Promoting ADA via Ads on Ashewa E-commerce Platform

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Tewodros Sintayehu Teshome

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

10

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will integrate ADA & Cardano blockchain ads into popular platforms, promoting educational content & use cases. This will increase global awareness, attract new users, & drive adoption of Cardano.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

We will release the project's code under the MIT License, ensuring that it remains open source throughout the lifecycle. This type of license will allow developers to freely modify, use, and share the code while maintaining proper attribution to the original creators. All elements related to the ad integration platform, such as the user interface, smart contract code, and backend functionalities, will be fully open source. We believe this open-source approach will foster community collaboration, ensuring continuous improvement and transparency.

[METADATA] Horizons

E-commerce

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our solution to the problem of low awareness and limited adoption of ADA and Cardano blockchain is to integrate targeted advertisements across various digital platforms. We will create a decentralized advertising integration system that promotes Cardano's capabilities and ADA through strategically placed ads across websites, apps, and social media platforms.

Problem Perception

Currently, Cardano and ADA face slow mainstream adoption, partly due to a lack of awareness. Despite Cardano's strong technological foundation, the general public and businesses are often unaware of its benefits compared to other blockchains. The absence of targeted outreach makes it difficult to attract new users and investors to the ecosystem.

Why This Approach

By utilizing the power of digital advertising, we can reach a large and diverse audience globally. Ads can highlight Cardano’s key features, such as its proof-of-stake model, scalability, sustainability, and its advanced smart contract functionality. These ads will target users who are likely to benefit from blockchain technology but may not yet be familiar with Cardano. This approach is scalable and measurable, making it an effective strategy to drive both awareness and adoption.

Target Audience

This project will engage several groups, including

• General Consumers: Introducing them to ADA as a digital currency and Cardano’s blockchain as a secure, sustainable platform for future applications.
• Developers: Showcasing Cardano’s tools for building decentralized applications (dApps).
• Investors: Promoting ADA as a viable cryptocurrency for portfolio diversification.
• Businesses: Encouraging them to consider adopting Cardano’s blockchain for their operational needs, such as smart contracts and decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions.

Demonstrating Impact

To measure the impact of our solution, we will track the following key performance indicators (KPIs)

• Ad Impressions and Engagement: Measuring how many people see and interact with the ads.
• Conversions: The number of new ADA holders, dApp developers, and businesses onboarded.
• Cardano Ecosystem Growth: Tracking the growth in the number of ADA transactions, wallets, and projects built on Cardano following the ad campaign.

Unique Solution

What sets this solution apart is its focus on digital outreach in a decentralized manner. Instead of relying on traditional marketing campaigns that may be siloed or restricted by centralized platforms, our decentralized ad integration system will allow Cardano to spread its message effectively. The ads will be designed to capture attention through clear messaging, focusing on the unique strengths of the Cardano ecosystem.

By using this approach, we hope to boost Cardano’s adoption by providing widespread, targeted, and scalable marketing that promotes Cardano’s blockchain technology to millions worldwide. This will contribute to a greater understanding of the benefits of decentralized systems, helping Cardano become the blockchain of choice for future applications.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

The Ads Integration for ADA and Cardano Blockchain project will significantly contribute to the growth and mainstream recognition of the Cardano ecosystem. By strategically placing ads across digital platforms, we will increase awareness of Cardano’s technological capabilities and encourage wider adoption of ADA as a cryptocurrency.

This will have several positive impacts

1. Increase in ADA Adoption: As more people become aware of ADA and its benefits, we anticipate an increase in new users, developers, and businesses interacting with the Cardano blockchain. This will help Cardano gain a larger market share in the cryptocurrency space.
2. Ecosystem Growth: Promoting Cardano’s features, such as smart contracts, staking, and its proof-of-stake model, will lead to more decentralized applications (dApps) being built on the platform, expanding its utility and ecosystem.
3. Global Reach and Awareness: The ad campaign will target a global audience, providing exposure to users in regions that may not be familiar with Cardano. This will also attract developers, investors, and enterprises from around the world, fostering global collaboration and innovation on Cardano.
4. Encouraging Blockchain Innovation: By educating the public and businesses about the possibilities of using blockchain technology for real-world applications, we’ll inspire more creative projects and decentralized solutions on Cardano.

Measuring Impact:

We will measure the success of the project using both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

• Quantitative Metrics:
• Ad Reach and Engagement: Number of impressions, clicks, and conversions from the ad campaigns.
• New Users: Growth in the number of ADA wallet holders and transaction volume.
• Ecosystem Growth: Increase in the number of dApps, smart contracts, and active projects on the Cardano blockchain.
• Website Traffic: Number of visitors to the Cardano and ADA websites from the ads, and time spent on site.

• Qualitative Metrics

• User Feedback: Collecting feedback from new ADA holders, developers, and businesses about their experience with Cardano after being introduced to it through the campaign.
• Community Engagement: Monitoring discussions on social media platforms and forums regarding Cardano, influenced by the outreach efforts.
• Adoption by Enterprises: Tracking partnerships or adoption of Cardano by enterprises following the exposure to the campaign.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

• Reports and Analytics: We will produce detailed reports on the performance of the ads, showing how many users interacted with them and how this impacted Cardano’s adoption metrics. These reports will be shared with the Cardano community via Project Catalyst forums, social media, and community update channels.
• Knowledge Sharing: We will make our advertising strategy and methods publicly available to allow other blockchain projects in the Cardano ecosystem to replicate the campaign approach for their own projects.
• Collaborative Events: We will host webinars and virtual meetups to share the results and learnings from the campaign, providing insights into how targeted advertising can effectively drive blockchain adoption.

This project will deliver measurable value to the Cardano ecosystem by creating a scalable, targeted outreach campaign to boost awareness, adoption, and development on Cardano.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team possesses a unique combination of expertise in blockchain technology, marketing, and digital advertising, making us well-equipped to deliver this project successfully. The following capabilities showcase our preparedness

1. Marketing and Ad Campaign Management

• Our team has extensive experience in managing digital marketing campaigns across Google Ads, social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), and native advertising networks. We’ve previously delivered successful campaigns with measurable outcomes for blockchain and tech-related projects.

1. Content Creation & Design

• With content creators, graphic designers, and copywriters on the team, we are capable of producing high-quality, engaging content that effectively communicates the value of ADA and Cardano. From ad copy to landing pages, we’ll ensure all materials are visually appealing, clear, and informative.

1. Data Analytics and Optimization

• Our team has experience in data tracking and performance analysis, which will allow us to monitor ad performance and adjust campaigns in real-time to maximize effectiveness. This ensures that we make data-driven decisions to optimize spending and improve outcomes.

Feasibility & Execution Plan

1. Planning Phase:

• We will develop a comprehensive advertising strategy, selecting target audiences, ad formats, and digital platforms for maximum reach. This phase will also involve crafting ad content, landing pages, and promotional materials.

1. Implementation Phase:

• We will execute the advertising campaigns across selected platforms, ensuring they align with our objectives of promoting ADA and Cardano. We’ll monitor each campaign closely, making necessary adjustments to improve engagement and conversion.

1. Validation through Metrics:

• Our approach will be validated through rigorous tracking of key performance indicators (KPIs) such as click-through rates (CTR), conversions, and user engagement. We will use tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and blockchain explorer data to measure the real-world impact of our efforts.

Trust & Accountability

1. Transparent Fund Management:

• We will ensure full transparency in how funds are managed and spent. A detailed financial plan will be created, outlining specific costs for ad placements, content creation, and campaign management.
• Regular budget reports will be submitted to the Cardano Project Catalyst community, ensuring clear accountability for every ADA spent.

1. Regular Progress Reporting:

• We will provide regular updates on milestones reached, campaign performance metrics, and overall progress to the Cardano community. These updates will be shared via Project Catalyst’s reporting channels and on our dedicated website for the project.

1. Collaborative Feedback Process:

• We will actively engage with the Cardano community and project stakeholders, encouraging feedback throughout the project. This will ensure that our campaigns align with the ecosystem’s goals and deliver the highest possible value.

Track Record of Success

We have a proven history of delivering high-quality digital marketing campaigns and managing blockchain-related projects. Our past projects have included promoting dApps, boosting cryptocurrency adoption, and helping blockchain startups gain visibility in competitive markets. We have consistently met deadlines, managed budgets responsibly, and delivered tangible results that validate our ability to manage this project with high levels of trust and accountability.

By leveraging our skills in digital marketing and blockchain technology, combined with robust reporting mechanisms, we are confident that we can deliver a successful advertising campaign that promotes ADA and Cardano on a global scale.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Initial Planning and Setup (Month 1-2)

• Objective: Lay the groundwork for the advertising campaign.

• Activities

• Finalize campaign strategy, target audience, and ad platforms.
• Prepare ad content, visuals, and landing pages.
• Set up tracking tools and analytics for performance monitoring.

• Acceptance Criteria

• Completion of ad content (banners, videos, landing pages).
• Set up Google Analytics, social media analytics, and other tracking tools.
• Detailed report on campaign objectives, platforms, and target audience.

Launch of Pilot Advertising Campaign (Month 3-4)

• Objective: Launch an initial pilot campaign to test performance.

• Activities

• Run ads on selected platforms (e.g., Google, Facebook, Twitter).
• Track ad performance using metrics such as CTR, conversions, and impressions.
• Collect user feedback and optimize ad performance.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Pilot campaign launched successfully.
• Detailed report on ad performance metrics (CTR, conversions, engagement rates).
• List of identified optimizations for scaling the campaign.

Full-Scale Advertising Campaign (Month 5-6)

• Objective: Expand the campaign after pilot results.

• Activities

• Optimize ad content and targeting based on pilot feedback.
• Scale the campaign across multiple platforms, increasing budget allocation for ads with the best performance.
• Continue tracking and optimizing in real-time.

• Acceptance Criteria

• Full-scale campaign running on multiple platforms.
• Detailed report on ad performance, optimizations, and ROI analysis.
• Achievement of key performance goals (e.g., increased ADA awareness, user signups, app downloads).

 Partnership & Community Engagement (Month 7-8)

• Objective: Build partnerships and increase community engagement around ADA and Cardano.

• Activities

• Engage with influencers and communities for cross-promotions.
• Host online events or webinars to promote ADA.
• Leverage partnerships to amplify ad reach and community involvement.

• Acceptance Criteria

• Reports on established partnerships and community engagement metrics.
• Documented evidence of online events, webinars, or promotional collaborations.
• Increased social media following, user engagement, and community participation.

Project Close-out and Final Report (Month 9-10)

• Objective Conclude the project and deliver a final impact report.

• Activities
• Final performance analysis of the advertising campaign.
• Document lessons learned and key takeaways.
• Produce a video report summarizing the project and its impact.

• Acceptance Criteria

• Final report on campaign performance, impact, and budget allocation.
• Submission of video report detailing the success and outcomes of the project.
• Feedback collected from stakeholders and the Cardano community.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Tewodros Sintayehu Teshome (Project Lead)

• Role: Overall project management, strategic planning, and community outreach.
• Responsibilities: Tewodros is a crypto community creator and influencer, playing a crucial role in guiding the project from concept to completion. He will oversee marketing, partnerships, and ensure that ADA adoption is promoted effectively through the Ashewa e-commerce platform. With a deep understanding of the crypto space, he will lead community engagement and drive educational content around ADA.

Dejene Hailu Ayele (Co-Founder, Ashewa Tech)

• Role: Technical lead and platform integration expert.
• Responsibilities: Dejene is a higher official and co-founder at Ashewa Tech, leading the technical aspects of the integration of ADA payments into the e-commerce platform. His experience in building scalable platforms will ensure the seamless technical implementation of the blockchain-related aspects of the project.
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dejene-hailu/

Additional Leadership Team Members:

1. Daniel Bekele – Chief Executive Officer
2. Role: Daniel will oversee the overall execution and ensure that the project aligns with Ashewa Tech's long-term vision. He will manage relationships with external partners and stakeholders.
3. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-bekele-a174991b8/
4. Feleke Feyissa – Chief Technology Officer
5. Role: Feleke will assist Dejene in managing the technical implementation, ensuring that the Cardano blockchain integrates smoothly into Ashewa’s systems.
6. Linkedin:
7. Seifu Admasu – Chief of Staff
8. Role: Seifu will ensure smooth internal communication and coordination across teams, helping to meet the project’s deadlines and objectives.
9. Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/seifu-admassu-4138a8b9/
10. Birhanu Hailu – Sales Division Manager
11. Role: Birhanu will be responsible for creating partnerships with merchants and businesses, encouraging them to adopt ADA as a payment option on the Ashewa platform.
12. Mohamed Siraj – Chief Marketing Officer
13. Role: Mohamed will lead the marketing strategies in collaboration with the Marketing and Outreach Specialist to drive awareness and adoption of ADA payments on the platform.
14. Kasse Assefa – Resource Mobilization Manager
15. Role: Kasse will manage the financial and logistical resources required for the project's success, ensuring that the project has the necessary funding and support.
16. LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasse-assefa-lakew-b85264202/

1. Dawit Wale – E-commerce G/Manager
2. Role: Dawit will ensure smooth integration of ADA payments into the e-commerce platform, working closely with the technical and marketing teams to create a seamless user experience.
3. Million Abay – Finance Manager
4. Role: Million will oversee financial transactions processed through the ADA payment gateway, ensuring compliance with regulations and secure handling of transactions.
5. Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/million-abay-398307316/
6. Tewabe AlemaYehu – Human Resource Manager
7. Role: Tewabe will manage recruitment efforts, bringing in new talent such as blockchain developers, marketing specialists, and technical support staff as needed for the project.
8. Belete Dagnachew – Hybrid E-learning G/Manager
9. Role: Belete will help create educational content and tutorials for merchants and users to understand how to adopt and use ADA payments effectively on the platform.

Additional Team Members (To be Recruited):

• Blockchain Developer
• Responsibilities: The developer will handle the integration of ADA payments into the Ashewa platform, ensuring a secure and scalable payment gateway using Cardano’s blockchain. We are looking for a candidate with strong experience in blockchain development, preferably with expertise in Cardano.
• Marketing and Outreach Specialist
• Responsibilities: This role will focus on creating educational and promotional content to raise awareness of the ADA integration on Ashewa. The individual will manage campaigns, work with influencers, and engage with the Cardano community to promote the use of ADA.

Engagement with Technical Channels:

We are in touch with developers and marketing experts through Telegram and Discord channels, and we have a direct line of communication with Ashewa Tech, ensuring the required resources are available. We have also established initial conversations with blockchain developers within the Cardano ecosystem to contribute to the technical aspects of the project.

Confidence in Project Success:

With the existing leadership team and the planned recruits, we are confident in the expertise and capacity to deliver the project successfully, ensuring the integration of ADA payments into Ashewa's e-commerce platform.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

1. Development and Technical Integration (30,000 ADA)

• Platform Integration: Modifying Ashewa’s platform to incorporate Cardano blockchain promotion through ads, and ensuring ADA support for transactions.
• Third-Party Software/Tools: Licenses and services required for ad analytics and tracking integration.
• Technical Support and Maintenance: Ongoing support to ensure the smooth operation of the integrated ads.

2. Marketing & Promotion (25,000 ADA)

• Ad Campaign Development: Creating compelling ads promoting ADA and Cardano for display on Ashewa.
• Design Services: Engaging designers to create visually appealing and educational ad content.
• Marketing Outreach: Paid ad campaigns and collaborations with influencers and partners to spread awareness.

3. Project Management & Team Salaries (10,000 ADA)

• Project Coordination: Managing timelines, deliverables, and collaboration between development and marketing teams.
• Team Salaries: Covering salaries for team members involved in content creation, development, and management.
• Reporting and Updates: Preparing regular updates and reports for the Cardano community and stakeholders.

4. Documentation & Reporting (5,000 ADA)

• Progress Reporting: Regular reports on project progress, ad performance, and integration metrics.
• Final Project Report & Close-out: Summarizing the success of the project, lessons learned, and future opportunities.

5. Community Engagement & Feedback (5,000 ADA)

• User Engagement: Engaging with users and gathering feedback on the educational ad content through surveys or other platforms.
• Workshops & Events: Organizing small events or workshops to discuss the impact of ADA and Cardano.

Total: 80,000 ADA

This cost breakdown is designed to reflect the necessary resources and milestones, with a focus on delivering a successful ad integration project that can effectively promote ADA and Cardano through an existing e-commerce platform.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The 80,000 ADA requested for this project represents excellent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem, as the budget has been carefully allocated based on regional and industry standards. Here’s a breakdown of how the costs align with industry rates and how they contribute to the overall success of the project:

1. Platform Integration & Development (30,000 ADA):
2. The development cost reflects the typical freelance rates for blockchain developers and software engineers. Integrating ADA payments and advertisements into an existing e-commerce platform requires specialized expertise, which ensures that the solution is secure, scalable, and optimized for user adoption. This cost is justified by the high-quality infrastructure needed to facilitate smooth and secure ADA transactions.
3. Marketing & Promotion (25,000 ADA):
4. The marketing budget is designed to generate significant exposure for ADA and the Cardano blockchain. Given the global potential of Ashewa’s e-commerce platform, these funds will be used for targeted digital campaigns, influencer marketing, and educational content. The allocation is proportional to industry rates for advertising and community outreach, ensuring wide-reaching visibility and user engagement.

• Project Management & Salaries (10,000 ADA)

This allocation covers the project team, including developers, project managers, and marketing specialists. The salaries are based on regional wage levels, ensuring cost efficiency while maintaining a high level of expertise. By hiring locally, we can reduce costs while ensuring the project is managed effectively and delivered on time.

• Documentation & Reporting (5,000 ADA)

Transparent reporting and detailed documentation are vital for tracking progress and sharing insights with the Cardano community. The budget includes the use of tools and platforms that enable efficient data collection and sharing, ensuring accountability and providing a clear return on investment.

• Community Engagement 5,000 ADA

To ensure ongoing user interaction and feedback, the budget covers engagement initiatives such as workshops, events, and community outreach. By fostering a strong connection with the community, this project will drive greater ADA adoption, building a long-term user base and promoting Cardano’s values of decentralization and inclusivity.

Cost Justification

The costs have been carefully determined based on local wage rates and typical freelance fees for developers and marketing professionals in the blockchain industry. By leveraging local talent and established networks, we can deliver high-impact results at a fraction of the cost typically seen in other regions. This ensures that the funds are used efficiently, delivering maximum value for the Cardano ecosystem.

In summary, this project will use its budget effectively to drive ADA adoption, create awareness of the Cardano blockchain, and deliver a real-world use case with long-term benefits for the community. The detailed planning and alignment with industry standards demonstrate that the project represents strong value for money.