How to Buy NFTs: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 10 min read

Contents

  1. What are NFTs?
  2. How to set up a digital wallet
  3. How to buy Ethereum
  4. How to choose an NFT marketplace
  5. How to browse and select NFTs
  6. How to make an offer or buy now
  7. How to confirm and pay for your NFT
  8. How to manage and sell your NFTs
  9. Risks and considerations when buying NFTs
  10. Resources and tools for NFT buyers

Are you interested in the world of digital art and cryptocurrencies? If so, you've probably heard about NFTs. This blog post will guide you through the process of how to buy an NFT, even if you're just starting out. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of what NFTs are, how to set up a digital wallet, buy Ethereum, and much more. So, let's jump in!

What are NFTs?

NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, are a type of digital asset made using blockchain technology. They are unique, meaning no two NFTs are the same, kind of like snowflakes or fingerprints. This uniqueness is a big part of their appeal and what makes them different from other digital assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are identical to each other.

Imagine you’re an artist. You create an awesome digital artwork and want to sell it. You could simply share a picture of it online, but there's a problem: anyone can copy and paste that picture, right? But here's where NFTs come in. By turning your artwork into an NFT, you're effectively creating a digital certificate of ownership. This certificate is stored on the blockchain, a sort of digital ledger that records transactions. So, when someone buys your NFT, everyone can see that this person now owns your artwork.

But NFTs aren't just for art. They can be used for pretty much any type of digital content: music, videos, virtual real estate in video games, you name it. The key point is that every NFT is unique and represents ownership of a particular item or piece of content.

Now that you understand what NFTs are, you're one step closer to understanding how to buy an NFT. So, let's keep going and learn how to set up a digital wallet.

How to set up a digital wallet

Before you can purchase your first NFT, you'll need a place to store it. That's where a digital wallet comes in. But don't worry, setting up a digital wallet is simpler than you might think!

Think of a digital wallet as your personal bank account for cryptocurrencies and NFTs. It's a secure place where you can store, send, and receive digital assets. There are many different digital wallets available, but for buying NFTs, you'll want a wallet that supports Ethereum, since that's the currency most NFTs are bought and sold with.

One popular option is MetaMask, a digital wallet that you can add as an extension to your web browser. Here's a quick step-by-step guide on how to set it up:

  1. First, go to the MetaMask website and download the extension for your browser.
  2. Once installed, click on the MetaMask icon and follow the instructions to create a new wallet.
  3. Make sure to write down the seed phrase that MetaMask gives you. This is very important! It's like the key to your wallet. If you lose it, you can't access your wallet or recover your assets.
  4. And that's it! You now have a digital wallet.

Remember, while MetaMask is a popular choice, there are plenty of other digital wallets out there, such as Trust Wallet or Coinbase Wallet. So, feel free to explore and use the one that suits you best.

Now that you have a digital wallet, you're ready to start exploring how to buy Ethereum, which is the next crucial step in learning how to buy an NFT.

How to buy Ethereum

Now that you have a digital wallet, you're ready for the next step on your NFT journey: buying Ethereum. You might be wondering, "Why Ethereum?" Well, most NFT transactions are done using this specific cryptocurrency, so it's a good idea to have some on hand.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you buy Ethereum:

  1. First, visit an exchange platform. An exchange platform is like a foreign currency exchange for cryptocurrencies, and it's where you'll go to buy Ethereum. Some popular options include Coinbase and Binance.
  2. Next, create an account on your chosen platform. This usually involves providing an email address and creating a password.
  3. Once you have an account, you'll need to purchase Ethereum. This usually involves linking a bank account or credit card and buying Ethereum similar to how you'd make any other online purchase.
  4. After purchasing, you'll need to transfer your Ethereum to your digital wallet. To do this, you'll need to input your wallet's address into the exchange platform and specify how much Ethereum you want to transfer.
  5. Finally, confirm the transaction. It might take a few minutes for the Ethereum to appear in your wallet, so don't panic if you don't see it right away!

And voila! You've bought Ethereum. With Ethereum in your digital wallet, you're now equipped to enter the NFT marketplace and start exploring how to buy an NFT. Just remember, the value of Ethereum can fluctuate, so it's always a good idea to be mindful of current exchange rates.

How to choose an NFT marketplace

Alright! You've got your digital wallet ready, and it's filled with shiny new Ethereum. The next huge step in learning how to buy an NFT is finding the right NFT marketplace.

There are many NFT marketplaces out there, and choosing the right one might feel a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack. But don't worry, here are some tips to help you decide:

  1. Scope out the selection: Different marketplaces often specialize in different types of NFTs. For example, NBA Top Shot is all about basketball, while OpenSea offers a wide variety. Make sure the marketplace you choose has the type of NFT you're interested in.
  2. Check the fees: Marketplaces can charge a range of fees, from listing fees to transaction fees. Before you make a decision, make sure you understand what you're signing up for.
  3. Consider the community: The community that surrounds a marketplace can give you a lot of information about it. Look into whether the marketplace is active, supportive, and engaged. A thriving community can make your NFT experience that much more enjoyable.
  4. Research the reputation: Just like with any online platform, it's important to check the reputation of an NFT marketplace. Look for reviews and news articles to help you gauge whether it's trustworthy.

So there you have it! By considering these factors, you're well on your way to choosing the best NFT marketplace for your needs. Remember, the right marketplace can make all the difference when you're figuring out how to buy an NFT.

How to browse and select NFTs

Now that you've picked your ideal NFT marketplace, it's time to dive into the exciting part of our "how to buy an NFT" journey—browsing and selecting NFTs. This is your chance to soak in all the digital art, memes, music, and more that the NFT world has to offer. But how exactly do you go about it? Let's break it down:

  1. Use the search bar: Most NFT marketplaces have a search bar. You can use it to look for specific NFTs, artists, or collections. It's a great way to get straight to what you're interested in.
  2. Try the filters: Filters can help you narrow down your choices based on price, type, and other criteria. Want to see the most expensive NFTs? There's a filter for that. Looking for a certain type of NFT? There's a filter for that too.
  3. Explore collections: Collections are groups of NFTs created by the same artist or brand. They're a great way to discover new NFTs that you might not have found otherwise.
  4. Follow artists: If you find an artist you like, follow them! You'll be notified when they release new NFTs, and it's a great way to support creators you appreciate.

Remember, selecting an NFT isn't just about buying the first one you see. It's about finding something that resonates with you and fits your budget. Take your time, explore, and most importantly, enjoy the process. After all, the journey to buying an NFT should be just as fun as owning one!

How to make an offer or buy now

After browsing and selecting the perfect NFT, the next step in learning how to buy an NFT involves making a purchase. Now, there are typically two ways you can do this on most platforms: making an offer or buying instantly. Let's take a closer look at each.

  1. Make an Offer: If you're not in a rush and want to negotiate the price, you can make an offer. Just enter the amount you're willing to pay in Ethereum (ETH), then wait for the seller to respond. Keep in mind, the seller can either accept, reject, or counter your offer. So, it's a bit like a digital haggling session.
  2. Buy Now: If you've found an NFT you must have and it's within your budget, you can choose to 'Buy Now'. This option allows you to purchase the NFT immediately at the listed price. It's the speediest way to secure your desired NFT.

Whether you choose to make an offer or buy now, remember to double-check everything before you confirm the purchase. After all, you want to be sure you're buying the right NFT and that you're comfortable with the price. And just like that, you're one step closer to owning your first NFT!

How to confirm and pay for your NFT

Before you start celebrating your new digital art piece, there's one last step in learning how to buy an NFT — confirming and paying for your purchase. This step is just as important as the rest, so let's break it down.

  1. Confirm Your Purchase: Once you've made an offer or selected 'Buy Now', you'll be prompted to review your purchase. This is your chance to double-check all the details. Are you buying the right NFT? Is the price correct? If everything looks good, then you can proceed to the next step.
  2. Pay for Your NFT: You'll then be asked to pay for your NFT. Most NFT platforms accept Ethereum (ETH) as the primary method of payment. So, you'll need to transfer the decided amount from your digital wallet to the marketplace. Make sure you have enough ETH to cover both the price of the NFT and any transaction fees.

Once your payment is successful, congratulations! You've successfully purchased your first NFT. But remember, the journey doesn't end here. Learning how to manage and potentially sell your NFTs is just as important — but we'll get to that soon.

How to manage and sell your NFTs

So, you've learned how to buy an NFT, but what's next? Understanding how to manage and potentially sell your NFTs is an important part of the process. Let's take a look at these steps:

  1. Manage Your NFTs: After your purchase, your NFT will appear in your digital wallet or on your profile in the marketplace, depending on the platform you used. It's important to keep track of your NFTs and monitor their value. Some platforms provide tools to do this, or you can use external resources to track your digital assets.
  2. Sell Your NFTs: If you decide to sell your NFT, you'll need to list it on an NFT marketplace. The process is similar to buying an NFT — you choose your price, list it for sale, and wait for a buyer. Remember to consider transaction fees when pricing your NFT.

While it's exciting to dive into the world of NFTs, remember that like any investment, there are risks. Always be sure of your decisions and understand what you're buying and selling. Now that you've mastered the basics of how to buy an NFT, you're well equipped to explore this digital frontier. Happy collecting!

Risks and considerations when buying NFTs

While the process of how to buy an NFT might seem straightforward, it's important to consider the risks and potential pitfalls. Let's take a closer look:

  1. Volatility: The value of NFTs can fluctuate wildly. Just because an NFT is expensive now doesn't guarantee it will hold its value. Similarly, an NFT you buy for a small amount could potentially skyrocket in worth. This unpredictability is part of the game.
  2. Authenticity: Be aware that not all NFTs are created equal. Make sure the NFT you're interested in is original and not a copy. The value of an NFT is tied to its authenticity, and you definitely want to avoid being duped.
  3. Security: As with any digital assets, NFTs can be susceptible to hacking. Ensure you're using secure networks and reliable digital wallets to protect your investments.
  4. Environmental Concerns: NFTs use blockchain technology, which requires a significant amount of energy and has been criticized for its environmental impact. If this is a concern for you, it's something to consider before you buy an NFT.

In the end, remember that buying an NFT should be a decision made with full awareness of the potential risks and challenges. It's about more than just knowing how to buy an NFT—it's about making informed choices in this exciting new digital landscape.

Resources and tools for NFT buyers

Now that you know how to buy an NFT and are aware of the risks involved, let's arm you with some handy resources and tools that can make your NFT journey smoother and more informed.

  1. MetaMask: It's a popular Ethereum wallet used to store your NFTs and other digital assets. It's secure, easy to use, and widely accepted across various NFT marketplaces.
  2. OpenSea: As the world's largest NFT marketplace, OpenSea is a great place to start your search for the perfect NFT. It offers a wide variety of digital assets, from art and music to virtual real estate and more.
  3. Rarible: Another great marketplace where you can explore, buy, and sell NFTs. Rarible also allows you to create your own NFTs, which can be a fun and creative way to engage with the NFT space.
  4. CryptoSlam: This platform tracks NFT sales across multiple blockchains, making it an indispensable tool for keeping an eye on market trends and popular NFTs.
  5. NFT Stats: For those who love numbers and data, NFT Stats offers detailed analytics about various NFT projects, including sales volume, average price, and more.

These resources will provide you with a solid foundation as you navigate the ever-evolving NFT market. Remember, buying an NFT is not just about making a purchase—it's about understanding the market, staying informed, and making the most of the tools at your disposal.

If you're new to the world of NFTs and want to learn more about how to create and sell your own, we highly recommend checking out Tom Glendinning's workshop, 'Sell Your Creations As NFTs.' This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and practical steps on how to enter the NFT market and turn your creations into valuable digital assets.