Capturing Mindshare: Lessons From Crypto Giants Pudgy Penguins And Bored Ape Yacht Club

In today's hyper-competitive business landscape, capturing mindshare has become paramount for brands seeking to not just thrive but dominate their respective markets. Whether you're pushing the envelope of innovation in the Web3 space or spearheading a charge in an old-school industry, the battle for attention is where all your other battles are ultimately won. Get people thinking about your brand, your product or your movement and you’ve laid the groundwork for selling more effectively, forging partnerships and sustaining momentum.

Two recent stories from the crypto space—Pudgy Penguins’ upcoming Pengu token launch and Bored Ape Yacht Club's (BAYC) announcement of ApeChain—serve as perfect case studies in the art and science of owning headspace.

From Penguins To Primates: Lessons From Crypto Giants

Take Pudgy Penguins, for example. Beginning as a playful and creative NFT project, they have evolved into a bona fide brand powerhouse. Their announcement of Pengu, a new token set to launch by the end of 2024, is a textbook play in expanding their ecosystem. The launch isn’t just about adding another layer to their project; it’s about solidifying their narrative as innovators. With plans to allocate nearly 25% of the token supply toward community and ecosystem growth, Pudgy Penguins is doubling down on what’s made them successful: a loyal, engaged and increasingly influential community. This strategy transforms their audience into co-creators of the brand’s story, ensuring that Pudgy Penguins aren’t just top of mind for NFT collectors but also for newcomers intrigued by the buzz. Founders, take note: nothing captures mindshare better than empowering your audience to feel like stakeholders in your success.

Similarly, BAYC’s ApeChain launch is a masterclass in utility-driven innovation. When BAYC burst onto the scene, they weren’t just selling NFTs; they were selling access—to a network, exclusivity and cultural cachet. Now, with the unveiling of ApeChain, they’re doubling down on the ethos that utility drives longevity. ApeChain is a promise to its holders that the ecosystem’s value will keep expanding. This move has already bolstered the value of ApeCoin and rekindled interest in BAYC NFTs. Founders outside the crypto world should note the ripple effect this creates: utility sustains relevance, which in turn sustains mindshare. Whether you’re building in SaaS, hospitality or consumer goods, the question should always be, “How does this new feature or initiative deepen the connection between my audience and my brand?”

Storytelling, Consistency And Timing

Mindshare, at its core, is about association. People think Kleenex, they think tissue. They think Tesla, they think electric cars. When people think about your space, they need to think about you. To achieve this, founders need to focus on three critical areas: storytelling, consistency and timing.

First, storytelling is where the magic happens. Both Pudgy Penguins and BAYC are thriving because they’ve mastered narrative-building. Pudgy Penguins is crafting a narrative of whimsical yet powerful innovation, where everyone from seasoned crypto traders to newcomers feels like they’re part of a larger movement. Similarly, BAYC’s story is one of exclusivity, creativity, and now, groundbreaking utility with ApeChain. Founders should be relentless in shaping how their audience perceives them. A great story connects emotionally, aligns with values and creates advocates. It’s not enough to talk about what you do; you need to constantly reinforce why it matters and how it’s changing the game.

Next up is consistency. Mindshare isn’t captured overnight; it's a slow burn. Pudgy Penguins didn’t randomly drop Pengu without years of building a trusted reputation in the NFT space. BAYC didn’t announce ApeChain as their first big move; they’ve spent years delivering consistent, high-value experiences. Consistency breeds trust, and trust is the gateway to influence. As a founder, you can’t afford to be erratic. Show up in the spaces your audience frequents—whether it’s Twitter, LinkedIn or TikTok—and show up often. Reinforce your message until your brand becomes synonymous with your space. Remember, Coca-Cola didn’t become the global leader in soft drinks by running one killer ad campaign. They’ve been consistent for over a century.

Finally, timing is everything. Both Pudgy Penguins and BAYC didn’t just launch these initiatives at random; they likely waited until the market conditions, audience appetite and internal readiness aligned. In the same way, founders need to understand the cadence of their industry and their audience. Move too early, and you risk confusing or alienating your audience. Move too late, and you’ll miss your window. Timing requires listening—to your community, to the market and to your gut. Mastering this balance ensures that your announcements land with maximum impact.

Applying Mindshare Principles

But let’s not make the mistake of thinking this approach only