How to Buy ICO Tokens for Beginners in 2023
Disclaimer: The Industry Talk section features insights by crypto industry players and is not a part of the editorial content of Cryptonews.com.
Initial coin offerings (ICO) offer access to brand-new crypto projects – usually at a discounted price for early investors.
In this beginner’s guide, we explain how to buy ICO tokens. Read on to discover where to buy ICO tokens and which crypto startups are worth watching.
How to Buy ICO Tokens – Quick Guide
Let’s start with a quick walkthrough of how to buy ICO tokens:
- Step 1: Decide which ICO tokens to buy – First, lots of research needs to be done on which ICO tokens to purchase. Read the chosen project’s whitepaper and look into its roadmap and tokenomics. A good starting point is Love Hate Inu (LHINU) – a new crypto startup bridging the gap between blockchain and voting.
- Step 2: Set up a crypto wallet – After choosing a suitable ICO project, download a crypto wallet. This is required to invest in ICOs. MetaMask is a popular option with beginners.
- Step 3: Obtain crypto tokens that the ICO supports – The next step is to obtain a crypto token that the ICO supports. Love Hate Inu, like many ICOs, accepts Ethereum and Tether. Buy one of these tokens and transfer them to MetaMask.
- Step 4: Buy and claim ICO tokens – Finally, visit the Love Hate Inu website and connect the MetaMask wallet. Then, choose how many LHINU tokens to buy and confirm the investment. The tokens will then be deducted from MetaMask. Claim the LHINU tokens after the ICO has finished.
Read on for a detailed explanation of how to invest in ICO tokens.
How to Buy ICO Tokens – Step-by-Step Tutorial
Now let’s dive into a more comprehensive tutorial on how to buy ICO tokens. In this example, we explain the steps required to invest in the AiDoge ICO. This project has developed a ‘meme generator’ that is backed by AI. Its native token, Ai, is required to use the tool.
Step 1: Download and Install MetaMask Wallet
To begin with, ICO investors will need a crypto wallet. This is a core requirement when learning how to buy ICO crypto tokens. Not only in terms of storage but transferring tokens to the ICO website.
There are hundreds of crypto wallets, but MetaMask is a great option for newbies. MetaMask comes as a browser extension for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Prefer investing on a smartphone device? MetaMask also comes as an app for Android and iOS.
Download MetaMask and set up a new wallet. Choose a password and take note of the 12-word backup passphrase.
Step 2: Buy a Crypto Token Supported by the ICO
ICOs enable investors to buy their new cryptocurrency with an established token. In the case of AiDoge, the ICO accepts Ethereum and Tether. Those that are completely new to crypto will need to purchase one of these tokens to invest in the AiDoge ICO.
In our view, eToro is the best crypto exchange to buy established tokens like Ethereum. Investors can open an account in minutes and make a deposit with a debit/credit card or e-wallet. The minimum investment is just $10, and eToro offers fee-free deposits on USD payments.
The process to buy Ethereum at eToro is as follows:
- Visit the eToro website and register an account
- Make a deposit, choosing from a debit/credit card, e-wallet, or bank wire
- Search for ‘Ethereum’ and click ‘Trade’
- Type in the investment amount in USD and confirm the order
- Ethereum will then be added to the investor’s eToro web wallet
Step 3: Transfer Tokens to MetaMask
Now that Ethereum or Tether has been purchased, the tokens need to be transferred to Metamask. This will enable the user to invest in the AiDoge ICO.
So, open the Metamask wallet and click on ‘Assets’. Towards the top of the interface, the wallet address is displayed beneath ‘Account 1’. Copy the wallet address.
The tokens can then be transferred to the wallet, with the transaction usually taking 1-2 minutes to process.
Step 4: Visit ICO Website and Set Up an Order
Once the Metamask wallet has Ethereum or Tether tokens, the next step is to visit the AiDoge website.
The order box for the ICO is on the right-hand side of the homepage. Choose from Ethereum or Tether as the payment currency. Then type in the number of Ethereum or Tether tokens to invest. The number of equivalent AiDoge tokens will update in the subsequent box.
Step 5: Connect Wallet and Confirm ICO Order
Next, click on the ‘Buy Now’ button. A box will then pop up asking to select the preferred wallet. Choose Metamask and open the wallet.
Metamask will show details of the transaction between the wallet and the AiDoge ICO. After confirming the transaction, the Ethereum or Tether tokens will be transferred to the ICO wallet.
This means that the ICO investment has been completed successfully. Go back to the AiDoge website after the ICO and claim the Ai tokens. The Ai tokens will then be transferred to the same Metamask wallet.
What are ICO Tokens?
Before cryptocurrencies are listed on exchanges, they usually go through an initial coin offering (ICO). In simple terms, this enables investors to buy the startup’s new cryptocurrency token before it is sold to the public.
Crypto ICOs are a win-win situation for both investors and blockchain startups.
- For crypto startups, this enables the project to raise capital from investors to help fund their operations.
- For crypto investors, this enables them to buy the ICO tokens at a discounted price – as an incentive to invest early.
ICOs are very similar to initial public offerings (IPOs). For instance, those that invested in the Tesla IPO in 2010 received shares at a preferential price. The Tesla shares were listed on the NASDAQ exchange after the IPO and have since gone on to generate significant gains.
This is much the same as how ICO works. For example, those investing in the Ethereum ICO in 2014 would have paid just $0.31 per token. Since then, Ethereum has hit highs of nearly $5,000. This translates into gains of over 1.5 million percent.
As we unravel in more detail later on, Ethereum isn’t the only ICO token that has generated huge returns for early investors. On the contrary, there are plenty of other success stories.
Are ICO Tokens the Same as Other Cryptocurrencies?
There are many terms used in the cryptocurrency investment space, and some are used interchangeably. For example, ICO tokens refer to newly launched cryptocurrencies that are in their fundraising stage. As such, ICO tokens are also referred to as cryptocurrencies.
- Both ICO tokens and cryptocurrencies are backed by blockchain technology.
- For example, XRP is backed by the Ripple blockchain. And AiDoge is backed by the Ethereum blockchain.
- Some cryptocurrencies have their own native blockchain.
- In this instance, the cryptocurrency is defined as a ‘coin’.
- Bitcoin, Cardano, Litecoin, and many others have their own blockchain.
In other cases, cryptocurrencies will build their ecosystem on a legacy network. For example, thousands of cryptocurrencies operate on the Ethereum blockchain, and these are known as ERC-20 tokens.
There are also thousands of cryptocurrencies listed on the Binance Smart Chain, and these are known as BSC tokens.
In other words, if a cryptocurrency is built on a legacy blockchain, they are referred to as ‘tokens’ rather than ‘coins. This is the case with the vast majority of ICO cryptocurrencies.
Why Invest in ICO Tokens?
Below, we discuss some of the reasons why seasoned investors are constantly searching for the best crypto ICOs.
Discounted Entry Price
Crypto ICOs typically incentive investors with an attractive entry price. This means that the investor will buy the ICO token before it is listed on a crypto exchange.
Once again this is similar to IPOs, as the shares will be sold at a discount before they hit a stock exchange.
- A great example of this is the AiDoge ICO.
- The ICO is being offered across 20 stages.
- And as each stage sells out the price of ICO increases.
- Stage one, for instance, enables early investors to buy AiDoge tokens at just $0.000026.
- By the final stage, the price will have increased to $0.0000336.
This converts to an upside of 30% for stage one investors.
Small Market Capitalization
Crypto ICOs generally seek to raise a modest amount of capital. At least when compared to IPOs. For example, AiDoge is looking to raise $14.9 million during its ICO. The ICO is selling 50% of the total supply of tokens, meaning that the market capitalization will be just $29.8 million.
In reality, this is a very small market capitalization. After all, the top 100 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization currently range from $400 million to over $570 billion.
This means that ICO tokens like AiDoge offer early investors a huge upside potential. While it can take time to see sizable gains, long-term investors often see the best investment results.
That said, Shiba Inu, which was launched in mid-2020 – took just one year to become a billion-dollar cryptocurrency. This is also the case with other ICO tokens that were able to create hype and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
Invest in New Ideas and Concepts
The Ethereum ICO was hugely popular with investors, largely because of its ‘smart contract’ concept. This took blockchain and cryptocurrencies to the next level, with previous networks focusing exclusively on payments.
This is the case with many ICOs, which offer solutions to real-world problems. For example, AiDoge is creating a meme-generation tool that is backed by AI. Users simply need to provide a text prompt, and the AI tool will generate a new, unique meme.
Then there’s Love Hate Inu, which has developed a vote-to-earn dashboard on the Ethereum blockchain. Put simply, users will earn crypto rewards when voting on the Love Hate Inu dashboard.
In another example, Ecoterra has developed a recycle-to-earn concept. In a nutshell, those recycling their unwanted goods via an Ecoterra reverse vending machine (RVM) will receive tokenized rewards.
Crucially, the best ICO tokens are those that bring a new idea or concept to the market. This gives the token the best chance possible of going mainstream and generating attractive returns for early investors.
Easy to Diversify
Crypto ICOs are increasingly becoming popular with new blockchain startups. This means there are plenty of opportunities for investors seeking above-average returns.
However, ICOs are also risky, considering they are backed by new and unproven concepts. That said, investors can consider diversifying into lots of different ICO tokens to help reduce the risk.
This means that instead of investing $1,000 into one ICO, the funds could be split across 10 different projects at $100 each. In doing so, only one of the ICO tokens purchased needs to go mainstream for the investor to witness sizable growth.
What are the Top Tokens to Buy Now?
New ICO tokens enter the market on almost a daily basis. This makes it challenging to assess the best crypto to buy.
Below, we help clear the mist by discussing some of the best emerging cryptocurrencies currently available at ICO prices.
AiDoge
We mentioned AiDoge several times in this guide and for good reason – this is one of the best ICOs of 2023. AiDoge has developed a simple yet highly effective meme-generation tool. Backed by AI, the tool allows users to create engaging memes that are unique. Not only does each meme come with high-quality images but they are backed by NFTs.
This means that the user behind the meme can verify they are the original creator. After all, popular memes often resurface on social media millions of times. Best of all, AiDoge is perfectly suited to complete beginners. Users only need to type in a text prompt explaining what they want and the AI tool will instantly generate a suitable meme.
AiDoge has its own native token, Ai. This token is required to purchase credits, which enable users to create memes. Ai tokens are now available to buy via the AiDoge ICO. Early investors will secure an upside of up to 30% when compared to the exchange listing price.
Love Hate Inu
Love Hate Inu is another top-rated ICO token to check out. This project is revolutionizing the voting space through blockchain technology. This is because the blockchain removes many voting-related issues, such as fraud, double-counting, and intimidation.
Moreover, users are incentivized to vote on Love Hate Inu. This is because users receive LHINU tokens when casting votes. To protect the integrity of the voting system, users need to stake LHINU tokens to access the dashboard.
The Love Hate Inu ICO has already raised $8 million, showcasing how bullish investors are on the vote-to-earn concept. The ICO is still ongoing, enabling investors to buy LHINU tokens at a discounted price.
Ecoterra
Next up is Ecoterra. This blockchain startup is creating a sea-change in the global recycling industry. Put simply, Ecoterra rewards people for recycling their unwanted goods – whether that’s cans, plastic bottles, and clothes.
First, users will need to download the Ecoterra app. The app will then locate the nearest RVM to the user. The user will then visit the RVM and scan the recycled items via the Ecoterra app. Finally, Ecoterra will reward the user with ECOTERRA tokens after depositing the items in the RVM.
This incentivization model is expected to be a major success, especially considering how environmentally conscious society is becoming. The Ecoterra ICO has already raised $2.5 million. ECOTERRA tokens can now be purchased at $0.007 each. This ICO token will be listed on exchanges at $0.01 – an upside of over 40%.
DeeLance
DeeLance is another trending ICO project that is proving popular with growth investors. This project is revolutionizing the ‘gig economy’ through blockchain technology. The DeeLance platform enables clients and freelancers to collaborate cost-effectively and without third-party barriers.
Unlike legacy freelancing platforms, such as Fiverr and Upwork, DeeLance offers competitive fees to both clients and freelancers. For instance, clients on Fiverr pay nearly 6% of the invoice amount. While on DeeLance, clients pay just 2%.
Freelancers also get a good deal on DeeLance, paying just 10% of the earned income. DeeLance also supports frictionless crypto payments, ensuring that freelancers are paid quickly. The DeeLance ICO is selling its native token, DLANCE, at a huge discount.
Currently, investors will pay just $0.029 per token. After the ICO, DLANCE will be listed at $0.055. This offers an immediate upside of almost 90%.
yPredict.ai
yPredict.ai has developed an innovative platform that enables crypto investors to make informed trading decisions. The yPredict ecosystem covers many features, including sentiment and technical analysis that is backed by AI.
Users will also receive real-time trading signals. This informs users of which crypto tokens to buy or sell, alongside the appropriate entry and exit price. yPredict also offers a staking facility, enabling users to earn passive rewards on its native token, YPRED.
The yPredict ICO is currently in stage four, meaning YPRED tokens are priced at just $0.05. The next stage of the ICO will increase the price to $0.07. After the ICO, YPRED will be listed on exchanges at $0.12 – an upside of 140% based on current prices.
How to Find the Best ICO Tokens to Buy
Not all ICO tokens go on to become successful, so investors will need to conduct plenty of independent research. The most important factors to consider include the project’s concept, the utility of its token, and how realistic its roadmap objectives are.
Let’s explore some of the most effective ways to find the best ICO tokens to buy:
Concept of the Project
A good starting point when exploring how to buy ICO tokens is to read the project’s whitepaper. This will reveal the concept of the project and what real-world problems it aims to solve.
- For example, Love Hate Inu solves many voting-related issues, such as voter fraud and double counting.
- While AiDoge removes the need for users to spend hours creating a meme, as the entire process is automated via AI.
Ultimately, the most successful ICO tokens offer something innovative and new.
Utility of the Token
While there are thousands of tokens in the market, many do not have any use cases. ICO tokens that fall into this category will rarely witness long-term growth.
Instead, it’s better to focus on tokens that have an actual utility within the project’s ecosystem.
- For example, AiDoge tokens have utility, as they are required to purchase credits.
- These credits are required to create new memes.
- As such, AiDoge tokens will remain in demand for as long as its meme-generation tool is used by the masses.
As per the above example, if an ICO token has utility, this increases the likelihood that people will buy it. In turn, increased buying pressure can lead to price appreciation of the token – benefiting early investors.
Roadmap Targets
The best ICO projects offer a detailed and trackable roadmap. This is usually found in the project’s whitepaper. Investors should evaluate how realistic the roadmap targets are. Moreover, each target will have an anticipated completion date.
This enables investors to assess whether or not the project is on course. When ICO projects meet their stated targets, this increases trust from the broader markets. But when targets are missed, this has the opposite effect.
How to Buy ICO Tokens Safely & Avoid Scams
The unregulated nature of cryptocurrencies means that investors need to be cautious when learning how to buy ICO tokens. Put simply, just because an ICO claims to have developed an innovative solution to a real-world problem, this doesn’t mean that this will come to fruition.
Many crypto startups fail to meet their targets, with investors never seeing the final product or service. This is why research is so important.
Another risk associated with ICOs is a rugpull. This happens when the team behind the ICO suddenly disappears, taking investor funds with them. This leaves ICO investors with worthless tokens.
So what steps can ICO investors take to remain safe? First and foremost, it is important that ICO investors only risk what they can afford to lose. There is no guarantee that the ICO will be successful, so investors can lose some or even all of their investment.
Second, it is crucial to avoid putting all investment funds into one ICO. Instead, consider diversifying across many different ICOs from multiple niches. For example, we discuss AiDoge, Love Hate Inu, and Ecoterra earlier. Each of these ICOs operates in a unique industry, enabling investors to diversify.
It is also important to use a suitable crypto wallet when investing in ICOs. This will ensure that the ICO tokens purchased can be stored safely. Ultimately, ICOs are never risk-free, so investors should tread with caution.
Conclusion
While ICOs can be risky, the investment returns can be significant. This is because ICOs enable investors to buy newly launched tokens at the lowest price possible. If the project is successful, this can yield sizable returns for early investors.
Overall, AiDoge is currently one of the hottest ICOs in the market. This project is revolutionizing the meme industry through blockchain and artificial intelligence. Its utility token, Ai, is now available to buy at ICO prices.
FAQs
How do I buy ICO tokens?
After finding a suitable project to invest in, connect a crypto wallet (e.g. MetaMask) to the ICO website and pay for the tokens with a supported crypto (e.g. Ethereum).