Easy Start in NFTs: A Beginner’s Guide to Buying, Selling, and Creating Your First Token

NFTs have made headlines with million-dollar sales and celebrity collections, but they’re not just for the rich or tech-savvy. Whether you’re an artist, collector, gamer, or just curious, starting with NFTs is easier than you think.

What You Need Before Getting Into NFTs

Before diving in, let’s set up the basics:

1. A Crypto Wallet

A wallet is where your NFTs and cryptocurrencies live. You’ll use it to log into NFT marketplaces and sign transactions.

Recommended Wallets:

Wallet	Type	Browser Extension	Mobile App	Popular Chains
MetaMask	Hot wallet	✅	✅	Ethereum, Polygon
Phantom	Hot wallet	✅	✅	Solana
Coinbase Wallet	Hot wallet	✅	✅	Multi-chain
Ledger (with MetaMask)	Hardware wallet	❌	❌	High-security storage

💡 Tip: Always back up your wallet’s recovery phrase and keep it offline.

2. Some Cryptocurrency

You’ll need crypto to:

• Buy an NFT
  
• Pay gas fees (for minting or transferring)
  

Blockchain	Token	Where to Get It
Ethereum	ETH	Coinbase, Binance, Kraken
Solana	SOL	Phantom Wallet, FTX, Binance
Polygon	MATIC	Swaps from ETH in MetaMask

Start with $20–$100 worth of crypto to explore safely.

How to Buy Your First NFT (Step-by-Step)

Let’s go through the process from setting up to making your first purchase.

Step 1: Set Up a Wallet

• Install a wallet extension (e.g., MetaMask)
  
• Create a new wallet and save your seed phrase
  
• Fund your wallet with ETH (or other token)
  

Step 2: Choose an NFT Marketplace

Platform	Chain	Known For	Beginner Friendly?
OpenSea	Ethereum, Polygon	Art, PFPs, games	✅✅✅
Magic Eden	Solana	Gaming & collectibles	✅✅
Rarible	Multi-chain	Art + music	✅✅
Objkt	Tezos	Eco-friendly art	✅✅✅

Connect your wallet to the platform of your choice.

Step 3: Explore and Filter

• Use filters like price, category, rarity, popularity
  
• Look for verified collections to avoid scams
  
• Read the NFT description and check ownership history (provenance)
  

Step 4: Purchase

• Click “Buy Now” or place a bid (for auctions)
  
• Confirm the transaction in your wallet
  
• Pay the gas fee (if on Ethereum)
  

Once confirmed, the NFT will appear in your wallet or profile.

Storing and Viewing Your NFTs

Where to See Your NFTs

• OpenSea Profile → shows all connected wallet assets
  
• Wallet apps (e.g., MetaMask Mobile, Phantom)
  
• NFT viewers like Rainbow or Zerion
  

Security Tips

• Beware of fake websites and phishing
  
• Don’t click unknown links in Discord/Twitter
  
• Consider hardware wallets for valuable NFTs
  

“You don’t own the NFT unless you control the wallet.” – Crypto safety rule #1

Ось Part 2 із 3 для статті “Easy Start in NFTs: How to Buy, Sell, or Create Your Own Token”.

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Choosing a Platform for Minting NFTs

You don’t need to build a smart contract from scratch. Many NFT marketplaces let you mint directly through their website.

Beginner-Friendly Platforms

Platform	Chains	Minting Cost	Notes
OpenSea	Ethereum, Polygon	Free (Polygon) / Gas (ETH)	Most popular, easy UI
Rarible	Ethereum, Tezos, Flow	Free (lazy minting)	Custom collections
Mintable	Ethereum	Free or paid	Simple to use
Zora	Ethereum	Gas needed	Creator-owned contracts
Objkt	Tezos	Low gas, eco-friendly	Ideal for art NFTs

✅ Tip: Start with Polygon or Tezos to avoid high gas fees.

How to Create (Mint) Your NFT – Step-by-Step

Let’s walk through the process using OpenSea as an example.

Step 1: Connect Your Wallet

• Visit OpenSea.io
  
• Click “Create” and connect MetaMask (or another wallet)
  

Step 2: Upload Your Digital File

Supported formats:

• Images: JPG, PNG, GIF
  
• Video: MP4, WEBM
  
• Audio: MP3, WAV
  
• 3D files: GLB, OBJ
  

Max file size: ~100 MB

Step 3: Fill in Metadata

• Name of the NFT
  
• Description (story, inspiration, utility)
  
• External link (your website or project page)
  
• Properties (traits, levels, stats-great for collectibles)
  
• Unlockable content (optional – private file, download link, password)
  

Step 4: Choose Blockchain

• Ethereum – Highest visibility, more gas fees
  
• Polygon – No gas fees, great for beginners
  
• Tezos – Eco-conscious and fast-growing
  

Step 5: Mint and Confirm

• Click “Create”
  
• Sign the transaction with your wallet
  
• That’s it-your NFT is live (no gas on Polygon)
  

“Minting is just publishing your token to the blockchain-your digital proof of creation.” – NFT 101 Rule

How to Sell Your NFT

After minting, you can list your NFT for sale on the same platform.

Sales Options

Type	Description
Fixed Price	Set a single sale price (e.g., 0.05 ETH)
Timed Auction	Accept bids over a specific period
Reserve Auction	Set a minimum price, accept highest bidder

You can also transfer your NFT to another wallet or gift it.

Set Royalties

Most platforms let you choose a royalty percentage (e.g., 5–10%), which is paid automatically every time your NFT is resold.

🎨 Example: Sell an NFT for 0.1 ETH → You earn 0.1 ETH. It resells for 1 ETH → You earn 0.1 ETH again (10% royalty).

Best Practices Before You Mint

• Check copyright: Only mint content you own or have permission to use
  
• Add context: Buyers appreciate backstory, purpose, and community
  
• Use unlockables: Reward holders with downloads, secret links, or bonus content
  
• Join a Discord or community to gain feedback before launch
  

Optional – Creating a Full Collection

Want to launch a generative PFP collection like Bored Apes or Pudgy Penguins?

You’ll need:

• Art assets split into layers (background, eyes, clothes, etc.)
  
• Generator tool (e.g., Bueno, HashLips)
  
• Smart contract deployment (can be no-code via Manifold or Zora)
  

Promoting Your NFTs Like a Pro

1. Set Up a Strong Online Presence

Start with:

• Twitter/X – still the core of NFT communication
  
• Instagram – visuals, reels, and personal branding
  
• Discord server – create a community hub for announcements, Q&A, and giveaways
  
• Linktree or Carrd site – consolidate your portfolio, socials, and drops
  

Tip: Use your wallet name or ENS (e.g., artby.lens or alex.eth) across platforms for brand consistency.

2. Join and Contribute to Communities

Collectors don’t just buy art-they support creators they know and trust.

• Join NFT-focused Discords (e.g., ZenAcademy, Nifty Labs, Sismo)
  
• Attend Twitter Spaces and introduce your work
  
• Share behind-the-scenes content: sketches, process, inspiration
  

Platform	Audience	Tips
Twitter	NFT collectors, DAOs	Post consistently, use hashtags like #NFTdrop, #NFTcommunity
Reddit	New collectors	Try r/NFT and r/NFTsMarketplace
Mirror.xyz	Web3-native blogs	Great for long-form storytelling

Tracking Your NFT Value and Performance

Once you’ve launched your NFT, track its value, performance, and market health.

Tools for Analytics

Tool	Use
Dune Analytics	On-chain dashboards for NFT projects and marketplaces
NFTGo.io	Floor prices, whales, market trends
Trait Sniper	Real-time rarity and trait values
Floor (mobile app)	Track your own portfolio by wallet address

“Rarity isn’t the only factor-narrative, timing, and community matter just as much.” – Pranksy, NFT whale and early adopter

Connecting with Collectors and Buyers

What Collectors Look For

• Strong concept and consistent visual style
  
• Transparent creator identity or brand
  
• Defined utility or roadmap (even for art NFTs)
  
• Community involvement or DAO participation
  

Try engaging in:

• NFT contests (many hosted on Discord or Twitter)
  
• Whitelist/allowlist raffles
  
• Collaborations with other creators or musicians
  

Consider Offering Utility

Even if you’re an artist, consider extra perks like:

• Private livestream access
  
• Unlockable wallpapers, source files, or merch
  
• Access to token-gated Telegram/Discord groups
  

Staying Safe in the NFT World

NFTs are built on trustless systems-but humans still make mistakes. Avoid common scams and traps:

Top Safety Tips

Tip	Why It Matters
Never share your seed phrase	It’s access to your entire wallet
Use a burner wallet for minting	Isolate risk if a contract is malicious
Verify links from official sources	Scam sites often mimic real ones
Use hardware wallets	For high-value NFTs, keep them offline
Don’t sign random messages	Could give access to your approvals

“In NFTs, safety is part of the skillset. Know your tools, know your risks.” – Ledger, hardware wallet company

Final Tips for NFT Success

Whether you’re flipping NFTs, collecting rare pieces, or building a digital brand, success comes from consistency, authenticity, and smart navigation.

Recap – NFT Beginner Checklist

✅ Set up a secure wallet
✅ Buy a low-cost NFT to learn the process
✅ Mint your own art on a beginner-friendly platform
✅ Promote yourself across social and community channels
✅ Track your wallet and market trends
✅ Learn and stay updated-NFTs evolve fast!

Final Thoughts: Your Web3 Journey Starts Here

NFTs are more than just a trend-they’re a new foundation for creativity, community, and ownership. You don’t need to be a coder, millionaire, or crypto native to join.

You just need to:

• Understand the tools
  
• Start small
  
• Keep learning
  
• And most importantly-have fun.