Back to Articles
Jan 16, 20261 month ago

infofi is dead, now what?

S
Scribbler@Defi_Scribbler

AI Summary

Key Insights The article provides a concrete decision framework, posing specific questions to guide readers toward the right path for their goals, whether seeking stable income (Skill Path), leveraging an audience (Creator Path), or both (Hybrid Path). The Skill Acquisition Path is meticulously detailed, outlining 11 specific in-demand skills—from Data Analytics and Blockchain Development to AI Automation and Customer Success—each with a 2-12 month learning roadmap, curated resources, and potential earnings of $35k-$150k+. For the Content Creator Path, the guide mandates a fundamental rebranding away from generic promotion, emphasizing niche specialization, strategic relationship-building with agencies, and diversifying income through sponsorships, affiliates, and consulting. A powerful recommendation is the Hybrid Path, which combines skill-based work for stability with content creation for audience growth, arguing this builds authority and opens multiple opportunity pathways. The author provides realistic success metrics and timelines for both paths, acknowledging the unpredictability of pure content creation while framing the foundational experience gained from InfoFi as valuable preparation for this next, more professional phase.

I know you may be wondering what’s next, how to make money in 2026 now that infofi has ended

here’s the truth, opportunity will always be available for those who prepare themselves

if you participated in Infofi in 2025, you already have valuable experience with web3, community building, and content creation

the question now is how to leverage that foundation into sustainable income

let me break this down into two clear paths forward

quick decision framework: which path Is right for you?

before diving in, ask yourself these questions:

do you want stable, predictable income?

are you willing to invest 3-6 months in focused learning?

do you enjoy technical work or creative production?

do you want to work with projects rather than just promote them?

if you answered "yes" to these questions, choose "skill acquisition path"

next set of questions:

do you genuinely enjoy creating content and have built an audience?

are you comfortable with variable income?

do you have strong networking and relationship-building skills?

do you want flexibility and creative control?

if you answered "yes" to these questions, choose "content creator path"

last set of questions:

do you want multiple income streams?

are you willing to invest more time upfront?

do you enjoy both creating and building?

if you answered "yes" to these questions, choose "hybrid path"

if you're not sure, start with one skill from "skill acquisition path" while maintaining your content presence, you can always adjust

Section 1: Skill Acquisition Paths

the era of easy money is behind us. the next wave of winners will be those with marketable skills - whether that’s content writing, graphic design, video editing, data analytics, or smart contract development

many infofi creators haven’t developed specialized skills yet. the system made it easy to earn through engagement alone, with low barriers to entry

while that gave many creators their first taste of web3 income (and that’s worth celebrating), the landscape has shifted

here’s what’s interesting: while some earned modest amounts from infofi in 2025, this creator made over $60k by charging infofi projects for a simple service

that could be you. if you spent 2025 chasing leaderboards, you can redirect that same energy toward skill-building in 2026

below are carefully curated learning paths. choose one that resonates with you - you won’t regret the investment

TECHNICAL SKILLS

1. Data Analytics

Potential Earnings: $40k - $100k annually

Time to Proficiency: 4-8 months

Best For: People who enjoy finding patterns and telling stories with numbers

Progress Metrics:

Month 1-2: Master Excel/Google Sheets and basic SQL

Month 3-4: Complete Python for data analysis, create first Dune dashboard

Month 5-6: Build portfolio of 3-5 analysis projects

Month 7+: Offer analytics services to DAOs or apply for analyst roles

Learning Resources:

A Guide to On-Chain Analysis and How It Works

Dune Analytics Tutorials

Roadmap to Becoming a Top Crypto Data Analyst

Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

IBM’s Introduction to Data Analytics

Data Analysis with Python

Complete Data Analyst Bootcamp

2. Blockchain Development & DeFi

Potential Earnings: $80k - $150k+ annually

Time to Proficiency: 6-12 months

Best For: People who enjoy problem-solving and technical challenges

Progress Metrics:

Month 1-2: Complete basic JavaScript/Solidity courses

Month 3-4: Deploy your first smart contract to testnet

Month 5-6: Contribute to open-source projects or audit practice contracts

Month 7+: Apply for junior developer roles or freelance audit work

Learning Resources:

JavaScript by Alchemy

Solidity by Alchemy

Solidity For Beginners

Solidity, Blockchain, and Smart Contract Course

DeFi Smart Contract Audit End-to-End

Smart Contract Audits, Security, and DeFi FULL Course

3. Web Development

Potential Earnings: $50k - $120k annually

Time to Proficiency: 6-10 months

Best For: People who want to build products and user interfaces

Progress Metrics:

Month 1-3: HTML, CSS, JavaScript fundamentals

Month 4-6: React and backend basics (Node.js)

Month 7-8: Build 2-3 full portfolio projects

Month 9+: Freelance or apply for junior developer positions

Learning Resources:

Web Development for Absolute Beginners

The Complete Web Development Roadmap

Full Stack Web Development for Beginners

Frontend Web Development Bootcamp Course

The Complete Full-Stack Web Development Bootcamp

The Web Developer Bootcamp 2026

4. Cybersecurity

Potential Earnings: $60k - $130k annually

Time to Proficiency: 6-12 months

Best For: Detail-oriented people interested in security and risk management

Progress Metrics:

Month 1-3: Complete foundational cybersecurity courses

Month 4-6: Learn penetration testing basics, practice on CTF platforms

Month 7-9: Earn entry-level certification (Security+ or similar)

Month 10+: Apply for security analyst roles or offer services to Web3 projects

Learning Resources:

Foundations of Cybersecurity

Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools & Cyberattacks

CREATIVE & DESIGN SKILLS

5. Graphic Design & Motion Graphics

Potential Earnings: $35k - $80k annually

Time to Proficiency: 3-6 months

Best For: Visual thinkers who enjoy creating eye-catching content

Progress Metrics:

Month 1-2: Master Canva and design fundamentals

Month 3-4: Learn advanced tools (Adobe Suite or alternatives)

Month 5-6: Build portfolio of 10-15 pieces, start offering services

Month 7+: Secure regular clients or join design team

Learning Resources:

Graphic Design:

Canva Masterclass: Beginner to Pro

Beginners’ Guide to Graphic Design

Graphic Design Basics | FREE COURSE

Graphic Design Masterclass

Complete Graphics Design Bootcamp

Motion Graphics:

How to Create Motion Graphics with AI

Motion Graphics Tutorial in Canva

Complete Intro to Motion Design | After Effects

Motion Design Workflow

Motion Design Masterclass

6. Video Content Creation & Editing

Potential Earnings: $40k - $90k annually

Time to Proficiency: 3-5 months

Best For: Storytellers who enjoy working with video content

Progress Metrics:

Month 1-2: Learn editing software basics (CapCut, Premiere Pro)

Month 3-4: Create 5-10 sample videos for portfolio

Month 5+: Offer editing services or create own content channel

Learning Resources:

How To Become a Content Creator - Complete Beginner’s Guide

How to Make High Quality YouTube Videos on Your Phone

10 Mobile Videography Tips For Beginners

Freelance Editing: Launch Your Career

Complete Filmmaker Guide

Video Production Bootcamp

Premiere Pro Pt. 2 — Transitions, Graphics & Animation

AI & AUTOMATION SKILLS

7. Generative AI & Prompt Engineering

Potential Earnings: $45k - $95k annually

Time to Proficiency: 2-4 months

Best For: Early adopters who want to leverage cutting-edge technology

Progress Metrics:

Month 1: Master prompt engineering fundamentals

Month 2-3: Build AI-powered tools or workflows

Month 4+: Offer AI consulting or automation services

Learning Resources:

Introduction To Generative AI

Generative AI and Prompt Engineering For Beginners

Generative AI for Everyone

Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics

Building and Deploying Generative AI Models

8. AI Automation (n8n)

Potential Earnings: $50k - $110k annually

Time to Proficiency: 3-5 months

Best For: People who enjoy connecting systems and streamlining workflows

Progress Metrics:

Month 1-2: Master n8n basics and common integrations

Month 3-4: Build 3-5 automation projects

Month 5+: Offer automation services to businesses

Learning Resources:

AI Automation and Agentic AI Basics

N8N Full Course: Build AI Automations in 2025

N8N FULL COURSE 6 HOURS

n8n - AI Agents & Automations (No-code!)

AI Automation: Build LLM Apps with n8n

AI Voice Agents: Automation with Vapi & n8n

9. YouTube Automation

Potential Earnings: $30k - $100k+ annually (highly variable)

Time to Proficiency: 3-6 months

Best For: People interested in building scalable content businesses

Progress Metrics:

Month 1-2: Study successful faceless channels, plan niche

Month 3-4: Launch channel, publish 10-15 videos

Month 5-6: Optimize based on analytics, reach monetization threshold

Month 7+: Scale with team or multiple channels

Learning Resources:

Free YouTube Automation Course

YouTube Automation Full Course 2026

YouTube Content Creation Essentials

Master Faceless YouTube with AI & ChatGPT

YouTube Automation + Faceless Channel Using AI

How to Start & Monetize Fast

BUSINESS & MARKETING SKILLS

10. Digital Marketing & Social Media Management

Potential Earnings: $40k - $85k annually

Time to Proficiency: 3-5 months

Best For: People-oriented individuals who understand online behavior

Progress Metrics:

Month 1-2: Learn marketing fundamentals and platform algorithms

Month 3-4: Manage social accounts (your own or volunteer clients)

Month 5+: Build case studies and offer paid services

Learning Resources:

Marketing Fundamentals:

Introduction To Marketing | Marketing 101

Marketing For Beginners

Mega Digital Marketing Course A-Z

Social Media Specific:

How To Become A Social Media Manager

Content Management Systems Explained

Social Media Management

Social Media Marketing Training

11. Customer Support & Success

Potential Earnings: $35k - $70k annually

Time to Proficiency: 2-3 months

Best For: Empathetic communicators who enjoy helping others

Progress Metrics:

Month 1: Complete customer service fundamentals

Month 2-3: Practice through Discord/Telegram community management

Month 4+: Apply for customer success roles in Web3 projects

Learning Resources:

Customer Service Fundamentals

Introduction to Customer Service

Customer Service, Support, and Experience

Customer Service Essentials: Soft Skills

Section 2: Content Creator Path

if you genuinely enjoy creating content and have built an audience through infofi, you don’t need to abandon that completely. however, the approach needs to evolve significantly

the fundamental shift: your income now depends on the quality and uniqueness of your content and your relationships with decision-makers, not just volume and project promotion.

Step 1: Rebrand Beyond InfoFi

What to stop doing:

Posting about the same project every single day (rewards are gone)

Generic engagement farming without substance

Copy-paste content from other creators

Treating your audience like ATMs

What to start doing:

Share educational content about what you’re learning

Document your journey (building skills, exploring new projects)

Provide unique analysis or perspectives

Engage authentically with your community

Progress Metrics:

Week 1-2: Audit your profile, reduce pure shill content

Week 3-4: Define your new niche and content pillars

Month 2: Post consistently (3-5x daily) in your chosen vertical

Month 3+: Track engagement quality over quantity

Step 2: Choose Your Vertical

Stop trying to cover everything. Choose 1-2 areas that genuinely interest you:

Potential Verticals:

Prediction Markets (@Polymarket,@Kalshi, etc.)

DeFi Protocols (lending, DEXs, derivatives)

NFTs & Digital Collectibles

Infrastructure (L1s, L2s, tooling)

AI x Crypto (AI agents, data marketplaces)

Memecoins

You don’t need to be an expert starting out. Your learning process is the content.

Example of Content Framework:

Monday: Educational post about your vertical

Wednesday: Projects deep-dive or comparison

Friday: Weekly recap or personal insights

Regular: Engage with others in your niche

Step 3: Build Strategic Relationships

Your deal flow depends on relationships with agencies and project teams.

How to stand out:

Quality over quantity: Create 1 exceptional post per day rather than 7 mediocre posts

Be genuinely helpful: Answer questions, share resources, support other creators

Show expertise: Demonstrate knowledge in your vertical through analysis

Network authentically: Comment thoughtfully on others’ content, join relevant spaces

Stay visible: Consistency matters, don’t disappear for weeks

Competition is fierce. Thousands of creators are competing for the same campaigns. But agencies need creators who:

Deliver quality content on time

Have engagement, not just large follower count

Understand the projects they promote

Are professional and easy to work with

Step 4: Diversify Your Content Income

Don’t rely solely on campaign work. Build multiple revenue streams:

Potential Income Sources:

Sponsored content (campaigns from agencies)

Affiliate programs (exchanges, wallets, tools)

Consulting (help projects with content strategy)

Educational products (guides, courses for beginners)

Community management (Discord/Telegram moderator roles)

Newsletter sponsorships (if you build an email list)

Income expectations:

Early stage (months 1-3): $500-$2,000/month

Growing (months 4-8): $2,000-$5,000/month

Established (9+ months): $5,000-$15,000+/month

These are rough estimates and vary greatly based on audience size, engagement, and niche.

Step 5: Combine Skills + Content

Here’s where it gets powerful: combine Section 1 skills with content creation.

Examples:

Data Analyst + Content Creator: Share unique on-chain insights → attract data analysis clients

Designer + Content Creator: Showcase your work → land design gigs from projects you cover

Developer + Content Creator: Build in public → get hired for smart contract work

Marketer + Content Creator: Prove your expertise → consulting opportunities

This hybrid approach gives you:

Stable income from skill-based work

Variable income from content

Authority in your niche

Multiple pathways to opportunities

The hard truth about content creation: Let me be honest, pure content creation is harder now than skill-based work.

Income is unpredictable

Algorithms change constantly

Competition is intense

It takes time to build audience and authority

Burnout is common

But if you love it, it’s worth pursuing because:

You control your schedule and creative direction

Your audience is an asset that grows over time

Opportunities compound (partnerships, etc.)

The upside potential is significant

My recommendation: Start learning a skill from Section 1 while building your content brand.

This gives you financial stability while you grow your audience. Many successful creators have “day jobs” or freelance skills that fund their content journey.

Content Creator Success Metrics

Month 1-3:

Defined niche and consistent posting schedule

Engagement rate improving (even if follower count isn’t)

First 1-2 campaign opportunities or affiliate signups

Month 4-6:

Regular campaign invites (2-4 per month)

Growing network of creator peers and agency contacts

Side income from skills or affiliates

Month 7-12:

Consistent monthly income ($2k-$5k+)

Strong reputation in chosen vertical

Inbound opportunities from projects

Year 2+:

Premium campaign rates

Consulting or advisory roles

Potential to launch your own products/services

Final Thoughts:

InfoFi may be dead, but AttentionFi lives. And in Web3, attention when built authentically can be converted into real opportunities and income.

InfoFi gave many of you your first taste of Web3 earning. That experience wasn’t wasted, it taught you Web3 fundamentals, you learned about blockchain, built an audience, and developed content skills. Now it’s time to build on that foundation.

By
SScribbler