Sell NFTs: A Guide to Profit with Non-Fungible Tokens
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 10 min read

Contents

  1. What are NFTs?
  2. How do NFTs work?
  3. Creating your own NFTs
  4. How to sell NFTs
  5. Profit strategies for NFTs
  6. NFT Marketplaces
  7. Legal and tax considerations
  8. Risks and challenges
  9. Future of NFTs
  10. NFT success stories

With the digital world evolving rapidly, there's no denying that Non-Fungible Tokens, or NFTs, have made quite a splash. If you've ever wondered how to sell an NFT, you're not alone. This guide is here to break down the process, share some strategies for profit, and even touch on some successful stories in the NFT universe. Let's dive in.

What are NFTs?

If you've been keeping an eye on the digital sphere, you've likely come across the term NFT. Short for Non-Fungible Token, an NFT is a type of digital asset. But what sets it apart from other digital items? The answer lies in its unique properties.

For starters, each NFT is one-of-a-kind. Think of it like a digital autograph: it's unique and can't be replaced with something else. This is a stark contrast to other digital assets—like cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum—which are fungible and can be exchanged on a like-for-like basis.

Another key feature of NFTs is their ability to hold ownership information. When you buy an NFT, your ownership is stored on a digital ledger known as a blockchain. This means it's clear who owns the NFT, and who sold it. This transparency is a big part of why NFTs have gained such popularity.

So, where can you find these NFTs? They exist on various online platforms, known as NFT marketplaces. Some popular ones include OpenSea, Rarible, and NBA Top Shot. From digital artwork to tweets, the types of NFTs available are as diverse as the digital world itself.

Now that you know what NFTs are, let's move on to the next step: how to sell an NFT. It's easier than you might think!

How do NFTs work?

Imagine you've got a painting you want to sell. In the physical world, you'd probably host an art exhibition or approach an art gallery. But what if the painting is digital? Enter NFTs.

When you decide to sell your digital artwork as an NFT, what you're really doing is creating a digital certificate of its authenticity. This certificate, stored on a blockchain, proves that your digital art is original. It's like a digital version of a painter's signature on a canvas.

But how does this process work? Well, first, you'll need to "mint" your NFT. This is a fancy term for creating a unique digital certificate for your artwork on the blockchain. This process involves uploading your digital artwork to an NFT marketplace, where it will be securely linked to the blockchain.

Once your NFT is minted, it's ready for sale. Buyers can then bid on your NFT, or you can set a fixed price. When a buyer purchases your NFT, they're buying both the digital artwork and its unique digital certificate. The sale is recorded on the blockchain, adding a new layer of transparency and security to the transaction.

That's the magic of NFTs. They create a bridge between the physical and digital world, transforming digital artwork into something tangible, valuable, and sellable. And the best part? You don't need to be a tech whiz to get started. All you need is a piece of digital artwork and an understanding of how to sell an NFT, which we'll get into next.

Creating your own NFTs

So, you've got a great piece of digital art and you're ready to transform it into an NFT? It's time to roll up your sleeves and dive into the creation process. Here's how to create your own NFT.

First, you'll need to choose a blockchain. Most NFTs are part of the Ethereum blockchain, but there are other options too, like Binance Smart Chain or Flow by Dapper Labs. Remember, whichever blockchain you choose, you will need to stick with it for all transactions related to your NFT.

Next, you'll need a digital wallet that can interact with your chosen blockchain. Metamask and Trust Wallet are two popular choices. You'll use this wallet to pay for any transaction fees, so ensure you have some cryptocurrency in it—usually Ether if you're using Ethereum.

Now comes the fun part—minting your NFT. Head over to an NFT marketplace like OpenSea, Rarible, or Mintable. Here, you'll upload your digital artwork, add any information about it—like a description or backstory—and then mint your NFT.

Wait a minute, you might think, does minting cost money? Well, yes. Minting involves a process called "gas fees". These are essentially the costs for the computational resources required to process and validate transactions on the blockchain. Gas fees can vary, so keep an eye on them.

Finally, once your NFT is minted, it's ready to be sold. But how to sell an NFT? That's a whole different ball game, and we'll tackle it in the next section.

How to sell NFTs

So, your NFT is minted and ready for the world. But how do you actually sell it? Here's a step-by-step guide on how to sell an NFT.

First, you need to list your NFT for sale on a marketplace. This is usually the same marketplace where you minted your NFT. Simply find your NFT in your collection and select the 'Sell' option.

Next, you'll need to set a price. This is where things can get a bit tricky. The value of an NFT is subjective and can be influenced by many factors, like the popularity of the artist or the rarity of the NFT. Some people choose to set a high price and wait for a buyer who really values their work. Others might set a lower price to encourage a quick sale. It's up to you to decide what works best for you.

Once you've set a price, buyers can now see your NFT and buy it. If someone decides to buy your NFT, the funds will be transferred to your digital wallet and the NFT will be transferred to the buyer's wallet. It's as simple as that.

But what if you're not getting any buyers? Well, selling an NFT isn't just about listing it and waiting. You need to promote your NFT too. Share it on social media, tell your friends, or even create a website showcasing your work. The more people see your NFT, the more likely it is to sell.

Remember, selling an NFT can take time and patience. But with the right approach—and a bit of luck—you too can join the ranks of successful NFT artists.

Profit strategies for NFTs

So, you've got the basics of how to sell an NFT down, but how do you turn that into a profitable venture? It's not just about selling a single NFT — it's about building a strategy that can help you generate a steady stream of income. Here are a few strategies you might consider:

1. Minting Unique NFTs: The first and most obvious strategy is to create and sell unique NFTs. This could be artwork, music, or even digital real estate. The key here is uniqueness. The more unique and appealing your NFT is, the more likely it is to attract buyers.

2. Flipping NFTs: Flipping involves buying low and selling high. You buy an NFT when the price is low, and then sell it when the price goes up. This requires a good understanding of the market and timing your purchases and sales just right.

3. Staking NFTs: Some NFT projects allow you to stake your NFTs and earn rewards, usually in the form of a cryptocurrency. This can be a good way to earn passive income from your NFTs, but it's important to thoroughly research any project before you stake your NFTs.

4. Building a Brand: If you're an artist or a creator, you can use NFTs to build a brand. By consistently creating and selling high-quality NFTs, you can build a reputation and a following. This can lead to more sales and higher prices for your NFTs.

Remember, every strategy comes with risks. Always do your research and only invest what you can afford to lose. But with careful planning and smart decisions, you can find a strategy that works for you and turn your NFT passion into profits.

NFT Marketplaces

Now that you have your profit strategy, the next step is finding a place to sell your NFTs. Just like physical goods, digital assets need a marketplace, too. The following are some popular NFT marketplaces that you might consider:

1. OpenSea: Known as the largest NFT marketplace, OpenSea offers a wide variety of NFTs, from digital art and music to virtual real estate and more. It's a great platform for both buying and selling NFTs.

2. Rarible: Rarible is another popular marketplace that allows anyone to create, buy, or sell NFTs. What sets Rarible apart is its governance token (RARI), which gives its users a say in the platform's development.

3. Mintable: If you're interested in minting your own NFTs and listing them for sale, Mintable is a good place to start. It offers user-friendly tools that make the process of creating and selling NFTs easy and straightforward.

4. NBA Top Shot: For sports fans, NBA Top Shot offers a unique twist on NFTs. Here, you can buy, sell, and trade officially licensed NBA collectible highlights.

Choosing the right marketplace depends on what you're selling and where your potential buyers are likely to be. Each platform has its own fees, community, and benefits, so take the time to research and find the right fit for you.

As you navigate the world of NFTs and plan to sell your own, it's important to keep in mind that this relatively new field also comes with its own set of legal and tax considerations.

First, let's talk legalities. You have to be sure that what you're selling is actually yours to sell. For instance, if you're creating digital art, you need to ensure you have the rights to that art. Selling something that isn't yours can land you in legal hot water. Similarly, if you're selling an NFT of a tweet or a meme, you need to be sure you have the rights to it.

Now, onto taxes. In many places, selling an NFT is considered a taxable event. That means you'll need to report the income you make from selling NFTs when you file your taxes. The amount of tax you'll pay depends on your local tax laws and how much you earn from selling NFTs, so it's a good idea to consult with a tax professional who's familiar with digital assets.

Remember, when you start making money by selling NFTs, it's not just about maximizing profits—you also have to stay on the right side of the law and fulfill your tax obligations.

Risks and Challenges

Now that you know how to sell an NFT, and the legal and tax implications, it's time to discuss the risks and challenges involved in the NFT world. While the potential for profit is high, it's not without its share of hurdles.

First up is the question of value. The value of NFTs can be volatile, and what sells for a high price today might not be worth much tomorrow. It's a market driven by trends and speculation, so there's always a risk that you might not get the price you hope for.

Next, there's the issue of fraud. As with any online marketplace, there's a risk of running into scammers who might try to sell counterfeit NFTs or trick you into giving away your digital assets. It's important to be cautious, do your research and verify the authenticity of everything before you buy or sell.

Finally, there's the environmental concern. The creation and trading of NFTs can consume a lot of energy, which has led to criticism about their environmental impact. If you're conscious about your carbon footprint, this is something you might want to consider.

So, while the world of NFTs can be exciting and profitable, it's not without its share of risks. It's important to tread carefully, be educated and make informed decisions.

Future of NFTs

So, you've learned how to sell an NFT and are aware of the risks and challenges involved. But where is the NFT market heading? Let's explore the potential future of NFTs.

Many experts believe that we're only scratching the surface of what's possible with NFTs. Beyond digital art, NFTs have the potential to revolutionize other industries like real estate, music, and even academia by providing a secure way to transfer ownership of digital assets.

Imagine owning a piece of a song, not just a copy, but a portion of the song's copyright. Or imagine owning a virtual piece of land in a digital world that you can visit, build on, and sell as you please. These are just a few examples of where NFTs could lead us.

Another exciting potential use for NFTs is in the realm of virtual reality. With the development of metaverses — virtual reality spaces where users can interact with each other and the environment — NFTs could be used to own, trade, and sell virtual objects and property.

While there are still many challenges to overcome, the future of NFTs looks promising. By understanding how to sell an NFT now, you could be at the forefront of this digital revolution. But remember, it's always important to stay informed and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of this exciting world.

NFT Success Stories

Now that we've explored the future of NFTs, let's take a look at some success stories that might just inspire you to learn how to sell an NFT yourself.

First off, we have to talk about Beeple, a digital artist who sold his artwork "Everydays: The First 5000 Days" for an astonishing $69 million. This isn't just a record for NFTs, it's one of the highest prices ever paid for an artwork by a living artist!

Then there's the case of CryptoPunk #7804. CryptoPunks are one of the earliest examples of NFTs, and this particular punk was sold for a staggering 4200 Ether, which at the time was worth over $7 million. Not bad for a pixelated image, right?

And who can forget about the Nyan Cat? This viral internet meme was sold as an NFT for nearly $600,000. This shows that even the silliest internet content can find a serious buyer in the NFT market.

But remember, not all NFTs will sell for millions or even thousands. The key is to understand your audience, create something unique, and learn how to sell an NFT effectively. And who knows? Maybe your creation could be the next big thing in the NFT world.

If you're fascinated by the world of NFTs and want to learn how to profit from your own creations, check out the workshop 'Sell Your Creations As NFTs' by Tom Glendinning. This workshop will provide you with the knowledge and strategies you need to successfully sell your artwork as non-fungible tokens and tap into this exciting new market.