The following is only my own reminder. Translated from Russian to English.
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DYOR (Do Your Own Research) — Just four letters, but I’ve packed 239,694 characters of research-related information into this guide. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents Introduction 1.1. Foreword 1.2. The Importance of Research Rules and Frameworks Project Stages 2.1. Pre-Launch Stage 2.2. Early Bird Stage 2.3. Initial Stage 2.4. Mid-Stage 2.5. Released Projects How to Search for Projects 3.1. Using Twitter Search Tools 3.2. Twitter Advanced Search & Third-Party Tools 3.3. Tools 3.4. Private Groups 3.5. Discord Alpha Groups 3.6. YouTube Channels
Introduction Hello, fellow crypto enthusiast. You’re not here by accident; the title “DYOR: Comprehensive Research Guide” must have piqued your interest. By reading this guide, you’ll learn how to avoid scams and find truly valuable projects in the cryptocurrency world, allowing you to profit.
This guide is for those chasing Testnet projects like "NothingTebeVmestoDeneg" or minting "BoredVasyaClub" and feeling lost. By following the advice here, you’ll be able to narrow down potential projects from 100 to just 1, and that one could generate much more profit than average projects. Additionally, it will help you take a more realistic perspective, avoiding hype-driven decisions from channels like Telegram. This guide is useful for both beginners and experienced users alike, covering research techniques across the crypto spectrum to provide top-tier insights.
Let’s get started.
1.1. Foreword Before diving into research, let’s take a short detour.
Acknowledgments A big thank you to all the channels that helped contribute to the writing of this guide. No one is 100% an expert in all fields, which is why we invited specialists in different areas to participate. Their insights are truly worth your attention, and I recommend following them:
IDO Research - Tokenomics and supply analysis CRYPTUS - DeFi and its tools Слезы Сатоши (Satoshi's Tears) - Market reversal models Incrypted - News and opportunities SWOP TOKY - Ethereum’s secondary NFT markets Heytos - Solana’s secondary NFT markets The Max - Retro drop search and analysis cypherfrog - OSINT (Open-source intelligence) and its applications serp1337 - Early NFT project analysis 001k - Token secondary markets 0y - On-chain analysis and use cases Moni Talks - Podcasts and newsletters Let’s Node! - GitHub activity analysis 1.2. The Importance of Research Rules and Frameworks Hello again. This part is important but might be a bit dry. However, rules, structure, and proper frameworks are essential for research. Without them, your research efforts will be inefficient and a waste of energy.
The goal when creating a research framework is to centralize your tools and information, which will significantly improve your research efficiency.
Project Stages Projects go through different stages, each with its own risks and rewards:
Pre-Launch Stage: The project has not been publicly announced yet. If you discover a project at this stage, there’s a huge opportunity, but it’s difficult to find information. Early Bird Stage: The project is publicly revealed and is gathering its first followers. At this time, a project’s basic idea and team info start to surface. Early involvement in projects at this stage can offer whitelist or OG roles in many cases. Initial Stage: The project is up and running, but tokens or NFTs haven’t been released yet. This stage often features significant events or airdrops. Mid-Stage: The project is progressing smoothly and is gaining attention on social media and marketplaces. Early participants may have a chance to profit as the project gains value. Released Projects: The project is on the market, and tokens or NFTs are being traded. At this stage, the primary way to profit is through trading or the secondary market. 3. How to Search for Projects Next, we’ll cover ways to discover projects. Finding new projects early is key to succeeding in the crypto market.
3.1 Using Twitter for Project Discovery Twitter is the primary platform where many projects are announced. To discover projects early, it’s crucial to follow the right accounts and never miss key information.
To discover projects more efficiently, using third-party tools can be extremely effective. These tools allow for more detailed analysis and automation. Here are a few useful tools:
TweetScout: This tool monitors the follow lists of alpha hunters and influencers, automatically tracking new projects they start following. This way, you can keep an eye on promising projects that are still under the radar. Whotwi: An account analysis tool that allows you to check the followers and influence of specific accounts related to a project. By analyzing which influential figures follow a project, you can get a sense of its potential. TweetDeck: A tool that allows you to manage your Twitter feed in multiple columns, making it easier to keep track of projects, trends, and relevant discussions. You can create different columns for specific hashtags, accounts, or project-related terms. 4. Researching Projects After discovering a project, the next step is conducting detailed research to make informed investment decisions. Here are some general research methods to follow:
4.1 Researching the Team The success of a project largely depends on the quality of its team. Here are the key points to focus on when researching the team:
Team credibility: Use LinkedIn or Twitter to check the background and past achievements of team members. Projects with experienced members are more likely to succeed. The risk of anonymous teams: Completely anonymous teams carry a higher risk of being scams. It’s preferable to invest in projects where at least some of the team members are public and verifiable. 4.2 Analyzing the Whitepaper A project's whitepaper is an important document for understanding its vision and details. By analyzing it, you can better grasp the problem the project is trying to solve and its technical approach.
Project concept: Through the whitepaper, understand the problem the project is aiming to address and how it plans to do so. Tokenomics: Check the supply, distribution, and utility of the token, ensuring that all critical information is properly described. 4.3 On-Chain Data Analysis For DeFi projects and others, on-chain data analysis is crucial. Tools like Etherscan and BscScan can help you monitor the activity of the project's smart contracts.
Smart contract activity: Check the number of transactions and user activity related to the project to understand how widely it is being used. Token circulation: Review the circulation of the token and see how much is locked or held by early participants. 5. Tokenomics Analysis A project's tokenomics (token economy) is a critical aspect that directly impacts its success. Here’s how to analyze it effectively:
Supply: Review the total token supply and how it will be distributed. If there is an excessive supply, the token’s value might be diluted. Lock period: Check the token's lock periods and vesting schedules to determine the best time to invest. The token’s price can fluctuate significantly when tokens are unlocked. Utility: Look into how the token will be used within the project. Tokens with high utility tend to attract more demand. 6. Researching NFT Projects Researching NFT projects requires a different approach than token-based projects. Factors such as the quality of the art and the community’s activity are crucial.
6.1 Checking the Artist and Team In NFT projects, the background of the artist or creative team plays a significant role in the project’s success. Focus on these points:
Artist’s track record: Projects involving famous artists or creators with a history of success tend to increase in value. Team credibility: Check if the team managing the NFT project is reliable, including their involvement in past successful projects. 6.2 Roadmap Review To assess the future potential of a project, review its roadmap. Projects with clear, specific plans and goals tend to be more reliable.
6.3 Community Activity The activity of the community is vital in NFT projects. A successful project is supported by a strong and active community. Pay attention to the following:
Discord and Twitter follower count: Projects with a large follower base attract more attention, but it’s also important to gauge actual engagement. Active conversations: Check if there are meaningful conversations between members on the project’s Discord or Twitter. If there’s too much spam or the community is quiet, it’s a warning sign that the project might fail. Engagement levels: Look at the number of likes, retweets, and comments on posts. High engagement indicates the community is genuinely supporting the project. 7. Trading on Secondary NFT Markets Trading NFTs on secondary markets like Opensea or LooksRare is another important way to earn profits. Here are the key points to consider when trading:
7.1 Floor Price Check The floor price is the lowest price at which an NFT in a collection is listed for sale. By checking this, you can gauge the current minimum value of the project. If the floor price is rising, it’s a sign of increasing demand.
7.2 Analyzing Trading History Platforms like Opensea allow you to review the trading history of specific NFTs. If an NFT is traded frequently, it indicates high demand. If there’s a sudden surge in trading volume, there may have been significant news or events related to the NFT or collection.
7.3 Hold Strategy After purchasing an NFT, it’s important to decide whether to sell it immediately or hold onto it for the long term. If you’re aiming for short-term profits, you should monitor the floor price and trading history to time your sale. On the other hand, NFTs expected to increase in value over time should be held long-term to maximize profits.
Researching DeFi Projects DeFi (Decentralized Finance) projects play a critical role in cryptocurrency markets. Since DeFi projects often involve complex mechanisms like yield generation, staking, and liquidity provision, thorough research is essential.
8.1 Staking and Yield Many DeFi projects allow users to stake tokens to earn rewards. While staking returns (APY) can sometimes be high, it’s important to understand the risks involved:
Staking conditions: Check the staking period or lock-up duration and how rewards are distributed. Impermanent loss risk: When providing liquidity in a pool, there’s a risk of impermanent loss. Be aware of this risk when participating in such projects. 8.2 Protocol Security When investing in DeFi projects, it's crucial to assess the protocol’s security. Hacks or bugs in smart contracts can result in significant financial losses. Always verify the security measures in place:
Audit reports: Check if the project has undergone external audits. Projects that are audited are generally more secure. Bug bounty programs: Projects that run bug bounty programs are proactive in addressing security concerns, which is a good indicator of the team's commitment to safety.
9. Retroactive Airdrop Search
A retroactive airdrop is a type of airdrop where a project rewards users who have previously used their service. Well-known examples include the retroactive airdrops conducted by projects like Uniswap and ENS. These airdrops reward early users for their support, often leading to significant financial gains for those who participated early.
Finding potential retroactive airdrops involves monitoring certain projects and staying active in their development stages. Here are some key strategies to discover such opportunities:
Follow project news: Information about retroactive airdrops is often announced on a project’s Discord or Twitter. In popular projects, news about airdrops can spread quickly among followers, so it’s important to stay updated.
Participate in testnets of potential projects: Many projects that conduct retroactive airdrops often reward users who participated in their testnets or alpha stages. By being active in these stages, your chances of receiving future airdrops increase significantly.
Analyze past airdrops: Look at the history of a project’s airdrops. Projects that have conducted retroactive airdrops before are likely to do so again in the future. Analyzing the airdrop patterns of successful projects can help you identify other projects that may adopt a similar approach.
Throughout this guide, we’ve explored various methods and tools for researching cryptocurrency and NFT projects. Success in this space isn’t just about gathering information; it’s also about analyzing it properly and understanding the risks. Here’s a recap of the most important takeaways to keep in mind for effective research:
One of the most crucial aspects of effective research is setting up your own rules and framework. This will help you structure your research process, streamline your efforts, and save time. Centralizing your tools, methods, and information is key to improving the efficiency of your research. Whether it’s using Twitter, third-party tools like TweetScout, or managing multiple information streams, a well-defined framework will keep your research organized and focused.
Understanding the different stages of a project’s lifecycle allows you to tailor your approach. Whether a project is in its pre-launch phase, early bird stage, or already live, each stage presents unique risks and opportunities. By identifying where a project stands, you can determine the most effective way to get involved, whether that’s participating in early-stage activities or leveraging secondary market opportunities.
To maximize your research efficiency, make use of the available tools. Platforms like TweetScout, Opensea, Discord, Twitter, and others offer valuable insights into project development, trends, and community engagement. These tools help you stay informed about new developments, monitor key indicators, and identify potential investments before they become mainstream.
A project’s community is one of the most significant indicators of its potential success. A strong, engaged, and active community can drive a project forward, generate hype, and create lasting value. Pay attention to the number of followers, activity on Discord and Twitter, and overall community sentiment. Projects with dedicated supporters are more likely to succeed, so use the community as a metric in your research process.
Cryptocurrency and NFT markets are highly volatile, and risk management is critical to long-term success. Diversify your investments to reduce exposure to any single project, and be mindful of red flags, such as anonymous teams or unclear tokenomics. Research thoroughly, but always be prepared for the inherent risks of the space. By implementing proper risk management techniques, you can protect yourself from significant losses while maximizing potential gains.
The cryptocurrency space moves quickly, and trends can change in the blink of an eye. To stay ahead, it's important to actively monitor not just individual projects but broader market trends as well. Here are some strategies for keeping yourself informed and prepared to act on new opportunities:
Crypto news platforms are a vital source of information for staying up-to-date on new projects, market trends, and regulatory changes. Following major news outlets and niche blogs alike will give you a well-rounded perspective. Sites like CoinDesk, The Block, and Decrypt regularly cover industry news, while niche newsletters can provide deeper insights into specific sectors, such as DeFi, NFTs, and blockchain technology.
Communities like those on Discord, Telegram, and even Twitter are essential for staying plugged into the latest discussions around projects. Many early-stage projects rely on their communities to spread the word about developments, airdrops, and new features. By staying active in these communities, you can get insider information on projects before they become widely known.
Virtual events and webinars are a great way to learn directly from project teams, developers, and influencers. Many projects announce significant updates during these events, providing you with key information that may not be readily available elsewhere. Sites like Eventbrite or specific project communities often host events where you can interact directly with key figures in the industry.
Influencers and analysts in the cryptocurrency space are often among the first to identify new trends and opportunities. By following reputable figures, you can gain insights into what’s next in the world of crypto. Be sure to cross-reference their opinions with your own research, as hype can sometimes distort the reality of a project’s potential.
As you become more experienced in researching projects, you can start employing advanced tactics to deepen your analysis. These methods will help you uncover hidden gems and better understand the potential risks and rewards of your investments.
For blockchain projects, Github activity is a reliable indicator of development progress. By monitoring a project’s repository, you can see how active the development team is and assess the quality of the code being produced. High levels of activity are often a good sign that the project is making steady progress, whereas a stagnant Github may indicate that the project has slowed down or stalled.
Analyzing on-chain metrics can provide invaluable insights into the health of a DeFi project. Metrics such as Total Value Locked (TVL), transaction volume, and liquidity flows are critical for understanding the level of adoption a project has achieved. Tools like DeFi Pulse or Dune Analytics can help you track these metrics and compare them across different projects.
Being able to predict retroactive airdrops can give you a significant edge. While many airdrops reward early users, not all projects announce their plans in advance. By participating in testnets, governance votes, or liquidity provision, you can position yourself to potentially receive airdrops from projects that reward early involvement. Pay attention to project roadmaps and community discussions to spot potential retroactive incentives.
Effective research is about gathering, analyzing, and acting on the right information. The cryptocurrency and NFT markets are dynamic and full of opportunities, but they also carry significant risks. By following a structured approach to research, using the right tools, and managing your investments carefully, you can position yourself for success in this rapidly evolving space.
Framework: Develop and maintain a clear research framework.
Tools: Use advanced tools to enhance your analysis.
Community: Engage with strong project communities.
Risk: Always be aware of and manage your risks.
In conclusion, success in the cryptocurrency space requires constant learning, adaptability, and a well-thought-out research strategy. This guide has provided you with the tools and knowledge to navigate this space more effectively. Stay informed, keep researching, and always be ready to seize opportunities as they arise.