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Hey there, fellow blockchain enthusiasts and startup dreamers! If you've been scrolling through X lately, you might have stumbled upon a gem of a post from toly (@aeyakovenko) that’s got everyone buzzing. The tweet reads: "The mechanism by which you will get $ IS the product. If you don't know what that is, it's time to start over." This idea, which echoes an earlier post by vibhu about user acquisition, flips the traditional startup playbook on its head. Let’s break it down and see why this could be a game-changer, especially in the wild world of meme tokens and blockchain ventures.

Why the Product and Revenue Are Two Sides of the Same Coin

Traditionally, founders think of building a product first and then figuring out how to sell it or get users later. But toly’s insight suggests something bolder: the way you attract money (or users) is the product itself. Imagine a meme token like Dogecoin — its value didn’t just come from the code but from the community hype and clever marketing. The mechanism (community engagement, viral memes) was baked into the product from day one.

For blockchain practitioners, this means designing your token or platform with a built-in revenue or growth engine. Whether it’s staking rewards, NFT drops, or exclusive access for holders, the product should naturally pull in revenue. If you’re scratching your head about how to do this, don’t worry — we’ll dive into some practical steps soon!

The Ripple Effect on Meme Token Success

Meme tokens thrive on speculation and community belief, as noted in our recent article on meme coin creation. But toly’s point takes it further: the success of tokens like Shiba Inu or newer projects on Solana hinges on a mechanism that keeps the money flowing. This could be a unique burn mechanism (reducing supply to boost value) or partnerships that drive adoption. The key? It’s not an afterthought — it’s the foundation.

Take a look at the responses to toly’s tweet. Users like sculptr shared a funky image of a cat in a frog costume, hinting at how meme culture can be part of the product’s appeal. Others, like Isaac, emphasized that projects with clear value propositions outperform others. It’s clear the community sees this as a wake-up call for founders.

Actionable Steps to Build a Revenue-Driven Product

So, how do you turn this insight into action? Here are some tips tailored for meme token creators and blockchain startups:

• Integrate a Unique Mechanism Early: Design your token with a feature that naturally attracts investment — think airdrops, governance rights, or gamified rewards. This keeps users engaged and money coming in.
• Test and Iterate: Use feedback from early adopters to refine your mechanism. For example, if a staking feature isn’t driving revenue, pivot to something like a marketplace.
• Leverage Community Hype: Meme tokens live or die by their communities. Build a product that encourages sharing, like exclusive memes or challenges, as seen with Pepe Coin.

The Takeaway for Blockchain Founders

Toly’s tweet is a reminder that in the fast-paced world of blockchain and meme tokens, separating product development from revenue generation is a recipe for failure. Instead, weave the mechanism to get money into the very DNA of your project. Whether you’re launching a new token or scaling an existing one, start by asking: How does this product make money on its own? If the answer isn’t clear, it might be time to hit the drawing board.

At Meme Insider, we’re all about helping you navigate this space. Stick with us for more insights, and let’s build the next big thing together! What do you think — got a mechanism in mind for your product? Drop your ideas in the comments!