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How to Start Earning in Web3 With $0: Airdrops, Contributions & Smart Strategies

How to Start Earning in Web3 With $0: Airdrops, Contributions & Smart Strategies

What is Web3?

Web3 is the next evolution of the internet, designed to give users more control, transparency, and ownership over their digital interactions. Unlike the traditional internet (Web2), where platforms like Google, Facebook, and banks act as middlemen, Web3 is built on decentralization, meaning users can connect, transact, and interact without relying on centralized authorities.

At its core, Web3 leverages blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies to create a system where users own their data, digital assets, and online identity. Instead of companies storing and controlling everything, Web3 enables peer-to-peer interactions powered by decentralized applications (dApps), smart contracts, and digital wallets.

Web3 Key points:

  • Decentralization: No single entity controls the network
  • User Ownership: Your assets, data, and identity stay under your control
  • Trustless Transactions: Smart contracts execute agreements automatically
  • Permissionless Access: Anyone with an internet connection can participate

With Web3 technologies, you don’t need to trust a bank, social media platform, or payment provider to handle your transactions or identity. Instead, the system itself ensures security, transparency, and fairness allowing anyone to participate in a more open and accessible digital economy.

How to Earn in Web3?

Web3 is still new and growing, which means there’s less competition compared to traditional industries. Everyone has an equal chance to build a name in the space and you don’t need money to start, just time, effort, and consistency.

I’ve said this many times, Airdrop is the gateway to start your web3 earnings, but how do you qualify for them? how to get/eligible for airdrop? Here are two effective ways to start earning:

Participate in Incentivized Testnet

A testnet is a blockchain’s testing phase before its main launch, and many projects reward early users for helping them test the network. By participating, you not only earn potential airdrops but also get hands-on experience with Web3 applications, helping you understand how protocols work.

Why Participate in Testnet?

  • Earn rewards/airdrops
  • Learn about new Web3 projects before they go mainstream
  • Gain real Web3 experience without financial risk

Become a Contributor in Web3 Project

Once you’ve built some knowledge in Web3, you can take it to the next level by contributing to projects. Many Web3 startups are constantly looking for community members to help grow their ecosystem.

Contributor Roles You Can Apply For:

  • Moderator, If you enjoy discussions and guiding new users
  • Ambassador, If you love creating content & have a strong online presence
  • Game Tester, If you enjoy Web3 gaming & want to test early releases
  • Translator, Developer, Designer & More, Web3 has opportunities for various skill sets!

Unlike traditional jobs, many Web3 contributor roles offer flexible schedules, remote work, and rewards in crypto, making it a great way to earn while learning.

Web3 is full of opportunities for those willing to explore and engage. Whether you start with airdrops, testnets, or contributing to projects, the key is consistency, the earlier you get involved, the more chances you have to earn and grow in the space.

I'm a Web3 Newbie, Can i Compete with Experienced Users?

Of course, like i said before, Web3 is still new and full of opportunities, meaning you don’t need years of experience. However, this industry works differently from traditional jobs, here you need to prove your value first before making money. Unlike Web2, where job applications come first, in Web3, your contributions, knowledge, and engagement will be really matter to start your career.

So, how can beginners stay ahead and compete with experienced users? Here are two essential strategies:

Mastering Project Research

Finding low-competition early-stage projects with big potential is the key for the big win in Web3. You need to understand how to spot a good and potential project, but how? Check this out: 

  • What is the project about? (Does it solve a real problem in Web3?)
  • What makes it unique? (Innovation, use case, or strong tech?)
  • Who is the team behind it? (Are they experienced and trustworthy?)
  • Who are the backers? (Are top-tier investors supporting it?)
  • How is the community reacting? (Active engagement is a good sign)

By learning how to evaluate projects, you can position yourself early, increasing your chances of earning through airdrops, early participation, or contributor roles.

Actively Engage in Community

Once you’ve found a legit, high-potential project, the next step is to actively engage with its community. In Web3, being active and adding value in a project’s Discord or Telegram can open unexpected opportunities. This way you’ll get noticed by the team of the project and often granting you with special role as a proof of contribution, that special role often tied with airdrops and other special perks.

Why Community Engagement Really Matters?

  • Teams often reward early, loyal members with special roles, exclusive access, and higher airdrop eligibility
  • Your contributions (helping newcomers, creating content, sharing insights) build your reputation in the space
  • Being an early, engaged community member can lead to moderator, ambassador, or contributor roles, all of which can help you monetize your Web3 journey

Many projects now tie Discord roles to airdrop eligibility, meaning if you have a “Contributor” or “OG” role, you might receive priority rewards. I’ve talked about how discord role really matters these day (i took example of Discord roles in Mitosis community), you can check my pevious article here: https://medium.com/@ziuuu/mitosis-proves-discord-role-grinding-is-worth-it-heres-why-you-should-join-in-c912428f012c

By learning how to research and actively engaging with communities, you can overlapping experienced users eventhough you’re still a newbie. The key is showing up, contributing, and staying consistent.

Alright, Now How Should i Start my Web3 Journey?

Prepare this Essential Tools:

  • Crypto Wallets (Metamask/Phantom/Rabby), for storing and interacting with crypto assets
  • Social accounts (X, Discord, Telegram), for networking and tracking project updates
  • Security apps (Wallet guard), to protect against scams and phishing attacks

Getting started with Airdrop Hunting:

There are so many airdrops campaign that totally free, that's why you can start your Web3 career even with $0. all you need is time, research, consistency, and don't forget 2 key points that i mentioned above to hunt legit projects.

Here’s what you should do:

  • Follow Crypto Twitter (CT): Find and follow accounts that focus on airdrop hunting to stay updated
  • Use tools like CryptoRank: Research and track early-stage projects with potential airdrops
  • Be early!: The earlier you get involved in a project, the less competition you’ll have and the higher your chances of securing roles or rewards

Let's Take an Example from Mitosis: Getting Paid from Your Contribution

Mitosis' Approach

Mitosis takes community seriously, they have a tagline "community first" and doing their best to implement that tagline. MORSE and Praise system is the examples how Mitosis want to build the best system to rewarding the community.

  • MORSE: A side project designed to reward Mitosis contributors
  • Praise System: A decentralized way to recognize and reward meaningful engagement
Source: https://mitosis.givepraise.xyz/analytics

If you’re unfamiliar with these, you can read my previous article and thread about MORSE and Praise system here, it will be too long if i explain those in this article:

TL;DR, using those approach Mitosis setting fair distribution for everyone who want to contribute in Mitosis community. And with those approach, community members also can consistently earning eventhough $MITO TGE isn't happened yet.

Starting your Proof of Contribution in Mitosis

  • Must join Mitosis discord, because praise system is integrated in Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/mitosis
  • Secure your "Settler" role: Settler is the minimum role requirement to register in Praise system
  • Activate your praise account: Guide in discord
  • Start your contribution: Helping newcomers within discord server, create engaging contents, participate in Mitosis campaign etc
  • Getting praised and praising each other for every meaningful contribution
  • Earned $MORSE every month based on your Praise score

List of Web3 Projects to Watch

Here are some promising projects you should keep an eye on and start engaging with today:

  • Mitosis: Join their Discord, secure special roles, and actively engage in the community for a potential airdrop and MORSE monthly rewards
  • MegaETH: Early project, Secure Discord role and stay updated for their upcoming incentivized testnet
  • Monad: Secure discord role and engage with their testnets
  • Kaito: Create valuable Twitter/X content, and start accumulating Yap points to monetize your tweet

The Web3 landscape evolves fast, and the best opportunities go to those who take initiative. The earlier you engage, contribute, and explore, the higher your chances of building a strong portfolio and securing valuable rewards.

Good luck!

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