing heavily in this space. As more people start exploring the world of web3, we'll see new applications and use cases that we can't even imagine today.
If you made it this far : thank you !
I sincerely hope this helped you see that getting started in web3 is not as complicated as you previously thought.
Don't let fear from “complex new technologies” hold you back from exploring this revolutionary new world of possibilities.
There’s always someone you can reach out to for help 👀
I hope this will lead you to take the first step today so you can start exploring the world of web3 and crypto.
Ciao for now 👋
- Roman