This is just the basic Intro:
The world of Web3 is vast, exciting, and often overwhelming. For beginners, the sheer volume of protocols, tokens, and narratives can feel like navigating a maze without a map. With thousands of projects spanning categories like DeFi, GameFi, SocialFi, and more, it’s easy to either get lost in the noise or rely too heavily on second-hand information from influencers and analysts.

But here’s the truth: the key to success in Web3 lies in doing your own research (DYOR). This guide will walk you through a step-by-step framework to help you cut through the clutter, evaluate opportunities, and make informed decisions. Whether you’re an investor, developer, or simply a curious learner, this roadmap will equip you with the tools to navigate Web3 with confidence.

Web3 research involves systematically analyzing blockchain-based technologies, protocols, and ecosystems to uncover insights and make informed decisions. This process covers everything from evaluating technical documentation and tokenomics to understanding market activity, project teams, and community dynamics.

At its core, Web3 research is about answering critical questions:

• How does this protocol work?

• What problem does it solve?

• Who is behind the project, and can they be trusted?

• What is the long-term potential of this technology or token?

By answering these questions, you can separate the signal from the noise and identify projects with real potential.

In the fast-paced, hype-driven world of Web3, relying on others’ opinions can be dangerous. The space is filled with scams, poorly designed projects, and overhyped narratives. DYOR is your shield against these risks. Here’s why it matters:

1. Avoid Scams and Bad Investments: Not all projects are created equal. Some are outright scams, while others are well-intentioned but poorly executed. Research helps you spot red flags and avoid losing money.

2. Build Confidence: When you understand a project’s fundamentals, you can invest or participate with conviction. This confidence is crucial in a volatile market.

3. Discover Hidden Gems: By digging deeper, you can uncover undervalued projects before they gain mainstream attention. Early research often leads to the most lucrative opportunities.

4. Stay Ahead of Trends: Web3 moves quickly. By conducting your own research, you can identify emerging trends and position yourself ahead of the curve.

In short, DYOR is not just a best practice—it’s a necessity in Web3.

The Web3 ecosystem is massive, spanning dozens of categories and thousands of protocols. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, start by narrowing your focus.

• Choose a Category: Decide which area of Web3 you want to explore. For example:

  • DeFi (Decentralized Finance): Protocols like Uniswap, Aave, and Compound.

  • GameFi (Gaming + Finance): Play-to-earn games like Axie Infinity and STEPN.

  • SocialFi (Social Media + Finance): Decentralized social platforms like Lens Protocol and Farcaster.

  • Infrastructure: Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon.

Each category has its own unique metrics and narratives. By focusing on one at a time, you can make clearer comparisons and identify dominant trends.

Pro Tip: DIA (The cross-chain data and oracle platform for Web3) published the Ultimate Web3 Infra Map detailing the top players in each market segment. Reviewing these maps helps clarify which verticals to target. The below map can be found here .

Once you’ve chosen a category, create a list of protocols or projects within that space. This step is about building a comprehensive view of the competitive landscape.

• Use Data Aggregators: Tools like DefiLlama , DappRader, and CoinGecko are invaluable for discovering top protocols and gathering initial data points.

• Explore Emerging Projects: Don’t limit yourself to established players. Use platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Discord, and specialized discovery tools like Moni Discover to find up-and-coming projects.

• Organize Your Findings: Use a Google Spreadsheet to track protocols, their key metrics, and any updates to your analysis. This will serve as your research hub.

With your list of protocols in hand, it’s time to dive into the data. Break your analysis into three key areas:

1. Product Features:

   • What makes this protocol unique?

   • Does it solve a real problem or offer a significant improvement over existing solutions?

   • Look at factors like supported blockchains, user experience (UX), partnerships, and technological innovations.

2. Protocol Metrics:

   • Evaluate performance indicators such as Total Value Locked (TVL), trading volume, active users, or transaction counts etc.

   • These metrics provide insight into the protocol’s adoption and usage.

3. Tokenomics:

   • Examine the token’s market cap, fully diluted valuation (FDV), inflation rate, and unlock schedule etc.

   • Strong tokenomics are critical for long-term sustainability.

To make sense of the data, set benchmarks by calculating averages from top-performing protocols in the category. Use color-coding in your spreadsheet (e.g., green for exceeding benchmarks, red for underperforming) to visualize performance at a glance.

The final step is to evaluate the protocol’s future prospects. Ask yourself:

1. Runway:

   • How long can the project sustain itself?

   • Look at treasury size, revenue streams, and funding history.

2. Community Strength:

   • A strong, engaged community is often a sign of a healthy project.

   • Analyze activity on platforms like Telegram, Discord, and X.

3. Upcoming Events:

   • Check the project’s roadmap for milestones, partnerships, or product launches.

   • Tools like Messari Intel can help you track these catalysts.

4. Marketing and Influencer Collaborations:

   • While these don’t guarantee success, they can indicate a project’s ability to attract attention and grow its user base.

By assessing these factors, you can gauge the protocol’s long-term viability and potential for growth.

Web3 research doesn’t have to be intimidating. By following this structured approach, you can cut through the noise and make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving space. Remember, the goal isn’t to become an overnight expert—it’s to build a solid foundation of knowledge that grows with you.

As you gain experience, you’ll develop your own research style and uncover strategies that work best for you. So, grab your spreadsheet, dive into the data, and start exploring the exciting world of Web3.
Happy researching!

Thanks for reading Wired in Web3! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is just the basic Intro:
The world of Web3 is vast, exciting, and often overwhelming. For beginners, the sheer volume of protocols, tokens, and narratives can feel like navigating a maze without a map. With thousands of projects spanning categories like DeFi, GameFi, SocialFi, and more, it’s easy to either get lost in the noise or rely too heavily on second-hand information from influencers and analysts.

But here’s the truth: the key to success in Web3 lies in doing your own research (DYOR). This guide will walk you through a step-by-step framework to help you cut through the clutter, evaluate opportunities, and make informed decisions. Whether you’re an investor, developer, or simply a curious learner, this roadmap will equip you with the tools to navigate Web3 with confidence.

Web3 research involves systematically analyzing blockchain-based technologies, protocols, and ecosystems to uncover insights and make informed decisions. This process covers everything from evaluating technical documentation and tokenomics to understanding market activity, project teams, and community dynamics.

At its core, Web3 research is about answering critical questions:

• How does this protocol work?

• What problem does it solve?

• Who is behind the project, and can they be trusted?

• What is the long-term potential of this technology or token?

By answering these questions, you can separate the signal from the noise and identify projects with real potential.

In the fast-paced, hype-driven world of Web3, relying on others’ opinions can be dangerous. The space is filled with scams, poorly designed projects, and overhyped narratives. DYOR is your shield against these risks. Here’s why it matters:

1. Avoid Scams and Bad Investments: Not all projects are created equal. Some are outright scams, while others are well-intentioned but poorly executed. Research helps you spot red flags and avoid losing money.

2. Build Confidence: When you understand a project’s fundamentals, you can invest or participate with conviction. This confidence is crucial in a volatile market.

3. Discover Hidden Gems: By digging deeper, you can uncover undervalued projects before they gain mainstream attention. Early research often leads to the most lucrative opportunities.

4. Stay Ahead of Trends: Web3 moves quickly. By conducting your own research, you can identify emerging trends and position yourself ahead of the curve.

In short, DYOR is not just a best practice—it’s a necessity in Web3.

The Web3 ecosystem is massive, spanning dozens of categories and thousands of protocols. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, start by narrowing your focus.

• Choose a Category: Decide which area of Web3 you want to explore. For example:

  • DeFi (Decentralized Finance): Protocols like Uniswap, Aave, and Compound.

  • GameFi (Gaming + Finance): Play-to-earn games like Axie Infinity and STEPN.

  • SocialFi (Social Media + Finance): Decentralized social platforms like Lens Protocol and Farcaster.

  • Infrastructure: Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon.

Each category has its own unique metrics and narratives. By focusing on one at a time, you can make clearer comparisons and identify dominant trends.

Pro Tip: DIA (The cross-chain data and oracle platform for Web3) published the Ultimate Web3 Infra Map detailing the top players in each market segment. Reviewing these maps helps clarify which verticals to target. The below map can be found here .

Once you’ve chosen a category, create a list of protocols or projects within that space. This step is about building a comprehensive view of the competitive landscape.

• Use Data Aggregators: Tools like DefiLlama , DappRader, and CoinGecko are invaluable for discovering top protocols and gathering initial data points.

• Explore Emerging Projects: Don’t limit yourself to established players. Use platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Discord, and specialized discovery tools like Moni Discover to find up-and-coming projects.

• Organize Your Findings: Use a Google Spreadsheet to track protocols, their key metrics, and any updates to your analysis. This will serve as your research hub.

With your list of protocols in hand, it’s time to dive into the data. Break your analysis into three key areas:

1. Product Features:

   • What makes this protocol unique?

   • Does it solve a real problem or offer a significant improvement over existing solutions?

   • Look at factors like supported blockchains, user experience (UX), partnerships, and technological innovations.

2. Protocol Metrics:

   • Evaluate performance indicators such as Total Value Locked (TVL), trading volume, active users, or transaction counts etc.

   • These metrics provide insight into the protocol’s adoption and usage.

3. Tokenomics:

   • Examine the token’s market cap, fully diluted valuation (FDV), inflation rate, and unlock schedule etc.

   • Strong tokenomics are critical for long-term sustainability.

To make sense of the data, set benchmarks by calculating averages from top-performing protocols in the category. Use color-coding in your spreadsheet (e.g., green for exceeding benchmarks, red for underperforming) to visualize performance at a glance.

The final step is to evaluate the protocol’s future prospects. Ask yourself:

1. Runway:

   • How long can the project sustain itself?

   • Look at treasury size, revenue streams, and funding history.

2. Community Strength:

   • A strong, engaged community is often a sign of a healthy project.

   • Analyze activity on platforms like Telegram, Discord, and X.

3. Upcoming Events:

   • Check the project’s roadmap for milestones, partnerships, or product launches.

   • Tools like Messari Intel can help you track these catalysts.

4. Marketing and Influencer Collaborations:

   • While these don’t guarantee success, they can indicate a project’s ability to attract attention and grow its user base.

By assessing these factors, you can gauge the protocol’s long-term viability and potential for growth.

Web3 research doesn’t have to be intimidating. By following this structured approach, you can cut through the noise and make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving space. Remember, the goal isn’t to become an overnight expert—it’s to build a solid foundation of knowledge that grows with you.

As you gain experience, you’ll develop your own research style and uncover strategies that work best for you. So, grab your spreadsheet, dive into the data, and start exploring the exciting world of Web3.
Happy researching!

Thanks for reading Wired in Web3! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.