Tech alone isn't enough to guarantee a project’s success. Even the most innovative protocols face a critical challenge: getting developers to actually build on their platforms. It’s not just about code, it’s about connecting with people who will bring your vision to life. This is where Developer Relations (DevRel) becomes a make-or-break element for crypto projects.

Why Developers Are Still Not Building on Your Project

Blockchain projects live or die by their ability to attract developers, yet many promising projects struggle with this fundamental aspect. Technical documentation often ends up outdated, incomplete, or difficult to navigate. Messaging frequently resonates with investors but fails to connect with builders. 

Founding teams find themselves wearing too many hats–building the product, pitching investors, managing community, and oh yeah, handling developer support. It’s not sustainable, which leads to bottlenecks and slow response times that frustrate developers trying to build on the platform.

And guess what? Developers don’t wait around. They’ll swiftly jump ship to more welcoming ecosystems, and that represents a huge missed opportunity. 

In crypto’s fiercely competitive landscape, losing developer trust isn't just inconvenient, it's existential.

You Need to Speak the Developer’s Language

Developers evaluate projects through a distinct lens compared to other stakeholders. While investors might focus on tokenomics and market potential, developers prioritize:

• Clear, comprehensive documentation that respects their time.

• Robust code examples they can immediately implement.

• Direct access to technical support when they hit roadblocks.

• A genuine understanding of their workflow and pain points.

• A well-designed developer experience that makes development intuitive and efficient.

Crypto founders often underestimate just how differently developers think. Your project needs to make sense to builders. 

This requires a specialized approach that many crypto teams aren't equipped to provide, especially when founders are already juggling product development, fundraising, and business operations.

DevRel Done Right is a Growth Flywheel

Effective DevRel isn't just about having a Discord server or hosting occasional hackathons. It's a comprehensive strategy that creates a direct connection between your protocol and the builders who bring it to life.

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Documentation that doesn't suck: Clear, up-to-date guides that help developers get from zero to production quickly.

2. Educational content that meets developers where they are: Tutorials, guides, and sample applications that demonstrate real-world use cases.

3. Community management with technical depth: Support team members who can engage meaningfully on technical questions.

4. Continuous feedback loops: Systematic ways to gather and incorporate developer insights.

These elements create a virtuous cycle where better developer experience leads to more adoption, which brings more feedback, resulting in a stronger product. It’s how you turn developer interest into long-term commitment. 

Figure: Example Doc Section

Time is Not on Your Side

Ignoring DevRel costs more than you think:

• Missed integrations: Devs won’t build with protocols that feel like a black box.

• Outdated docs: Poor docs leads to developer frustration and abandonment.

• Talent drain: Contributors leave for projects that value them.

If your project depends on developers, it’s time to prioritize how you reach them.

A Team-Based Approach to DevRel

The most effective DevRel strategies recognize that no single person can handle all aspects of developer engagement. Successful projects need specialists across different areas of expertise. 

• Technical writing and documentation form the foundation.

• Developer advocacy builds community in the trenches. 

• Code wizards build demo apps that show rather than tell.

• Responsive technical support keeps your channels active and ensures developers don't hit dead ends.

At Myosin, our DevRel team brings together these complementary skills to help crypto projects engage more effectively with their technical audiences. By combining deep technical expertise with strong communication skills, we help founders reduce the stress of managing developer relations while improving their projects' adoption and community trust.

Want developers actively building on your platform? Let’s create a DevRel strategy they'll genuinely engage with.