The blockchain industry is expanding rapidly, with new startups emerging in DeFi, NFTs, Web3, and decentralized applications (dApps). However, despite its innovative potential, many blockchain startups face significant hurdles in gaining online visibility due to the industry’s ever-evolving nature, regulatory uncertainties, and intense competition.
For startups looking to thrive in 2025, blockchain SEO is crucial for driving organic traffic, establishing credibility, and differentiating from competitors. In this guide, we’ll explore the biggest SEO challenges facing blockchain businesses and provide actionable strategies to overcome them.
Table of Contents
1. Challenge: Blockchain-Related Keywords Are Highly Competitive
One of the biggest SEO hurdles for blockchain startups is keyword competition. Terms like “crypto exchange,” “NFT marketplace,” and “blockchain technology” are dominated by established brands, making it difficult for new startups to rank.
Solution: Target Niche and Long-Tail Keywords
Instead of competing for high-volume keywords, focus on niche and long-tail keywords. These are longer, more specific search terms that have lower competition but high conversion potential.
For example:
- Instead of targeting “crypto wallet,” use “best multi-chain crypto wallet for beginners.”
- Instead of “NFT marketplace,” try “eco-friendly NFT marketplace with low gas fees.”
Use keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or Semrush to identify relevant long-tail keywords with lower difficulty scores.
2. Challenge: Constantly Changing Regulations Impact Content Strategy
Blockchain is a rapidly evolving industry, and regulations frequently change across regions. Uncertainty about legal compliance can make it difficult to create stable, long-term content strategies.
Solution: Stay Updated and Create Evergreen + News-Based Content
To navigate regulatory challenges:
- Keep track of blockchain-related legal updates in your target regions.
- Blend evergreen content (timeless educational articles) with news-based content (updates on new regulations).
- Create a dedicated “Regulations & Compliance” section on your website to position your brand as a trusted resource.
For instance, a DeFi startup could publish:
- Evergreen: “How Smart Contracts Work: A Beginner’s Guide”
- News-Based: “How New SEC Regulations Could Impact DeFi Projects in 2025”
This approach helps attract consistent traffic while staying relevant in industry discussions.
3. Challenge: Blockchain Startups Face Trust and Credibility Issues
Since the blockchain industry has had its share of scams and failed projects, new startups often struggle to gain the trust of both users and search engines.
Solution: Focus on EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
Google prioritizes content from sources that demonstrate Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (EEAT). One of the strategies startups use to win from day one is building credibility through high-quality content and strong trust signals. Here’s how you can enhance your startup’s reputation:
- Feature industry experts in blog posts and company updates.
- Showcase case studies, whitepapers, and research-backed content.
- Obtain backlinks from trusted blockchain websites to boost domain authority.
- Clearly display team information, certifications, and security measures on your site.
If your startup offers a blockchain service, consider getting third-party audits (such as smart contract security audits) to build trust and add credibility to your content.
4. Challenge: Blockchain Jargon Confuses Search Intent
Blockchain and crypto-related content often contain complex jargon that may not align with user search intent. If people searching for “DeFi lending platforms” are beginners, but your content is overly technical, you may lose potential users.
Solution: Optimize for User Intent and Readability
- Identify who your audience is (developers, investors, beginners, enterprises) and create content that matches their knowledge level.
- Use simple explanations and analogies to make technical topics accessible.
- Structure content with clear headings, bullet points, and visual aids to improve readability.
- Optimize for featured snippets by answering common questions concisely.
For example, instead of explaining blockchain consensus mechanisms with only technical terms, simplify it like this:
“A blockchain consensus mechanism is like a voting system. Just as a group of people must agree on a decision, blockchain nodes must agree on transactions to validate them.”
Balancing technical accuracy with readability ensures your content reaches a wider audience while maintaining SEO effectiveness.
5. Challenge: Limited Backlink Opportunities for Blockchain Websites
Backlinks are a major ranking factor, but many high-authority websites hesitate to link to blockchain startups due to concerns about scams and market volatility.
Solution: Build High-Quality, Ethical Backlinks
- Contribute guest posts to reputable blockchain and tech blogs.
- Get featured in blockchain industry reports or research papers.
- Leverage partnerships and collaborations to earn backlinks from trusted sources.
- Publish original research, whitepapers, and industry insights that naturally attract backlinks.
Example backlink strategy:
- Write an in-depth guide like “The Future of Layer-2 Scaling Solutions” and share it with blockchain news websites.
- Conduct exclusive interviews with industry leaders and have them share the content, increasing backlink opportunities.
By focusing on high quality rather than quantity, your startup can build authority and improve search rankings.
6. Challenge: Indexing Issues with Blockchain-Related Content
Search engines often struggle to index blockchain-related content properly, especially when dealing with DeFi protocols, smart contracts, and decentralized websites.
Solution: Optimize for Faster Indexing and Crawlability
- Ensure technical SEO is in place with a clean sitemap and proper robots.txt settings.
- Use Google Search Console to request indexing for new content.
- Optimize page speed to improve crawlability and user experience.
- Implement structured data markup to help search engines understand blockchain-related content better.
For example, if you run a Web3 platform, adding structured data like “Product Schema” can help search engines display rich snippets for your dApp.
7. Challenge: Social Media Restrictions on Crypto Advertising
Many social media platforms have restrictions on crypto-related ads, making it harder for blockchain startups to gain visibility through paid promotions.
Solution: Leverage Organic Social Media and Community Building
- Use Twitter, Reddit, and Discord for organic engagement.
- Create shareable, educational content that drives traffic naturally.
- Encourage user-generated content by incentivizing community members to share their experiences.
- Build an active presence on LinkedIn to reach professional audiences.
Additionally, alternative advertising channels such as crypto-friendly platforms like Coinzilla or blockchain-native ad networks should be explored.
8. Challenge: Blockchain Content Faces High Content Duplication Issues
With so many blockchain projects writing similar content, duplication issues can arise, reducing SEO effectiveness.
Solution: Create Unique, Value-Driven Content
- Offer unique insights, case studies, and real-world applications.
- Use a distinct brand voice to stand out from generic blockchain articles.
- Provide interactive content like quizzes, calculators, and visual explainer videos.
Instead of writing another “What is Blockchain?” article, try something more engaging like:
- “How Blockchain is Revolutionizing the Supply Chain: Real-World Examples”
- “A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your First Smart Contract”
Focusing on originality improves engagement, reduces duplication issues, and increases your chances of ranking higher in search results.
Final Thoughts
Blockchain startups face unique SEO challenges in 2025, but with the right strategies, these obstacles can be overcome. By focusing on niche keywords, adapting to regulatory changes, improving trust signals, and optimizing content for readability and search intent, your startup can establish a strong online presence.
SEO is a long-term game, but by implementing these best practices, blockchain businesses can gain a competitive edge, attract organic traffic, and drive sustainable growth in an evolving digital landscape.
If you’re serious about growing your blockchain startup, start applying these strategies today and watch your search rankings improve!
